Inspiring Conversations with Nadine Duke of Layon Granola

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadine Duke.

Hi Nadine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From childhood, baking was always a source of comfort and creativity for me. I loved making everything from candy and cupcakes to cookies and cakes. What began as a simple hobby soon became something much deeper after my father passed away. Baking became a way for me to cope with the loss and focus my mind on something positive. My mother would often take my homemade treats to work, and before long, people began placing orders. That was the first time I realized my passion could become a business. I baked for school fundraisers, created cakes for members of the community, and even tried convincing my mother to open a bakery for me. At the time, however, the cost was too high and she had become a widowed mother, so it simply wasn’t feasible.

As I prepared for college at West Georgia College, now the University of West Georgia, I strongly considered studying nutrition science at a local university. My mother encouraged me to pursue business and computers instead, and although I followed her advice, my love for baking never faded. After graduating, I worked in a corporate setting while continuing to bake for family and friends. I even taught myself how to make wedding cakes, constantly expanding my skills and creativity.

Nearly twenty years ago, I began making granola for my immediate family and my mother. We wanted something healthier that still tasted great, and granola naturally became part of my baking repertoire. Years later, during and after the pandemic, my family experienced profound loss — my mother before the pandemic, my sister and brother during it, and my parents-in-law afterward. Once again, I turned to baking for healing, but this time with a renewed sense of purpose. With the encouragement and active involvement of my husband, Derrick, and my daughter, Dr. Natalie Duke, what began as a personal project evolved into a family venture. Together, we formed the Layon Team, combining passion, support, and shared vision to create a healthier product that others could enjoy — something low in sugar, lower in calories, natural, and delicious. From that collective effort, Layon Granola was born in 2022, built not only on perseverance and creativity, but on the strength of family collaboration and commitment.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I view every step of my journey as a learning experience. Over the years, I have invested a great deal of time researching, asking questions, and learning from both small-business owners and leaders of larger companies. Earning a business degree provided a strong foundation and made many aspects of entrepreneurship more manageable, but I have always continued to seek additional knowledge wherever I could.

I spent countless hours participating in training programs and workshops through institutions such as Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia, focusing on food production, branding, marketing, and manufacturing. Through the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center, I completed the GrowSmart program, which provided in-depth guidance on planning, strategy, and sustainable growth. I have also had the privilege of working with business consultant Dr. John Stowell as well as Mr. Glenn Kruse at the UGA Small Business Development Center, whose insight and mentorship have been instrumental in strengthening my business operations and long-term vision. In addition, I utilized resources from the Georgia Department of Agriculture, including the Georgia Grown program, to better understand regulations, distribution channels, and approved manufacturing options. Collectively, these organizations have been invaluable partners in my entrepreneurial journey.

While these educational and governmental support systems have been extremely helpful, I recognize that certain aspects of modern business still present challenges. Navigating the ever-evolving social media landscape and establishing competitive pricing for online sales require continual adjustment and learning. Even so, I approach these hurdles the same way I approach everything else — as opportunities to grow, adapt, and improve.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Layon Granola?
Layon Granola is an all-natural granola crafted without preservatives and thoughtfully made in small batches right here in Georgia. Our recipe is low in sugar, sodium, and calories, yet full of rich flavor and crunch. Every blend includes wholesome almonds, walnuts, pecans, and coconut, and what truly sets us apart is our unique use of olive oil for a smooth, satisfying taste.
In addition to our signature granola, we also offer a delicious granola cookie made from Layon Granola itself — perfect for breakfast or anytime snacking. Layon Granola products are available in select locations across the United States and locally at Sevananda Natural Foods, Eden Fresh Markets, Hotel Indigo, and Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Layon Granola can also be found at Peachtree Road Farmers Market, Decatur Farmers Market and Lake Oconee Farmers Market. During away Braves games, Layon Granola can be found at the Battery. We simply invite you to try Layon Granola and taste the difference for yourself.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The most important advice I can offer anyone pursuing their passion is to believe in yourself and your vision. Confidence and persistence go a long way when building something meaningful. It is also essential to seek out local organizations, community programs, and nearby universities that provide free or low-cost resources to help you get started. Many institutions and companies offer online training courses and educational workshops at no cost, which can be invaluable for learning the basics of entrepreneurship.

Equally important is networking. Connecting with people who are already working in the field you hope to enter can open doors, provide guidance, and help you avoid common mistakes. Building relationships within your business community not only expands your knowledge but also creates opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://layongranola.com
• Instagram: Layon_Granola
• Facebook: Layon Granola
• Youtube: Layon Granola