Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathy Cunningham.
Hi Cathy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cathy A Cunningham / CEO Mama Geraldine’s Brand
I’m the founder of Mama Geraldine’s Brand, American’s #1 selling and most recognized southern savory staple, Cheese Straws.
Mine is journey of fortitude, resilience and the ability to wrap myself in a “bubble of optimism” to survive.
September 14th of 2023, we were staring down the barrel of the of what I would become the most successful Holiday season in my company’s 30 year history.
However, fate had another plan as I received a call that evening that the Bodacious Food Baking Facility was on fire!
Given that writing is not my superpower, the below video best shares the story.
My Mom, Geraldine Cunningham was the inspiration for Mama Geraldine’s Brand. She has been baking and sending me her new famous cheese straws where every I would working as a Media Sales executive. My colleagues would descend on her cheese straws like locus and demand more!
She was a Southern treasure who I miss everyday. I was very fortunate to have her in my life as a mentor and loving mom.
Cathy
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
WOW! If you’ve chosen the entrepreneurial path, smooth roads are rare occurrence.
For starters, the margins in the food business are so small, making payroll was a ongoing struggle.
in 2013 I was ousted from the company I founded in a attempt at a hostel takeover from an unwanted investor.
This resulted in a divorce from my “wasband” of 29 years.
I regained control of the company only to discover we were insolvent, heavily in debt and close to bankruptcy.
I successfully navigated our way through the Pandemic where Mama Geraldine’s Brand grew significantly due to many new consumers trying cheese straws for the first time.
On September 14, 2023 the Bodacious Food Baking facility experience a fire that destroyed our facility and halted production. We were preparing for the most successful Holiday Season in company history.
I was determined with fortitude and conviction to get Mama Geraldine’s back in distribution, which took over 18 months and many hiccups. Today I proud to announce MG’s is in full distribution for the our loyal customers to experience the joy of Mama Geraldine’s cheese straws!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m proudest of creating the most recognized brand. Mama Geraldine’s in Cheese Straws, a Traditional Southern Savory.
Also honoring my Mom, Geraldine’s Cunningham with our successful brand originating from her recipe.
I’m proud that I valued and treated my wonderful, hard working baking crew with respect and frequent bonuses when cash was available. I’m also profoundly grateful none of my crew was injured during the fire that ended out production.
What sets me apart from other’s is the ability to wrap myself in a “bubble of optimism” and resilience to overcome all the many obstacles I’ve faced in my journey.
Hopefully surviving the fire will be the most challenging. Still waiting for those smooth roads to emerge
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Laughing, Family my Grandkids, blessed with good health
Great food and wine
Art
Travel;
Kayaking, sailing, being on the water.
Since of accomplishment, especially when I make a big Mama Geraldine’s sale!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mamageraldines.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mama_geraldines/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamageraldines/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-a-cunningham-0824a317
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mamageraldines/
Image Credits
Cathy A. Cunningham
Geraldine Cunningham
