Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Curtis Retana.
Lura, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2009 and moved to New York. While working as a Research & Development Chef, I’d find myself full from tasting recipes all day but still craving something sweet. I started experimenting with marshmallow flavors and, guided by my inner Girl Scout, I added my favorite shortbread recipe to make a boldly flavored, gorgeous new version of s’mores.
My husband, Paris, also a CIA grad who was born in Mexico City, recommended that we name the new creations “Malvi”, short for malvavisco which is Spanish for marshmallow. When we moved to the Atlanta area we crowdfunded $14,000 to make Malvi a legitimate business. We worked with local designers, photographers, and business to get Malvi started in 2013.
Since then we’ve built a marshmallow production kitchen in Cumming, we launched the Malvi Mobile in 2014 to help Atlanta party through the Fall and Winter with Hot Cocoa and S’mores, we’ve been featured in Oprah Magazine and on the Today Show, and we ship Malvi to local Whole Foods and all over the country to boutique stores and online customers.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
After a few months at Malvi, while I was still rolling cookies by hand and working out of a shared kitchen, I received a call from Anthropologie. They wanted to include Malvi in all their US stores, and I said “yes” before considering the logistics. We had to take out a big loan and scramble to find the right equipment and space to make it happen.
Paris’ family rallied to help in a huge way. They cut, built, and packed s’mores day and night until the truck loaded up the pallets and we all passed out. That was our leap of faith. It helped us scale up and get serious about the business from the beginning. Since then, and relative to that harrowing holiday, everything has gone smoothly.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Malvi Marshmallow Confections – what should we know?
We’re adamant about making the most flavorful marshmallows, using the best all-natural ingredients, and making sure every day has s’more to celebrate. Our boldly flavored and beautifully designed s’mores and mallows are standouts in a growing corner of the confectionery world. I’m really proud of our collaborations with Atlanta based artists, and especially with other women-owned businesses.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Shout out to the Retanas, my in-laws, who have supported Malvi not just emotionally, but physically, sacrificing sleep, time, and comfort to help launch this beautiful crazy marshmallow business.
Pricing:
- Malvi S’mores (2-Pack) $3.50 ea. in Vanilla Salted Caramel, Raspberry Hibiscus, Spiked Espresso, Peppermint Chocolate & Chocolate
- Malvi Marshmallows (5-Pack) $4.50 ea. in Fluffy Nutter, Cotton Candy & Berry Tropical
- Hot Cocoa & S’mores $15
- Gift Boxes from $10-$22 at www.malvimallow.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 3040 Keith Bridge Rd, A5
Cumming, GA 30041 - Website: www.malvimallow.com
- Email: parties@malvimallow.com
Image Credit:
Michelle Norris, Hollie Lytle, Lizz Williams, Melissa Biador
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
