Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Davies.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve wanted to be my own boss for as long as I can remember. It’s funny that my inspiration came from all the time I spent in the kitchen with my little ones, who proved to be great test subjects. My “little monsters” even influenced Happy Grub’s fun characters, The Happy Grubsters!
When I decided to leave the corporate world to venture out on my own, I started my brand with many of the same skills that I have with being a mom. I knew efficiency was key and that all families could relate to this concept. What parent hasn’t had to hurry up, make breakfast, and get the kids to school? Or perhaps look for an activity to keep the kids engaged while learning life skills?
I had tons of information stored away in my mind as a self-taught career woman before becoming a mom. Most of what I’ve learned along the way is thanks to hands-on experience and taking a deep dive into areas that interested me, proving crucial to my current success. I never shied away from working hard and taking on challenges in my former career. In hindsight, this made a significant impact on where my business is today and has given me a go-getter attitude, even when times are hectic launching the first and only instant squeezable pancake mix.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business can be both exciting and daunting. As any parent with small children will tell you, leaving a safe, 9-to-5 job to venture out on your own is scary. The uncertainty can be overwhelming. I have the support of a husband who understands my ambition and is on board with taking risks to accomplish something I’m passionate about. From the outside, it may have seemed it took much to undertake, but it’s a thrill knowing that Happy Grub’s success is largely due to us never compromising on a nutritious product that meets the needs of our target audience.
I want to stress that our business success didn’t happen overnight. In fact, we spent well over three years of R&D to get the brand on store shelves and on its way to becoming a household name. I juggled being a stay-at-home mom while laying the groundwork to launch the brand. Building a successful business takes time, effort, and perseverance.
Last month was monumental, as my husband was able to quit his job and join Happy Grub full-time! It’s a significant milestone, something we’ve long hoped for, and will provide additional support and momentum for our continued growth.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
This is a family business through and through and we’re thrilled to see our perseverance, sacrifices, and hard work paying off.
Happy Grub is a popular choice that simplifies breakfast while providing young kids a fun way to make breakfast themselves, developing skills, confidence, and a sense of pride in their creations.
You’ll now find us in all World Market stores nationwide and 500+ Walmart stores. We continue to expand our distribution, so it’s easier than ever to grab your favorite flavor in your area. Visit our website for locations or check out our storefront on Amazon.
Plus, mark your calendar! I’m appearing as a contestant on the upcoming series, Gordon Ramsey’s new Fox Show, FOOD STARS, premiering on May 24! I’m so excited to have America tune in and get to know me and Happy Grub better.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
As the OG of pancake mixes in squeezable bottles, each offering contains 8.5 ounces of mix and makes about 20 three-inch fluffy pancakes. We’re very transparent in what we offer. Made of natural and organic ingredients, every flavorful blend starts with an organic buttermilk base, organic unbleached flour, and organic whole egg.
Here’s how it works. Fill the bottle of organic dry-mix ingredients with water, shake it up (kids love this part!), and squeeze the mixture on a hot griddle to make your favorite shapes. Super simple for little hands and fun for picky eaters, too! Our four flavors include Classic Buttermilk, Apple Cinnamon, Yummy Banana, and Whole Wheat.
Happy Grub is what moms like myself want for their kids’ nourishment. My goal of becoming a staple in family homes with youngsters across the U.S. is quickly becoming a reality, further proving our growing popularity.
What sets you apart from others?
Our delicious line of organic and natural-made instant pancake mixes are the only ones in a squeezable bottle. We want families to make memories, not messes. There’s no prep involved and it’s easy to use our mixes anywhere, anytime, from the kitchen to outdoors on a family camping adventure. The precise squeeze bottles make it easy to control the amount of batter used and to create perfectly shaped pancakes every time.
Additionally, we love to mix it up and show off what Happy Grub can do. We utilize a pancake artist to draw attention at trade shows and events, including a recent Oscar gifting suite.
Our team has a clear understanding of our target market and the needs of families. We’ve identified a niche that appeals to busy parents by focusing on efficiency and convenience. Using fun and engaging characters for brand identity has allowed us to create a unique product that stands out from other items on store shelves.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
As the wife of a Marine veteran and mother of two, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to create a brand from the ground up that is a game-changer in the industry.
I can’t tell you how many parents have approached us with positive feedback about how they’ve incorporated our products for making meals – even beyond pancakes! One thing is clear. The bonding in the kitchen with young kids and their grownups using Happy Grub together makes priceless memories.
We’ve also been grateful for the overwhelming response from media outlets who have helped share our message and reviewed our offerings. Their love for our products further validates that we’re providing an excellent solution for a mess-free time in the kitchen with kids.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
Our good-for-you pancakes are made of natural and organic ingredients sourced in the U.S., meeting parents’ nutritional requirements. We’ve invested time, money, and research in developing our mixes to ensure there is nothing artificial or unnecessary in our recipes. Our focus on healthy, all-natural ingredients and the convenience of the squeezable bottle format for easy, mess-free cooking is a game-changer for breakfast.
Using Happy Grub means no special equipment is needed. Just a standard griddle will do. You don’t even need cooking skills. Anyone can make delicious pancakes with our pre-mixed batter, even budding little chefs and aspiring pancake artists.
Building a successful business takes time and effort, but you can achieve your goals with dedication and passion.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I tell moms considering turning a side hustle into a full-fledged business never to underestimate the skills they’ve developed from daily life. Moms make some of the best entrepreneurs and decision-makers since they’re constantly on their toes and dealing with life’s ups and downs. Not everyone may be cut out to be a businessperson; however, raising a family requires a lot of problem-solving, time-management, and decision-making skills, all of which are valuable in the business world.
I have a thirst for learning and a love of entrepreneurship. I’m a mom, first and foremost, who understands that even though you may not be able to have it all, that doesn’t mean you need to put your creative thinking aside because of a new stage in your life. Moms know a lot and that can turn into a business venture. My timesaving hack for making pancakes is just one example of this.
A strong network of colleagues is a great support system outside your family unit where you can discuss ideas and concerns and have an outlet for personal growth. It’s crucial for entrepreneurs for valuable insight and feedback. Collaborating with other women-owned businesses can also be a great way to build relationships and create new opportunities. Bottom line – It’s never too late to pursue your passion!
Also, consider the value of social media and what’s trending. For instance, when the pancake spaghetti food craze took off, Happy Grub showed TikTok enthusiasts how to make their version. We had so much fun!
Listening to consumer feedback has worked very well for us. We used what we learned to develop our first four flavors and have room to grow with other options in the near future.
Packaging the mixes into inviting bottles that look fun on store shelves has further proved vital in launching our products nationwide. It’s not that squeeze bottles are revolutionary. Putting ready-to-use pancake mix in them certainly is!
Breakfast time at our home is no different than many families with kids – we make it more fun, convenient, and delicious with Happy Grub!
I’ve poured my heart and soul into Happy Grub. My vision for the brand has always remained strong. I love that families nationwide are now squeezing the most out of time in the kitchen using our instant pancake mixes.
Contact Info:
- Website: EATHAPPYGRUB.COM
- Instagram: @eathappygrub
- Facebook: @eathappygrub
- Other: @happygrubmom
