Join us in welcoming the remarkable and extremely thoughtful Ayeshah Abuelhiga, founder and CEO of Mason Dixie Foods, to the Braving Business Podcast. Ayeshah shares her journey from a successful tech career to launching Mason Dixie Foods, a fast-growing comfort food brand. She discusses her entrepreneurial journey, overcoming challenges, and the pivotal moments that reshaped her business, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Growing up in a family of immigrants who operated a small business.

2. The courage it took to leave a successful tech career and venture into the food industry.

3. The story behind the successful Kickstarter campaign and the launch of the first Mason Dixie pop-up shop.

4. How a Whole Foods buyer's interest led to the opportunity to make frozen biscuits available across the country.

5. Navigating the challenges of closing restaurants and relocating the company to Baltimore during the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Learning about needing to pivot from this experience and the scariest part.

7. Insights on people and team building from her entrepreneurial experience.

8. Exciting new product launches and future plans for Mason Dixie Foods.

9. Community involvement and mentorship through the Franciscan Center and Dignity Plates.

10. Advice about risk-taking and distinguishing between reckless and calculated risks.

Quotable Moments:

"You gotta risk it for the biscuit."

"What have you ever failed at that you tried your hardest?"

Connect with Ayeshah:

- Website: https://masondixiefoods.com

Listener Engagement:

We're eager to hear your reflections on Ayeshah's journey and the ways it resonates with your own experiences of facing and overcoming adversity.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Braving Business Podcast or its hosts.

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