Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Macks.
Hi Ellen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with Ella’s Flats began back in 2015. As a health-conscious mother and now grandmother, I was always on the lookout for nutritious, satisfying foods without added sugars or processed ingredients. Motivated by the limited choices in the market or on the go, I developed a recipe a friend had sent me for all-seed crackers in my kitchen.
The positive reaction from friends, family, and eventually customers encouraged me to turn this recipe into a brand. Starting with 3 flavors locally in Southwest Florida, Ella’s Flats quickly expanded to retailers and e-commerce nationwide. Today, we offer six flavors of our scrumptious all-seed crackers which are available in thousands of retailers nationwide, providing a unique and nutritious option for consumers of all ages everywhere.
Looking back now, it’s interesting for me to see my search for real food products echoed throughout discussions around the benefits of whole foods, blood sugar control, avoiding processed ingredients, and the need for convenience. Real whole foods are made of protein, fiber, and essential fats, not sugar, simple carbohydrates, inflammatory oils, or other chemical ingredients.
It is so rewarding for me to know that we provide those real food benefits, while time after time, we see how surprised first-time customers are when they taste how light, crunchy, and positively delicious our Flats are. I love bringing the passion I have for providing my family with nutritious, unprocessed, delicious whole foods to our customers nationwide!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While the journey has been incredibly rewarding, it hasn’t been without its challenges. The initial struggle was identifying a recipe that filled the gap in the market for simple, plant-based whole foods. Crafting the perfect recipe and finding the right baker to bring Ella’s Flats to life were pivotal moments.
Overcoming doubts and gaining the confidence to launch the brand took time. However, the enthusiastic reactions from customers reassured me that I was on the right path. Every day is another learning experience and I try to listen to those with more experience, learn, and execute better ideas.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Ella’s Flats specializes in crafting all-seed crackers that are a plant-based whole food with just a handful of pure, nutritious ingredients. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing a delicious, versatile, and genuinely nutritious snack and meal option.
Almost all other crackers on the market use processed grains, flours, or starches and we truly use ONLY seeds. We take pride in providing our scrumptious product which is gluten-free (certified), non-GMO project certified, rich in protein and fiber, keto-friendly, grain-free, sugar-free, vegan, plant-based, paleo, and Whole30. Our six flavorful options offer a unique crunch that enhances the flavor of any topping or can be enjoyed plain. Ella’s Flats is more than a product; it’s a lifestyle choice for those who prioritize health without compromising on taste.
Our all-seed crackers give our customers the only option to enjoy a whole food, unprocessed snack, or meal and feel great with no sacrifice. We love how our customers are constantly introducing friends and family to our flats which quickly become pantry staples as customers snack on Ella’s Flats all day long, or use them to replace bread, piling them with different toppings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For our customers and my own family, once we have our seed crackers in our lives we wonder, what did we ever eat before Ella’s Flats!? Now my little grandson asks for them during meals and takes them with him for his snack to school. Just imagine how good I feel knowing that he is eating a super nutritious whole food snack that he loves and that I know will keep him nourished, instead of processed snacks that are otherwise the only thing readily available.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and networking are crucial aspects of entrepreneurial growth. I’ve found that genuine connections are built on shared values. Look for mentors who align with your vision and values. Attend industry events, engage in online communities, and be open to learning from others’ experiences.
Don’t be afraid to reach out – many successful individuals are willing to share insights and advice. Building a supportive network has been instrumental in my journey, and I encourage others to seek guidance and connections within their industry. Some of my most valuable relationships are with my earliest customers who have been willing to lead me and continue to guide me with pride as they have watched our brand grow from the very beginning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ellasflats.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellasflats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellasflats/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ella-s-flats/about/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/ELLAS-FLATS-Seed-Savory-Crisps/dp/B07KWBP6G6/
