Friends, meet Leigh-Anne Clabby. Leigh-Anne has taken an idea birthed in her kitchen, and the bulk section at the grocery store, to support her husband’s dietary needs and her daughter’s appetite and turned it into a small business right here in Austin. Get to know her a bit and you will find she is full of integrity as well as mindful and responsive to her clients desires and needs. Read more about Leigh-Anne below and then head over to her website to place an order!
Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?
I was born in Houston, but have lived longer in Austin. I’ve lived in Austin (recently) for almost 6 years (as well as 5 years as a child).
Introduce us to your two little ones…
I have a daughter named Charlotte (3 years) and a son named Jude (15 months).
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I can make several different types of balloon animals.
I can hardly blow up a balloon, so I’m impressed. What is your favorite thing about living in Austin?
The sense of community. I lived in Maryland, and didn’t find it as friendly or welcoming. When I moved back here, I immediately made friends and felt more at home.
I love that about Texas! Way to go, Austin! What do you love to do with your family around town?
Go to the local swimming pools or go to different church events at ONEChapel.
Tell us about Charlotte’s Choice Granola and how it came to be…
I first had the idea after I tried making a batch of homemade granola for my husband. He has an autoimmune disorder, and we discovered that changing his diet (including cutting out gluten) made a huge difference. The granola in the store all had wheat in some capacity, so he wasn’t able to eat that anymore. I decided to take advantage of the bulk section at the grocery store, and got some ingredients to make some granola myself. I had never done it before, but it was so fun, and my husband and daughter loved it! I realized that I could make a business out of it. Within a week, I had come up with a name and 5-6 flavor recipes with names, and had researched everything I could find about Texas Cottage Food Law.
Now I enjoy coming up with new flavors and making them for people. I love taking their suggestions and concerns to heart while making their granola because it makes it special and perfect for them. I always make unique flavors so it’ll be completely different from what you’d find in a store. I have butterscotch peanut butter bites, mocha and pecan granola, seasonal ones like gingerbread and peppermint bark.
Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering! Are you involved in anything else within the community?
I am in a local MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) group and on the leadership team. I’m an admin in a Facebook mom group called South Austin Moms & Minis. I’m also involved in a few different groups at ONEChapel church.
I personally love the Facebook group and the moms I’ve been getting to know through it! How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
My ONEChapel peeps have been so encouraging and have been my guinea pigs each time I try out a new flavor.
It is so important to have friends we can bounce our ideas off of and get feedback. I’m sure your friends have loved being a part of the process as your business has grown. Thanks for letting SouthAustinMoms.com be one of your cheerleaders. I’m definitely shouting, “Go, Leigh-Anne, go!”