Homemade Recipes Become Thriving Business
What started as a quest for healthier breakfast options during Marquita Carter’s high-risk pregnancy has blossomed into a thriving million-dollar business for the African American couple behind Blanket Pancakes & Syrup.
Marquita and her husband, Deven, have taken their homemade pancake and syrup recipes from local farmers’ markets to the shelves of retail giants like Costco and Walmart in less than five years.
Thinking Big and Structuring for Success
From the outset, the Carters aimed big, structuring their business like a major enterprise despite being a team of two.
“When we started the company, we saw bigger and we treated it as such,” Marquita, the CEO, told the US Chamber. Deven, the COO, added, “If you see yourself as just a mom-and-pop operation, you’re going to limit yourself.”
Crafting Quality, Natural Products
Blanket’s products, free from artificial additives like high fructose corn syrup, were initially created and shared with family and friends.
As demand grew, they started selling homemade pancake mixes and syrups at local farmers’ markets before expanding to local stores and regional chains.
Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Up
Despite challenges in securing credit, the Carters persevered, tapping into personal savings to fulfill orders.
With word-of-mouth and TV exposure propelling their growth, they’ve now surpassed $1 million in sales and are seeking investors via platforms like StartEngine to scale production, expand marketing efforts, and meet the growing demand for their quality products.
A Household Name in the Making
Along their entrepreneurial journey, the Carters have learned valuable lessons, such as setting ground rules as a married business couple, asking for help, and prioritizing the right partnerships.
With a focus on doing the right thing and staying true to their vision, they are confident that Blanket Pancakes & Syrup will become a household name.
“There is no reason why Blanket Pancakes & Syrup will not be a household name just as big as any other brand out there,” Deven said.
