Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Daily.
Hi Stephanie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I grew up in the restaurant business and have always loved food.
My career started in the insurance industry. I was an insurance agent, a marketing manager, and a territory manager. After thirteen years in the industry, I was downsized and let go. Seven days after I got married, I was let go. To say I was furious would be an understatement.
I decided that I would never go back to work in the insurance industry again and decided with my marketing experience, I would jump into social media – when Facebook was “The Facebook” and Twitter wasn’t filled with snark it is today. I had a lot of fun working in social media; I worked with a particular agency that had a heavy restaurant clientele which was right in my wheelhouse.
Then in February 2019, a friend’s wife passed away from cancer. It was devastating. She was young, 33, and had a 3-year-old son. I remember feeling so hopeless at that time; I did what I’ve always done, made lasagna and took it to him. The gesture started a conversation and an idea about sending a friend a lasagna. In May of 2019, I launched Send A Friend Lasagna as a side hustle while still working my full-time job. In July, I made a tv appearance, and my lasagna world exploded. On November 1st, 2019, I went all in on lasagna and never looked back.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
After launching in November of 2019, 2020 and the pandemic came. I didn’t know what to do. But I kept hearing the words “essential workers” delivering food – and that was what I was doing. So, I labeled myself an essential worker and spread the word if you don’t want to leave your house we deliver fresh lasagnas to your door – zero contact delivery. My business exploded.
One of the challenges was being able to ramp up very quickly, which I did, somehow. My love of food and my sincere care for other people really helped me through the really challenging times. It’s been a journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I feel like the luckiest person in the world.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most proud of the charity work I do with Coburn Place in Indianapolis. Coburn is a safe space for women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence. They have on-site living spaces and apartments throughout the city. When Coburn gets a new family, I donate lasagna for them to have in their refrigerator when they move in. As a victim of domestic violence, it brings my heart so much joy to be able to serve others in this way.
What are your plans for the future?
I would love to open up a lasagna space on the north side of Indianapolis. Like a pick-up-and-go (think Papa Murphy’s pizza) place. It’s part of my plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sendafriendlasagna.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sendafriendlasagna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sendafriendlasagna
