Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacie Skinner.
Hi Stacie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I created my waffles for my son, Ethan. He was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies and an intolerance to gluten when he was younger. I was disappointed on many levels for what was available to purchase. The products were mostly starches, sugar, and salt, resulting in poor taste, texture, and no nutritional value. At my son’s recommendation, I began selling my waffles at the farmer’s market and then gradually to local grocery stores. People loved the aroma, taste, and texture…they were delicious first, allergy-friendly second. I realized my waffles were filling a void in convenient, tasty, better-for-you waffles. I was working out of a shared gluten-free kitchen on an hourly basis. After a little over two years, I moved into my own facility and our team and customer base have both continued to bloom. We are an inclusive employer, hiring and training differently-abled people since my start. Our team is full of hustle, heart, and kindness. We love our customers and appreciate every order. We are now available in larger grocery stores regionally as well as online nationally with our own shop and other brands’ online shops. We are just getting started on this joyful journey as a small company.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My journey with Lopaus Point has definitely had its share of bumps and curveballs. I like to call them ‘plot twists’. It’s certainly easier and more fun to navigate with the team I have today. In the earlier days when I worked mainly alone, it could be lonely and overwhelming at times. Thankfully my passion and care for my company and customers is greater than any setbacks. I know I am making people’s lives a little better every day and that is super motivating. Whether it’s someone eating a waffle on the run that’s able to nourish their body with our delicious waffles or taking the time to engage with my team about what’s going on with them personally. Kindness is free and very fulfilling!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Lopaus Point we make the most delicious waffles your toaster will ever meet! We use only organic and non-GMO ingredients, things you’d have in your own pantry, and a hint of sweetness from organic fruit– no added sugar in our batters. People can enjoy the taste of homemade with the convenience of toast and serve. Our waffles are made in small batches and have a unique, authentic Belgian waffle shape. They taste indulgent but are a healthy meal or snack. I’m proud of our ingredients, the love, and care we put into our waffles, and the amazing sense of family we have in our team. So many friendships have blossomed from people meeting at Lopaus Point. Including people with learning and developmental differences makes our team stronger in patience and compassion. We are all more alike than different. We are an emerging brand and look forward to getting our waffles into more stores, to more people, and to introduce new products!
What makes you happy?
It’s hard to choose. My children, my rescue pup, my team. I am fortunate to feel joy often. When I am having an off day or feeling down, I allow myself some time to process those feelings but then I make a conscious decision to ‘choose joy’ and that is never a bad decision. I have my health, I live in one of the best places in the world to be a woman, and I am surrounded by people that love me and I have created my dream job. What more could I ask for?
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@lopauspoint.com
- Website: https://www.lopauspoint.com/
- Instagram: @lopauspointwaffles
- Facebook: @lopauspoint
- Twitter: @lopauspoint
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgRCefTThpp165Gjkobg0qg
Image Credits
K.Williams
@lopauspoint
