Though we can’t mark the beginning of our founder’s Joleen (‘Jo’) and Morgan’s story (ask them how they met, and they'll look at each other and laugh while you can’t help but join in– like an inside joke you’re waiting to hear), a little time in their presence and meeting of their eyes may suggest that their history runs deep. And it’s true, time made them family, and experience made them inseparable.
They’re sincerely friends, and sincerely sisters– meet Jo and Morgan.
So Naturally… Granola
With Jo’s victories in health, wellness, and hospitality, and Morgan’s wins in marketing, advertising, and brand consulting, inspiration for a potential partnership (unrelated to granola) naturally evolved over time.
Personally (says Jo), I was dealing with a lot of health challenges while also losing my mom… Two things I would do during that time, I picked up gardening, and I’d spend a lot of time cooking and baking.
I’d see recipes on tv shows, on the news, or in my feed and would transform them for family and friends. I was already making granola for years. It was my therapy, for everyone else it was delicious and should be sold in stores, but I didn’t feel the need to sell– I thought it would no longer be my safe space.
Her granola became a fan favorite over the years, and in such a season, a staple in her mix of ever evolving love offerings and demonstrations of care, even in her biggest time of need.
While by her side, and true to Morgan (if you know you know), she continued in a long loved practice and devotion of tending to the hearts and minds of others… through business and other means.
I was still consulting, but gradually winding down and returning back to school, which lent me a gift of time. It was pressed upon me to intentionally refocus…
Even before there were talks of granola, Jo and I had been concepting and envisioning another venture so the idea of us bringing something to life together had already seeded in.
Inspired by increasing granola inquiries and a gradual joy contrasting her day to day, Jo made a call which would clarify the duo’s next step, and Morgan was all in!
SIMPLE STARTS, SWEETER ENDINGS
With hopes to incorporate Jo’s family legacy, who, in one way or another had a hand in fine tuning the recipe, and ultimately in shaping the love and nurture we see in and through Jo today, they also hoped to speak to the inspiration ahead.
We were at the Blue Goose (a once held gem off of Lower Greenville), me, Morgan, and Morgan’s son (Hi, Jacob!), discussing our vision and name.
I wanted to incorporate both my mom’s and sister's names (both of whom are no longer with us), when eventually I realized… I was tasting love.
That love embodied both of them and also references everyone who ever has, who is, and who will one day come along for the journey.
Together they offer the intentionally sourced, carefully crafted, small-batch, and crunch worthy granola we know today - Granola With Love.
Consider memorabilia from your meeting at the Blue Goose Cantina, including a photo of you all together, a photo of the restaurant (from site or google maps), the notes Jo documented in her journal showing potential names for GWL, etc.
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN CRAFT AND CARE
In a world of mass produced, formulaic, and aesthetic granola, Granola With Love offers simple, local, and delicious flavors with a straightforward approach… simple ingredients kept as natural as possible… with love.
Our process is no different than what you may think to do at home. But the difference truly lies in the passing along of intention and care from each partner and vendor. To and through - love is poured generously, and experienced in the sight, aroma, and taste of each batch.
We're grateful to share this with you along with a collection of stories, memories and laughs in the kitchen, where many of us gather with awe and appreciation of our history, heartache, joy, triumph, and love.
Signature or Written Sign Off “Jo and Morgan” (or Jo and Mo), also consider Granola branded imagery.
