Today we’d like to introduce you to Darian Washington
Hi Darian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started this business because my son loves oatmeal. I was working for Whole foods when I brought home a sample of oats for my son to try. Derrick politely declined and asked if we could make our own. I was looking for a simple & delicious breakfast option, when we created our first batch of overnight oats using spices and dried fruit from our pantry. The next morning, he took one bite and said “Mom, I think we’re on to something!”
Shortly after that I was laid off, and two weeks later, I found my husband in our home with another woman. Our lives had quickly fallen apart. But this little oatmeal business saved us, starting with a Wednesday night farmers market… Since then we’ve expanded our footprint into more farmers markets and local shops in central Texas.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This has truly been an adventure. Entrepreneurship is never easy, especially without substantial financial cushion and the freedom to fail. I’ve encountered challenges securing capital, finding a reliable production space, and identifying a co-manufacturer—each of which is essential to taking the next steps toward getting into grocery stores and becoming a national brand.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
A brief introduction: I’m the mother of a bright 18-year-old, I have over a decade of corporate retail experience and I’m supported by a network of highly accomplished mentors coaching me to greatness.
We make and sell the world’s best oatmeal for a living. We’re known for simple, recognizable quality ingredients, and our five delicious and unique flavors. We prioritize quality with an emphasis on taste, texture, and transparency because this is usually where most oatmeal customers are compromising. Additionally our branding and packaging is beautifully designed, so it looks as good as it taste. What sets us apart is our commitment to quality in every aspect—from the ingredients to the experience we create. This is what I’m most proud of, and it’s the foundation of everything we do.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Find the thing you love to do and figure out how to do it full time. You’ll enjoy life more, and it will be easy to do when things get hard. Having faith compounded with passion will propel you. You’ll learn a lot about the thing you love and yourself. I would recommend finding mentors and creating a personal board of advisors. The personal board of advisors are people who truly understand you, make thoughtful decisions, and embody qualities like honesty, wisdom, and integrity. These are the people in your life that you can be vulnerable with who genuinely want to see you grow and succeed. When you have challenges or tough decisions to make, go to them. My personal board consist of 3 people that have known be in every stage of my life. I trust them deeply, and we’ve created a space where we cheer each other on, celebrate wins, and lift each other up. They’re not personally connected to each other, just me. That way I always get an honest opinion. I always take their advice to heart, knowing it comes from a place of care and honesty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oatmealandcompany.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oatmealandcompany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OatmealAndCompany/
Image Credits
Photos by Julia Kiem, Kelly phillips, and Karlye Dixon.
