Mary Beth Evans of Mary Beth's Apple Pie Company
Mary Beth Evans is known to millions of daytime TV fans as Kayla Brady Johnson, half of one of the most popular soap opera couples of all time, Steve “Patch” Johnson (played by Stephen Nichols) and Kayla Johnson on NBC’s Days of Our Lives.
She and her husband, Dr. Michael Schwartz, have been married for 24 years and live in southern California with their 3 children, Danny, Katie and Matthew.
Recently, Mary Beth took on a new role as mom entrepreneur and this month, she shares with The Mogul Mom her story of building Mary Beth’s Apple Pie Company.
What’s the name of your company and what inspired you to start it?
The name of my company is Mary Beth’s Apple Pie Company. In 2005, my husband Michael read an article in The Wall Street Journal about mail order apple pies. He said I should do that with the apple pie I had made for 20 years. After much trepidation, I gave it a shot.
What was your start up cost and how did you fund it – savings, loan, credit card, etc.?
I bought a $300 box freezer from Sears, made a logo with a friend who is a graphic artist and had another friend make me a mailing list of moms in my area. We collected private school directories from our friends, etc. I made 50 pies, put them in the freezer and got 100 orders right off the bat. I used my savings, but it wasn’t much.
When did you know you “made it big”?
I still can’t say I have really made it. But I did sell 3000 pies on QVC in 7 minutes and I just sold 2300 orders of my 12 pack of mini pies over Thanksgiving through Williams – Sonoma.
What is the biggest mistake you’ve made?
My lack of business skills…
What’s the smartest thing you’ve done?
I’ve kept on going and trying different avenues.
What’s the best money you’ve spent?
$300 on a box freezer from Sears.
What is your current business goal?
To get my pies in markets.
Who or what has played a big role in your success?
My friend Mary. She was a babysitter for my children when they were young and now she is a stay at home mom. She does all my graphic art, paperwork and anything on the computer. I would not be able to do much without her.
What one piece of advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?
Don’t be afraid to try…
How can we connect with you?
Visit marybethsapplepie.com
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Enjoyed Mary Beth’s interview–concise, simple with inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story. Love her website too, easy to navigate without the clutter.
Great interview. Very inspiring especially for those of us who fall on our faces occasionally.
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Beginning Blogging: What is a blog? =-.
What a great interview! I used to watch Mary Beth on Days when I was in college. I love her advice keep going and don’t be afraid – I think this is what successful entrepreneurs have in common, is they keep going even when the going gets tough. Congrats on your success!
.-= Holly – The Work at Home Woman´s last blog ..Interview with Nina Restieri of momAgenda =-.
YUMMY. This woman has *balls*. I’m sure her life was already “full” and she went out and took a chance even though I’m sure there was lots of rejection and obstacles in her way. Hard work and marketing yourself properly DO pay off! Great story Heather
.-= Justine Smith´s last blog ..Sending Out Samples? What You Need To Know First =-.
What a great interview! She ‘s truly an inspiring entrepreneur.
.-= LisaLisa´s last blog ..My Entry For the Kia Sorento Ultimate Road Trip Sweepstakes =-.
Very inspiring!! I’d love to hear more about how Mary Beth managed the production side. When did she “outgrow” her kitchen and move to a commercial bakery (if that’s what happened).
.-= Tracy Young´s last blog ..The Secret to Developing Personal Style =-.
What an inspirational story! I love this feature!
.-= b´s last blog ..Worried, Anxious and Claustrophobic =-.
Twitter: LynnATL
December 9, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Heather,
Thanks for sharing this inspiring story with us.