Photo: Carol Fay Ellison (R) and Rhonda Patton (L)
Photo Credit: www.myragodbyphotography.com
I recently had the opportunity to meet a local Nashville celebrity. I noticed Ms. Carol Fay Ellison (a.k.a "The Biscuit Lady") while I was putting the final touches on decor at my last wedding. Ms. Ellison was very receptive when I introduced myself to her. She raved over my designs. I kindly thanked her and shared my congrats. After speaking with her briefly, I reminsced back to a chapter in a book I just finished titled "The Martha Rules"
Carol Fay had the Big Idea. The Big Idea of delectable biscuits that has her rolling in the dough--literally.
In chapter two of "The Martha Rules" 10 essentials for achieving success as you start, build, or manage a business by Martha Stewart www.marthastewart.com she often alludes to the Big Idea. This book is my entrepreneural bible in a sense. I carry it in my purse and skim over it right before I meet with a prospective client. Chapter two is flagged so I turn right to the page that references "The Big Idea". According to Martha Stewart, an American business magnate, author, editor and homemaking advocate she states, "Focus your attention and creativity on basic things, things that people need and want. Then look for ways to enlarge, improve, and enhance your BIG IDEA."
Carol Fay is a prime example of the BIG IDEA philosphy. She is the mastermind behind the tasty biscuits at the Loveless Cafe www.lovelesscafe.com in Nashville, TN. She discovered the BIG IDEA nearly 27 years ago when she was first employed at loveless as a dishwasher. It's simple... Carol focused her creativity on something people wanted. People love food and there is nothing like some good ole' home made southern biscuits. She found ways to improve, enhance and enlarge her idea. Today, the loveless sales over 5,000 biscuits per day. The buzz of these biscuits caught national attention. She has been a guest on several network shows. Her BIG IDEA lead her to a guest on Martha Stewart-the BIG IDEA philospher, Late Night with Conan O'Brian and Ellen to name a few.
I have personally had a few of these buttery biscuits and I must say they will melt in your mouth. To top it off, I married the biscuit with starwberry perserves also made by Carol and in the words of Rachel Ray... YUM-O
While I travel this budding entrepreneural journey, I realize the entrepreneural spirit is alive and well. Thanks Carol for paving the way and thanks Martha for writing such a practical and inspiring manual.
