A Conversation with Carla Briggs, Founder and CEO of Viola's Heritage

In this episode, Daniella sits down with Chef Carla Briggs, Founder and CEO of Viola's Heritage, a business celebrating the contributions of people of color in the culinary world with high-quality bread. Carla shares her entrepreneurial journey from leaving the baking industry due to carpal tunnel syndrome to starting a bread business during the pandemic. She discusses growing her business from a side hustle to a full-fledged bakery by filling a market gap for healthy, locally-made bread and integrating New Orleans’s vibrant cultural heritage into her products. Carla also highlights the challenges of scaling a business as a woman of color, including financial constraints and managing growth, and shares her experience overcoming imposter syndrome. The conversation underscores the importance of creativity, taking risks in entrepreneurship, and sharing the untold stories of people of color in the food industry. EPISODE KEY MOMENTS The story of how Viola's came into existence The culinary contributions of people of color Showcasing cultural heritage in food innovation Scaling challenges as a woman of color Overcoming impostor syndrome and financial barriers Balancing long-term vision with present needs Where to connect with Carla on the internet: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn Plantas Pod Credits Host: ⁠⁠Daniella Allam⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠Jacqueline Smith⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Plantas Strategy website⁠⁠ For episode transcripts, go to the Plantas Pod website ⁠⁠here If you have any feedback or questions about the podcast, email ⁠[email protected]