Mama’s Biscuits Makes History As a Black Woman-Owned Brand Offering Gourmet Biscuits in Major Retail Stores

As we celebrate International Black Women’s History Month at We Empower Magazine, we’re delighted to introduce you to Lesley Riley, Mama Biscuit AKA “the biscuit darling”. Mama’s Biscuits continues to make history as a black-owned, women-led brand offering America’s first gourmet biscuits. The only all-natural, clean-label, ready-to-eat biscuit made with real dairy and real butter that’s sold in national retailers.

We’ve obtained an exclusive interview with Lesley to learn about the inspiration behind her brand, along with her proudest business moments, and more.

Please tell us about your background and passion for cooking.

Lesley: My passion for cooking and baking has deep roots, tracing back to my beloved grandmother. After years of watching her faithfully, joyfully, and skillfully feeding her whole family each week, it was only a matter of time before I began cooking and baking my own creations.

What was the inspiration behind your brand?

Lesley: My mother nurturing me and letting me know I can do anything I set my mind to.

It’s International Black Women’s History Month. Name 2 women who inspire you and why. 

Lesley: Shirley Chisholm -I always admired her for her for being the first and breaking barriers at a time when it was difficult not only to be a woman, but a black woman.

Lizzo- I love how she uses her platform to inspire and uplift others. No matter what people say about her she continues to find a way to shine and I love that about her.

How long have you been in the industry?

Lesley: I’ve worked for over 35 years in the food industry.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Lesley: When I’m not busy whipping up an unheard-of biscuit flavor, I’m busy giving back to the community in various ways. From partnering with local agencies for my Feeding Faith Initiative to mentoring entrepreneurs in the brand new Mama’s Biscuits Culinary Incubator that lives on the campus of Hagerstown Community College. I can’t help but use my success to do good.

We know that you create a variety of unique biscuits, what are some of your favorites?

Lesley: Shrimp and Grit, Maryland Strong (Crab and Beer based), and Cherry Blossom. Cherry Blossom is my all-time favorite. It’s made with dark maraschino cherries, a special cherry tea, and cherry cordial, and topped with goat cheese-cheese cream icing.

What is your proudest business accomplishment? 

Lesley: I never gave up. I bet on myself, even when the business was not doing well. I kept going.

More About Lesley Riley

As a former restaurateur, many of Lesley Riley’s friends and family had reaped the benefits of her culinary skill and were now heartily encouraging her to audition for Master Chef. While she didn’t make the cut, she was far from done with her journey. She returned determined to craft the perfect biscuit, and on October 8th of 2014, she went to the kitchen to make it happen. Eight days later, her first gourmet heart-shaped biscuit was born, and she’s never looked back.

In May of 2015, she officially launched her online store, and now, you can find these delectably unique biscuits in many stores around the U.S. as well. From her original buttermilk biscuits to flavors like Banana’s Foster w/Salted Caramel, Chicken Pot Pie, Spiced Mango, and Kahlua Stuffed Brie, Mama’s Biscuits has changed the biscuit game for good. Riley rewrote her story and rebranded her business in 2019 which garnered national attention for retailers.

Get connected on Instagram: @mamasbiscuits

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