Meet Lesley Riley, Mama Biscuit AKA “the biscuit darling”–the heart and soul behind the unique biscuits America’s come to love. Mama’s Biscuits is a black-owned, women-led brand offering America’s first gourmet biscuits.
Hailing from Mercersburg, PA, Lesley’s passion for cooking and baking has deep roots, tracing back to her 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 she began cooking and baking her own creations. The inspiration behind the brand came from her mother nurturing her and letting Lesley know she could do anything she set her mind to.
Soigne’ + Swank Magazine readers, please enjoy our interview!
What would you like our readers to know about Mama Biscuits?
Lesley: Mama Biscuits is the only all-natural, clean-label, ready-to-eat biscuit made with real dairy and real butter that’s sold in national retailers.
We understand that you are a huge part of your community. Please tell us about your community service work.
Lesley: I often partner with local agencies for my Feeding Faith Initiative to mentor entrepreneurs in the brand new Mama’s Biscuits Culinary Incubator that lives on the campus of Hagerstown Community College.
Please tell us about your Master Chef audition experience and what came from that moment.
Lesley: As a former restaurateur, many of my friends and family had reaped the benefits of my culinary skills and were heartily encouraging me to audition for Master Chef. I didn’t make the cut, but I was far from done with my journey at that time. I returned determined to craft the perfect biscuit, and on October 8th of 2014, I went to the kitchen to make it happen. Eight days later, my first gourmet heart-shaped biscuit was born, and I’ve never looked back.
What are some fun facts about yourself that some people may not be aware of?
Lesley: I have worked for over 35 years in the food industry and my favorite unique biscuits are 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, cherry cordial, and topped with goat cheese-cheese cream icing.
If you could put your product in the hands of anyone in the world, who would it be?
Lesley: That’s a tough one. Probably both of my paternal and maternal grandmas. I would love to hear their feedback and reactions.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
Lesley: Have an attorney review all your paperwork before you sign and “Keep going” no matter what it looks like.
Get rooted and connected: @mamasbiscuits
