Meet Gina Propp: Founder and Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Propp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Crunchy Girl Granola began close to 20 years ago when I began giving my granola away as holiday gifts to friends, family, neighbor’s and my biggest fans, my husband’s co-workers. It was a big hit to anyone I gifted it to. I knew I had a good product. So that sprouted my idea of turning my granola into a full fledged business. When Texas opened up the laws for Cottage Bakery and Food Artisan’s like myself, I knew it was possible to make this work as a side hustle. At the time, I was a full time employee for a small catering company. I started planning for my side (weekend) hustle when my job suddenly and unexpectedly ended. With that change, I realized that the only path I really wanted to follow was the path of my granola business. So, I threw my all into it and I am happy to say, a year later it is a success and I am growing each week with new markets, new customers (my granola groupies) and new retail locations.

What should our readers know about your business?
Crunchy Girl Granola is based in Fort Worth. We offer customers custom-mixed granola at local Farmer’s Markets throughout DFW. We have various ‘bases’ of granola to select from along with a variety of ‘mix-in’s’ that can be added to the base to make it your own. Granola blends vary from our Original, (made with pecans and walnuts) to our Almond Blend. We even offer a few seasonal flavors, Pumpkin Spice and Gingersnap. The granola itself is not your average granola. It is a ‘soft’ granola that is a surprise to those who try it for the first time. Our Mix-In’s vary from freezer dried fruit, chocolate and even mini marshmallows. The granola and mix-in’s are mixed right at the table while customers watch. It’s a fun interactive experience. We offer fun incentives to come back as well. Our ‘Go Crunchy’ discount offers customers a $1 discount for their refills when they BYOJ (Bring Your Own Jar) to the market for a refill. We’ve recently launched our ‘Punch Cards’ as well, that earn customers a free scoop once they collect 12 stamps. I’ve gotten where I am today by giving this business my all. Lots of late nights and early mornings! I’ve taken small steps along the way and tried my best to be smart in my growth. Up until just a few months back, I was doing everything by myself. But, I’ve learned along the way to let others help and be a part of this growth. I’ve hired a few Granola Girls to help with markets and most recently, I’ve hired kitchen help which has been a huge help. The name Crunchy Girl, doesn’t refer to the granola itself, but more about me and the way I go about my everyday life. Repurposing, recycling, composting, using natural healing and cleaning products, etc. is my way of giving back to our Earth. Offering the ‘Go Crunchy’ discount is my little way of helping my customers give back a little too. The granola speaks for itself and I firmly believe in my tag line “The Best Darn Granola You Will Every Eat!” There is just nothing like it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I am a Fort Worth girl, I would direct them to some of my favorite spots in my fair city. Saturday: Clearfork Farmer’s Market, followed by a walk along the Trinity River. The Farmer’s Market is situated right at the Trailhead so, it’s a perfect follow up. End your morning walk with a drink and a delicious bite at Press Cafe. If the weather is nice, enjoy it outside. Their patio is beautiful! Sunday: Brunch at Brewed along Magnolia. The coffee, the food and the interior of the space are dynamite! If you are up for some more outdoor time, the Japanese Gardens at the FW Botanical Gardens is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy some quiet. Monday: Near Southside is one of my favorite spots to visit lately. Coco Shrimp is a favorite and perfect for a quick casual bite to eat. Don’t forget to order a Mochi for dessert! Afterwards, swing by The Table Culinary Studio and Market to pick up a few things for dinner. Their entire store is dedicated to foods grown and made by local chefs and food artisans. Tuesday: The Foundry district in FW is also a growing area that I love. You can grab some ready to eat lunch from Meyer and Sage. For gifting, I love Gifted. Their inventory of one of a kind items is fabulous. I always leave with the perfect something for that someone who is hard to shop for. Afterwards, you can swing by Craftwork Coffee Co. for a pick me up. Wednesday: A bike ride through downtown is always fun. You can rent bikes all over the city and cruise until your heart is content. The new eBikes are an easy alternative if you aren’t feeling like working too hard up those hills. Once your bike ride is over, stop by my favor Korean BBQ spot, Hoya located in downtown. They offer outdoor seating and fabulous Korean food. Thursday: Fort Worth Nature Center for a hike or a canoe tour. This vast open land isn’t far from the city and it’s a favorite place to get away from it all. Friday: Dinner in downtown at Grace, followed by a stroll through Sundance Square and a final stop at Scat Jazz Lounge for some local Jazz.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I find my biggest support through other vendors that I meet at Farmer’s Markets and local events in and around DFW. They have taught me so many things and been so generous and kind with guidance, wit and wisdom. I would also like to thank the retailers have given me a shot in the local grocery market and of course my loyal customers who come back weekly to support me and my small business. To be supported by your own community is great and it keeps me going!

Website: www.crunchygirlgranola.com
Instagram: crunchygirlgranola
Linkedin: Gina Propp
Facebook: Crunchy Girl Granola

Image Credits
All images are taken by myself, Gina M. Propp