Exploring Life & Business with Megan Bernard of Goodness Gracious LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Bernard.

Hi Megan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I am a model, athlete, friend, philanthropist, and now a small business owner. From a very young age, I aspired to become a successful model. I was prom queen in high school and landed my first magazine feature by age fifteen. After graduating from high school, I began working for Hooters of Louisiana. I was chosen to represent Louisiana in the International Ms. Hooters pageant, Feature Girl of the Year, and Hooters International Calendar. I started to gain more exposure and professional contacts. Maxim Magazine, The Chive, H&S Performance, COED Magazine, and Dekt Skateboards are some of the few companies I have worked closely with. I’ve also worked with many established photographers and up-and-coming ones. I modeled for a few various trendy clothing lines. I was a brand ambassador for American Honey Wild Turkey. In 2015, I released my calendar and continued to sell products on my website. Recently, I teamed up with Higgins Hotel out in New Orleans to collaborate on images for their marketing campaign; I aspire to use my exposure to inspire young girls to follow their dreams and morals. Modeling is a passion of mine, and I will continue to do so as long as the right opportunity is provided. It provides financial security and a way to make my voice heard. In December 2022, I saw an opportunity and established Goodness Gracious LLC. I made treats alongside my Mawmaw and posted them online when people asked where they could get our treats. What began as a happy accident has now become a full-time business. My Mawmaw and I use our family’s recipes to recreate the treats that will leave you saying, Goodness Gracious. My next big goal is to have a brick and mortar to sell our products.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have always had a strong support system behind me; however, I wouldn’t describe my journey as smooth. My parents were just teenagers when they had me and were still figuring life out. My Mother and Grandparents worked together to raise me. We moved around a lot as I was growing up. When I was 17, I began promoting my modeling career more and moved out independently. For the first time, I had planted my roots and paved my way. This allowed me to help not only myself but also my family financially. As a young model, I had to teach myself adversity and resiliency. I learned to accept more no’s than yes’ and fight for opportunities as a 5’6′ southern gal. I am learning the ins and outs of owning a small business. It has tested my patience and has made me take financial risks. The hours have been long, but the outcome is rewarding.

I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Goodness Gracious LLC?
My Mawmaw and I use our family recipes to recreate treats that will leave you saying GOODNESS GRACIOUS! The name Goodness Gracious pays homage to my late great-grandmother, Connie. Goodness Gracious was a term she often used when she liked something. We specialize in southern Crawfish Pies and treats that deliver the nostalgic feeling of your grandma’s cooking. I pride myself on not only appearance but a delicious treat that excites your palate. Every recipe comes from a handwritten cookbook in our family for generations. Our menu items are made from scratch and with natural ingredients. I hope our collection of recipes will shine a light into kitchens across the country and connect with others who share a love for food, family, and kitchen experiences — successful and disastrous! Kitchens are often the heart of a house, where many great memories are made. I am most proud of keeping the spirit of my ancestors alive by honoring their recipes.

Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
When not working on my brand, I like spending quality time with my family, being a tourist in New Orleans, and freeing my mind through my passion for music, personal growth, and kickboxing. I’m a fitness fanatic and a die-hard Saints fan. I love making new friends, outdoors, crawfish boils, and live music. My favorite title is Mommy. I am a Mother to a six-year-old boy who brings joy to my life day and night. These activities make me happy because they’re close to my heart and create lasting memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.GoodnessGraciousLLC.com
• Instagram: GoodnessGraciousLLC
• Facebook: GoodnessGraciousLLC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missmeganbernard/
• Twitter: RealMB621
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MeganBernard
• Other: www.MissMeganB.com

Image Credits
Allen Cotten