Hidden Gems: Meet Shannon Andersen Ortiz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Andersen Ortiz.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My journey began in 2018 after 1 year away from eating refined sugars and processed foods. Grocery shopping was challenging in to finding foods ready to eat without hidden sugars (dextrin, maltodextrin) refined sugars, or preservatives. I began doing all of my own baking and cooking at home and would play around with substituting honey. Honey is liquid gold and is one have nature’s best sweeteners. I came across a recipe to make granola with honey. I did some simple modifications and my cinnamon granola was born. So simple, yet extremely delicious, satisfying, and nutritious without any harmful ingredients. My family and friends loved it and would ask to buy it from me. So, I began the process of starting my business. The granola I prepared was allowed to be part of the cottage food licensing program in Arizona. I began making my granolas at home.

In early March 2020, I was ready to start selling my granola to local Arizona farmers. However, things took a different turn as the world shut down one week after my business was ready to go. I kept my head up high I persevered and would pull my Van down the street set up my table and sit there for 4 hours every Saturday and Sunday And would sell my granola to those that would drive by and stop to see what I was doing. In June 2020 the farmer’s markets in Arizona reopened and I headed straight away to Chandler’s farmer’s market. It was there that I did my 1st market. I started with 4 flavors of granola. After some time in the markets, I realized the demand was there for grain-free granola as well. I made up a blend of seeds and nuts and much to my surprise The Best Bar came to be. The loose granola that I had intended to make became a delicious energizing bar. At the time I cut them into bite-sized pieces packaged them in 3 oz packs and sold them at the market.

In June of 2021 a local distributor, the Peddler’s Son asked me if I could make my bite-size bars into a single bar. The process flashed through my mind and my reply was yes, I can do that. At this point, my little bites needed a name. The one comment that was said over and over again when my customers would eat my little bites was “this is the best bar I’ve ever had.” So naturally, that is the name they received. In February of 2022, I moved my production into Our Community Kitchen in Mesa. Which is an amazing shared kitchen in Arizona. Today I make 3 flavors of the best bar Original, Cinnamon, and Cacao. Staying true to my mission to provide the best quality ingredients and to have a balanced product with healthy fat, carbohydrates, and protein. We are now in 6 to 7 farmers markets every week as well as online ordering and we ship throughout the United States. Peddler’s Son distributes The Best Bars locally wholesale. You can find us at the Carefree farmer’s market, Old Town Scottsdale farmer’s market, Chandler farmer’s market, Downtown Ocotillo farmers market, Fountain Hills farmers market, High Street farmers market, Grand Canyon state farmer’s market, and Peoria second Saturdays.

In addition to The Best Bar, I make 10 different flavors of granola every week.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I see every challenge as an opportunity to persevere. The only struggle is the one that I create. I have found that if I can spend time seeing it done and enjoying the process everything always works out. I have always assessed where I’m at where I want to be and how I will get there.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I make the best premium honey-sweetened granola and The Best Bar. Literally, The Best Bar. I bake between 150 and 180 pounds every week of organic, gluten-free granola sweetened with honey as well as The Best Bar which is an amazing grain-free seed and nut bar. I never use any refined sugars or artificial sweeteners and there are between 4 and 8 ingredients in all of my granolas and bars. All of my products are dairy free and I do offer vegan options made with 100% organic maple syrup.

Everything in my granolas and bars is good for you and gives you clean sustainable energy. I will never compromise the quality of my ingredients and will always use the very best there is. The best bar has been approved by nutritionists for both collegiate and professional athletes

What makes you happy?

Happiness is a choice. When I think of happiness I think of gratitude.

I am extremely grateful for every opportunity that has come my way. I love making amazing food and sharing with others, this truly brings me joy. My family brings me happiness, my husband, my 4 bonus children, the 10 Foster children I have had as well as the 8 children I have nannied for 3 different families.

Pricing:

• The Best Bar is $4.00 each or 3-$11. Market special of 9 for $30
• Granola is $11.00 each and market special 2-$18

Contact Info:

• Website: Getthebestbar.com
• Instagram: @premiumhoneygranola

Image Credits
Brandi Slaybaugh