Meet Amy Larabell of Preppedaz in East Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Larabell.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I founded the business as a new mom wanting to spend more time with my family. I was nannying full-time and with a husband working nights and weekends we were working opposite schedules and our family time was dwindling. I had always loved cooking and often it was included in my contracts with my nanny families. I started seeing a naturopathic physician in 2016 and it forever changed me. It was suggested to me to start a gluten free, dairy free, soy free, sugar-free diet, grain free, preservative free diet (paleo diet) and while I was hesitant I was willing to try anything to resolve some of my symptoms. While studying the diet and alternative healthcare, I learned a lot about anti-inflammatory diets, gut health and how to heal the body with food. I became passionate about the idea that food was medicine and that what we consume directly affects how we feel and how our bodies perform. I wanted to play a roll in educating and helping people through the journey but wasn’t sure what my place was. I decided to combine my passions and start a meal prep and delivery company with all paleo and organic meals. Like any business, it took me a while to start but 1.5 years later, I am so happy with what has come of the business. We donate 10% of our income or meals to a family in need weekly as I truly feel the business and growth is a blessing that needs to be used to bless others.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I haven’t always been the most self-sufficient person when it came to hard tasks and when I told my husband I wanted to start this business he encouraged me to do it on my own from start to finish. I was highly discouraged looking for rental kitchens, trying to learn how to file taxes and start an LLC and working to get certified through the health department but there is nothing more rewarding than knowing I built this company myself from the ground up. The overhead was fairly low and in general, the startup was easy.

Preppedaz – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are one of the only meal prep companies who offer organic foods. We are huge believers in organic farming and consumption. We also set ourselves apart by not just offering “weight loss” type meals that may not actually be a quality product. We work alongside many Dr’s offices to help with patients experiencing pain, digestive issues, autoimmune and thyroid conditions and who just generally need to change their habits and lifestyle. Our community support through donation is my favorite part of our Sunday work days. We have donated thousands of dollars worth of meals to cancer patients, families with loved ones in the hospital, single parents and low-income families in the East Valley area and will continue to do so weekly.

Do you feel like there are certain traits that increase the likelihood of success?
Communicating with my clients is so important to me. In the beginning we had a lot of growing pains. The business can be tricky and if you cook 50 servings worth of something and it doesn’t come out how you wanted its a huge disappointment. When you’re familiar and in relationship with the people ordering they’re much more forgiving. We send out emails and text messages frequently asking people for their opinions and feedback and get to know our customers and their preferences. Having an amazing employee who is knowledgeable and  independent helps a lot as well.

Pricing:

• individual meals $15
• Family size meals $68

Contact Info:

• Address: 535 s. Gilbert Road at the cottage wedding venue
• Website: Preppedaz.com
• Phone: 5099363522
• Email: amyb11@live.com
• Instagram: @preppedaz
• Facebook: preppedaz

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.