The Granola Guru: A Woman-Owned Brand Revolutionizing Healthy Snacks

From College Graduate to Entrepreneur: Ayana Kelly’s Journey to Success

In 2018, Ayana Kelly had a vision, one that involved creating a business that not only satisfied her passion for health but also reflected her values of sustainability, social responsibility, and quality. After graduating from college, where she studied Environmental Science and Organizational Studies, Ayana decided to take a leap and start a company of her own.

It was in college that she discovered her love for granola, especially during late-night study sessions, and learned about its sustainability as a food source. This sparked a deep interest in crafting a snack that was not only nourishing but also aligned with her environmental values. With no prior experience running a business, Ayana plunged into the competitive food industry with one goal in mind: to create the perfect granola. Between rising food costs, tariffs, and fierce competition, Ayana is always finding creative ways to sustain her business.

Fast forward to today, and The Granola Guru is a thriving woman-owned business that’s found success in hundreds of stores all over the West Coast. With a focus on delicious, nutritious ingredients and ethical practices, The Granola Guru is carving out a unique place in the health and wellness market.

Oakland, CA – Have You Ever Wanted a Granola That Hits All the Notes?

The Granola Guru is just that! A woman-owned and operated granola company founded by Ayana Kelly. All the granolas are gluten-free, vegan, refined-sugar free, and incorporate various locally sourced superfood ingredients and nut butters. Ayana knew that to bring something new to the market it could not just be a standard granola, it had to be elevated.

From locally sourcing the stars of each handcrafted blend to carefully creating each recipe before launch, this granola brand is a true labor of love. “When I began my entrepreneurial journey, my parents gave me six months,” says Ayana Kelly, The Granola Guru Founder. “It was tough for the first couple of years, but here I am years later with my granola being sold all over the West Coast, with a new line of powerhouse bars that I have just added to my line. My favorite part is watching my business expand and grow year after year. At this point, I think I am definitely qualified to call myself The Granola Guru.”

Dedicated to creating the absolute best quality granola, each batch of The Granola Guru contains everything you want and nothing you don’t. There are currently 8 superfood flavors and 3 bars. From classic to creative, there is a granola for every day. Take your pick from:

A Passion for Health and Community

What started as a humble desire to create a snack that was both delicious and nourishing quickly evolved into something much larger. Ayana’s drive came from a personal mission to promote healthier alternatives for people who wanted to make better food choices without compromising on flavor.

“I wanted to create a snack that I could feel good about eating, something that I could share with my family, friends, and the community,” Ayana explains. “The Granola Guru is all about nourishing people with clean, wholesome ingredients. And as a woman entrepreneur, I wanted to build a brand that not only delivered great food but also stood for something meaningful.”

The Granola Guru’s products are crafted using only the finest plant-based ingredients. The granolas are 100% vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, offering health-conscious consumers a tasty, guilt-free option. And for those with a sweet tooth, The Granola Guru offers two entirely sugar-free blends, perfect for anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake.

Ayana's approach to business isn’t just about health, it’s also about contributing to the community. “We’re committed to environmental responsibility and local sourcing,” she says. “Supporting local farms and small businesses is at the heart of what we do. It’s not just about the product; it’s about creating a positive impact in the community.”

Crafting Superfoods for a Healthier Tomorrow

The Granola Guru’s product lineup includes more than just traditional granola. With the launch of their new line of handcrafted superfood granola bars, Ayana is expanding the brand’s reach and offering customers even more ways to incorporate healthful, nutrient-dense foods into their daily routine. These bars, enriched with cacao, turmeric, matcha, and nut butters, deliver an antioxidant-packed, energizing snack for busy, health-conscious individuals on the go.

The company’s commitment to crafting healthy, convenient snacks couldn’t be more timely. As demand for superfood-infused products continues to rise, The Granola Guru is positioned to provide a product that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition. Whether you’re hiking, working out, or just need a quick snack during the day, The Granola Guru’s superfood granola bars provide the perfect balance of taste and health benefits.

“I’m so proud of our new superfood granola bars,” Ayana says. “They’re handcrafted with care, and every ingredient is chosen for its nutritional value. We believe in making healthy snacking easy without compromising on flavor or quality.”

About The Granola Guru

From humble beginnings working 12-hour days baking the granola in small batches in a commercial kitchen with her mother to now producing thousands of pounds a month, The Granola Guru is on shelves in hundreds of stores all over the West Coast, including large retailers like Whole Foods Market, Lazy Acres, Lunardi's, Mollie Stones, Safeway, Andronicos, and Bristol Farms.

A Minority Woman Entrepreneur Making Waves

Ayana’s journey as a minority woman entrepreneur is one of resilience, innovation, and determination. In an industry that’s often dominated by larger, well-established brands, Ayana’s success is a powerful reminder of the impact that small, women-led businesses can have. But it’s not just about breaking barriers, it’s also about inspiring others to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

“I started The Granola Guru because I wanted to prove that a solo woman entrepreneur could build something meaningful and lasting,” she says. “It hasn’t been easy, but every milestone, every store that carries our products, reminds me that I’m on the right path.”

Ayana’s story is one of persistence. She has navigated the challenges of starting a business from scratch, building her brand’s reputation, and expanding into new markets. And through it all, she has maintained an unwavering commitment to producing products that are as good for the body as they are for the planet.

The Granola Guru’s Growth and Future Plans

Since its humble beginnings, The Granola Guru has grown exponentially. The company now operates in hundreds of stores on the West Coast, and with the success of its latest products, Ayana has her eyes set on further expansion. As the demand for healthy snacks continues to rise, she plans to bring The Granola Guru to new markets and broaden the company’s product offerings.

“We’re just getting started,” Ayana says. “There’s so much more we want to do, and I’m excited to see where the next few years take us. We’re always looking for ways to innovate and improve, whether that’s by introducing new products or finding more sustainable practices for our business.”

In addition to expanding the brand’s footprint, Ayana is also focused on deepening The Granola Guru’s commitment to environmental sustainability. From packaging choices to sourcing ingredients, the company is always looking for ways to lessen its impact on the planet.

Join the Granola Guru Movement

For those seeking a healthier, more responsible way to snack, The Granola Guru offers a range of delicious, plant-powered options that nourish both body and mind. The new superfood granola bars are just one example of how Ayana is revolutionizing the snack industry, and there’s much more to come.

Visit The Granola Guru's official website to learn more about the company’s mission and shop their full lineup of granolas and granola bars. Follow @thegranola_guru on Instagram for product updates, recipes, and to stay connected with the growing brand.

If you’re looking for a snack that supports your health goals without sacrificing taste, The Granola Guru is the brand you need. Try their superfood-packed snacks today and see why they’re becoming a favorite on the West Coast and beyond.