Hi! We are Rick and Luann Mabie. We decided that after 25+ years in the welding and nursing industry that we were “bored” and needed to spice up our life. So, we decided to dive right into this “jelly” business. We both work full time jobs. Rick works on the road as a welding inspector and Luann is a nurse practitioner with 25 years of service in the nursing industry. A majority of our time is spent with our family and serving our church.
Both of us have a little family business history. Rick’s grandfather owned a local bar and grill in DuBois and Luann’s family owned owned a restaurant outside Punxsutawney, so we feel that this small business is “in our blood.” Rick has a passion for cooking homemade meals for his family and believes that he can share his passion with others.
After much debate, discussion and some underlying passion, we decided to buy Carriage House Creations from David and Louise. We have worked very closely with them to learn their secret recipes, style of cooking and preparation of each of their products. We learned that this is more than a business for them, that everything they produce comes from their heart.
We have spent the last few months learning about how to set up a small business, guys this is NOT for the faint of heart! All you small business owners out there, we are giving you a shout out!! We teamed up with Corry Riley from Clarion University’s Small Business Development Center to help us understand all the documentation and processes involved with getting our business started. If you are thinking about starting your own small business and don’t know where to start, give Corry a call he is amazing!
This business is a new world for us that is definitely keeping us busy. We are now spending our quality time together by cutting and chopping fresh fruits and vegetables for our delicious creations.
Since we are just getting started, we plan on selling our products on our website, local craft and food festivals, and in a few locations around town. You’ll be able to find select products at Two Birch Winery in DuBois, Hepler’s Country Store in Brockport, Laurel Mountain Winery in DuBois and at The Elk Viewing Center in Benezette.
Lastly, we wouldn’t be where we are today without some very special and supportive people in our lives. First, we need to thank God for allowing this opportunity and blessing to enter our lives.
Thank you to David, Louise, Ginger, and Megan who have provided us with so much support, mentorship and encouragement in the purchase their business.
To our daughter, Nicole, for this amazing website, facebook page and our social media outlets. Without her, you guys would be looking at an outdated site and have to call us to place an order.
To our daughter, Kiley, son in law, Todd and our granddaughters, Paige and Hannah, for helping with all the odds and ends, from picking up produce to helping at our first festival and working behind the scenes to keep us rolling. We don’t know what we would do without you guys!
Keeping it all in the family, we have to thank our talented sister in law, Michelle with Everything Lovely Photography, for the glamorous photos of our products! She has made each of them look so delicious! We also need to thank Toni and Mike for allowing us to place our products at their winery shop.
To Nicky Stello for helping with our glass needs and working with us financially and with our billing.
Lastly, if you find yourself in need of some electrical work, reach out to Bloom Electric! They have been professional and quick with our needs.
We know that the days ahead will be challenging, however we believe with our faith in God and our amazing customers, this will be successful. We are pleased to be able to spread the farm fresh taste and home cooked goodness with our family and friends. We hope that you enjoy this journey as much as we do! If you haven’t “liked” our Facebook page, please do!