Meet the woman behind the vision. Mary- Alice Small, known to most as "Shorty" was born on October 18, 1943 in Louisiana. She moved to Chicago Heights, IL at a young age where she and her husband Robert "Boboo" Small raised their three sons. The youngest of the three would be the first to make her a grandma... Mimi. Shorty was a force to be reckoned with. A ball of fire and fun wrapped inside a 4' 11" package. Mimi, on the other hand, while still fun but stern, was more gentle with her expression of love. Her southern twang and gentle disposition created memories and lessons that will last longer than a lifetime. A teacher by profession, she embodied that gift and used those skills as the guide for teaching her children and grandchildren how to cook. Aside from sharing her sharp wit and blunt humor, she was a culinary genius. It is her classic recipes and love of the arts that are responsible for inspiring the cultural flare behind the brand. She passed in April of 2016, but through her recipes we invite you to share in the love and traditions that have influenced thousands and will touch the hearts of millions.