Trendsetter to Know: Ali Patton of Mama Mitchell’s Pound Cake

A typical day in my life includes… I am up by 5:30am every morning. Even if I wanted to sleep late, my internal clock just seems to always get me out of bed! I walk straight to the coffee pot because I can’t live without this first cup. I thoroughly enjoy this quiet time before I start my day. I will read a quick devotion, check emails, and head out for an early morning 6-8 mile run (on the mornings that allow). I will then have a quick breakfast and begin knocking out my daily to-do list.

This typically includes travel prep for my consulting job, reports, inventory/ingredient ordering for cakes, QuickBooks, baking, shipping out cakes, Farmer’s Market Day prep, a quick lunch, phone calls, and carving out intentional networking time to market around town Mama Mitchell’s Pound Cake. I cherish the rare nights that allow for a delicious dinner at any of the incredible restaurants around town with friends, good wine, and lots of laughs. 

I was born… In Sweet Home Alabama (Birmingham, AL,) and a proud University of Alabama Alumni),

My favorite thing about Arizona… Where do I start? The people! Since moving to AZ from AL in 2019, I have been in awe of this community. The people here are so kind, caring, and supportive. I’m also convinced, living in a resort destination is by far the way to go!  The weather, active lifestyle, sunsets, resorts, pools, endless outdoor activities, incredible restaurants, sports teams and the tight-knit community. Oh wait, is this why it is called,“The most liveable city?” 

I’m listening to… My Spotify playlist. It is a collection of all sorts of tunes. Depends on my mood! Whatever the song, music is a must for my early morning outdoor run. 

My family… Is my heartbeat. My support system. We are so close and I thank God every single day they are mine. As I see my parents getting older, I cherish every text message, phone call, and Facetime opportunity. My brother and sister keep me grounded and humble. When my niece and nephews were born, they flooded my life with a sense of purpose and continue to do so each day. 

If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Mama Mitchell and my Uncle Hershel. I lost them 5 months apart from one another in 2019. I would give anything to have a meal around the table with them at The Armstrong House. This was a treasured place we would go to every summer for our family reunions. I would tell them all about the Mama Mitchell’s Pound Cake business and have Mama Mitchell make for us her famous pound cake for dessert one last time.  

One thing I cannot live without… Sleep! I am a firm believer in 8hrs when all possible! 

When I was younger, I wanted to be… “A teenager” This is according to what is written in my baby book at home. (Apparently, I said this quite a few times growing up. Ha!)

I’m inspired by…  Carrie Morey, the owner of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits in Charleston, SC. As an Entrepreneur, She has been able to grow this unbelievable, women-owned, Southern biscuit business into a wildly successful company. She has been an incredible mentor for me since starting Mama Mitchell’s, and I am so grateful to call her my friend. Another Entrepreneur that I am incredibly inspired by is Stephanie Summerson Hall, the owner and creator of Estelle Colored Glass.

Her brand has exploded in the last few years since launching, and it is truly remarkable! Both of these women motivate and inspire me each day to keep chasing my dream and have proven that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

The one person who motivates me is… My Mom. I don’t know if I’ve ever met a stronger person mentally, physically and emotionally. Seeing how she’s persevered through some of life’s toughest times and still continues on with such grace and positivity is motivating every day. She is my world and the rock of our family.

If I could change anything in the world, it would be… Mental Illness. This hits very close to home for me and I feel there isn’t enough research, options for families, facilities, or communication around this disease. It’s OK not to be OK and ask for help. 

The perfect day would be… Waking up at one of my favorite hotels, The Restoration, in one of my favorite cities, Charleston, SC. The morning would start with grabbing coffee and a big Southern-style breakfast at a place called Miller’s All Day or Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit. I would stroll down King Street for a little retail therapy, before packing a cooler full of snacks, drinks and sandwiches for a day out on the boat with friends. The day would end with dinner at 167 Raw for oysters, a hot lobster roll and dirty martinis! 

My first job was… Babysitting. Growing up, I lived on the best street called, Paige Drive. All the neighbors were more like family and the parents were always needing babysitters. There were always plenty of “teenagers” to choose from to help watch the kids. 

My favorite escape… Was a trip of a lifetime in 2019, to Australia. I was able to travel there and stayed for a month. Sydney, Cairns, The Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island, and snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef were priceless memories that will be ingrained in my mind for the rest of my life. 

My life… Has been an adventure and brought me right to where I am supposed to be. The people, places, decisions, and lessons learned have been stepping stones for growth and continuous development. 

I’m currently working on… Living out my Grandmother’s legacy by starting Mama Mitchell’s Pound Cake. This treasured family recipe dates back to the 1800s, and the story behind who she was and the love that showed to so many, is something I am so inspired to share with you! I am currently working on learning how to scale the business so that one day I can have my very own Mama Mitchell’s storefront. 

Always… Find a way to express gratitude throughout life, even if it is the smallest of things.

Never… Let the naysayers hold you back or get the best of you. 

Favorite Quote… It’s not necessarily a quote, but it is a line from the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness that I love: “You got a dream… You gotta protect it. People can’t do somethin’ themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want somethin’, go get it. Period.” -Chris Gardner

Biggest Dream… Is just getting started with Mama Mitchell’s and would love to have you follow along!

My Pet Peeve(s)… People chewing loudly next to me. I actually think scientists have deemed this pet peeve as something called, “Misophonia” and I am pretty sure I have it. Ha! 

More About Ali Patton:
Hey Y’all! My name is Ali Patton, and I am the owner and baker behind Mama Mitchell’s Pound Cake. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, my Southern roots run deep and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Growing up as a child, you would often find me playing in the neighborhood with lifelong friends from dawn until dusk, enjoying time with family, and always trying to keep up with my older siblings, Aimee and Andy. Imagination and curiosity have forever been ingrained within me and have carried well into my adulthood.

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communication from The University of Alabama, I have spent the last decade of my life traveling and flying over a million miles as a full-time International Business Consultant. I am passionate about helping others set goals, grow their businesses, and achieve their dreams, but when I found myself lying awake night after night, thinking about my own dream, I had finally run out of reasons not to chase after it. When Mama Mitchell passed in 2019, a massive piece of my heart was gone, and in that moment, I decided to honor her legacy and share with the world who she was. 

Having never felt more nervous, scared and excited in my life, I have poured my heart and soul into launching Mama Mitchell’s Pound Cake. This is the biggest aspiration I’ve ever chased, and I’m thrilled to have you along on this journey with me.