Stacey Little, the founder of the popular food blog Southern Bite, has had quite a remarkable journey, one that demonstrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Born into a life of poverty, Stacey vividly recalls his childhood experiences, which were filled with struggle yet marked by his mothers efforts to bring joy to their simple existence. Growing up in a trailer with his parents, he often wore clothes purchased from Walmart, and meals typically consisted of boxed macaroni and cheese, which his mother enhanced with a dash of pepper to make it feel special.

Despite the financial hardships, Stacey found adventure in simple moments, such as accompanying his mother on trips to a nearby gas station to use a payphone, since they had no phone at home. Yet, school was a different story. Stacey faced relentless bullying from his peers, which only added to the weight of his familys economic struggles. In a bid to help her son fit in, his mother once opened a credit card account to buy him a pair of Levis jeanshis first pair of brand-new jeans. This moment was transformative for Stacey, instilling in him the belief that aspiring for better things was not only acceptable but commendable.

Stacey's financial struggles were a continuation of a cycle of poverty that had persisted through generations in his family. Nevertheless, he was determined to break that cycle. He dedicated himself to his education, eventually graduating with a degree that led to a job at a nonprofit organization. After marrying his high school sweetheart, Heather, they purchased a home and cars, and for a time, it seemed they had achieved financial stability. However, the stability was short-lived; Stacey lost his job unexpectedly, which sent him spiraling back into financial uncertainty.

To avoid moving back in with his parents, Stacey resorted to using credit cards to make ends meet. Unfortunately, the situation worsened, particularly after the birth of their son, Jack, in 2008. On the very day Jack was born, Stacey made the difficult decision to declare bankruptcy, marking a significant turning point in their lives.

In the midst of their financial struggles, Stacey found solace and a new direction by launching his food blog, Southern Bite. Initially focused on restaurant reviews, the blog quickly morphed into a platform for sharing recipes, attracting a growing audience. Balancing his day job at another nonprofit with the demanding schedule of a growing blog proved challenging, but Stacey persevered. His hard work paid off when an editor reached out to him with the opportunity to write a cookbook, which further expanded his audience.

Stacey prayed for a sign indicating it was time to leave his nonprofit job. That sign arrived abruptly when half of his staff was laid off without warning. While Heather was understandably upset, Stacey felt a sense of peace wash over him. He seized the moment to focus entirely on Southern Bite, and remarkably, his income from the blog never dipped below what he had earned at his previous job.

Today, Southern Bite has blossomed into a seven-figure business, allowing Stacey to build a home that includes a custom test kitchen, office space, and a studio. While he may not yet be a millionaire, he is closer than he ever imagined, and his family enjoys a level of financial security that once seemed unattainable. The simple act of grocery shopping without needing to check prices is now a reality for them. This newfound freedom also allows him to take his family on vacationsexperiences that were completely out of reach during his own childhood.

Stacey is deeply aware of the privilege he has earned and strives to instill a sense of perspective in his son Jack, who is now 16 years old. They have frequent discussions about money, emphasizing respect and understanding for those who are less fortunate. Jack has taken up golf, a sport that was beyond Stacey's financial reach as a teenager. Reflecting on his own childhood, Stacey recalls yearning to attend a sixth-grade field trip to Washington, D.C., which his family could not afford. Now, he finds joy in being able to sponsor Jack's golf tournaments and even help his mother buy a house.

Gratitude fills Staceys heart for the financial stability he has achieved. He feels a profound sense of responsibility to use his position to make the world a better place, a calling that initially drew him to the nonprofit sector. Family dinners, he believes, are vital to maintaining strong connections, and they have become a cherished, non-negotiable tradition in his home. Through food, Stacey finds a powerful means to connect with his loved ones, and he recognizes that such connections are worth more than any material possessions.