About

Hi, I’m Ilana, the maker behind Little Box Homemade. As a mom, I do my best to be mindful about what my family and I put into our bodies. I’ve always tried to steer clear of overly processed foods, refined sugar, and seed oils—and I couldn’t help but notice that even store bought granola, which should be simple and nourishing, was often packed with unnecessary ingredients. I thought, I can do better.

In 2024, while nannying my nieces and nephews, I thought it'd be fun to make a batch of peanut butter granola from scratch. They loved it, and that moment sparked something in me. I began experimenting with flavors in my kitchen, and not long after, I bought my first dehydrator. Bananas, apples, strawberries—what started as a fun experiment became a hit with my family, especially the kids. Friends shared the snacks with their children who didn’t usually like fruit, and I kept hearing the same feedback: “It tastes like candy.”

Originally from Arizona, I now live in Fenton, Michigan, with my husband and son. Drawing inspiration from all of the local farm and baked-goods stands I love, I decided to get creative. With limited space in front of our house, I repurposed a "Free Little Library" into a granola and fruit stand. That’s how Little Box Homemade was born—named for the little box out front and the little box we call home.

From that humble beginning, a local following grew, with regulars stopping by daily for their favorite flavors. Word spread quickly, and soon Little Box Homemade found its way into a few local shops, including the iconic Yates Cider Mill.

At its heart, Little Box Homemade is about real, wholesome food made with simple, organic ingredients. Every batch is crafted with care, creativity, and the joy of knowing that something so small can bring so much happiness.