Samantha Peavy—The Lasagna FaKtory
Samantha Peavy, The Lasagna FaKtory, Norfolk, VA
Years in Business: 10 years
From healthier family dinners to a growing leadership and community ecosystem, founder Sam “The Lasagna Lady®” is expanding what a food business can be through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready (VSBDR) in partnership with National Disability Institute (NDI).
Sam started with a simple goal: help her children and family eat healthier meals without losing the comfort and connection of sharing food. As she experimented with familiar favorites and healthier ingredients, she created new family staples, including ground turkey lasagna, vegetable lasagna and shredded chicken lasagna. Those recipes multiplied into thousands more and eventually into a brand rooted in what Sam calls “The Lasagna Lens,” the belief that lasagna is more than food. It is love, strategy, culture and community layered with intention.
Before she joined VSBDR, Sam faced a challenge many entrepreneurs know well: how to position and grow her business sustainably while paying herself the salary she deserved. She also wanted to better understand government contracting, identify the right opportunities and complete applications with confidence instead of losing time on the wrong paths. As a business owner with a traumatic brain injury, she faced another barrier: finding support that understood both entrepreneurship and disability inclusion in a food business. “There were moments when I was told that I should not have a business because of my disability,” Sam said. “But I refused to allow those words to define me.”
Through NDI and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Sam found what she describes as alignment: courses, events and practical tools that strengthened the blueprint of her business. She focused on building layered systems for long-term sustainability by scaling intentionally, hiring and onboarding with purpose, strengthening leadership and improving how she communicates her vision to customers and partners. Just as important, VSBDR supported Sam as a whole entrepreneur. Instead of reducing her to a diagnosis, the program connected her with resources and a community that helped her move forward with clarity and confidence.
Results and momentum With a stronger foundation in place, Sam reports clear progress, including:
- More speaking engagements and greater confidence as a communicator and visionary leader
- Stronger infrastructure planning and updated financial projections to support sustainable growth
- A financial systems and accounting alignment strategy that now serves as a core operational framework
- A clearer organizational structure and greater awareness of tax compliance and operational excellence
Today, Sam is transitioning from Sam’s Gourmet Lasagna to The Lasagna FaKtory, a “layered leadership and economic ecosystem” brand that connects food, innovation, leadership, culture and community impact. Her work now goes beyond meals to experiences that bring people together. She teaches grandparents and grandchildren to cook side by side and partners with schools to create family engagement events where families build a pan of lasagna together. “Lasagna became more than a meal,” Sam said. “It became a symbol of connection, healing, creativity, love and togetherness.”
Advice Sam shares with other entrepreneurs: Lean into your strengths, don’t despise small beginnings and stay open to support. For entrepreneurs with disabilities, Sam offers this reminder: your story is not over, and the right education, community and tools can help you take the next courageous step.
About the business: The Lasagna FaKtory, founded by Sam “The Lasagna Lady®,” is evolving beyond gourmet lasagna into a brand centered on connection, layering food, leadership, culture and community impact through “The Lasagna Lens.”
Ready to strengthen your own business blueprint? Explore free courses, tools and community through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready (VSBDR) in partnership with NDI. Use these resources to build stronger systems, sharpen your strategy, and grow with confidence, no matter what stage you are in.