47 IMPACT Gayla’s Grits oF Lakeland, Georgia WRITTEN BY JOHN STEPHEN PHOTOS BY PAUL LEAVY AND JAKE PARRIS In 1997 South Georgia farmer Kevin Shaw and his wife, Gayla, began grinding their naturally grown white corn into grits for personal consumption. When they started bagging the grits as Christmas gifts for family and friends — who raved over the unique, creamy flavor as well as the couple’s personal recipe on the bag — a new business was born. Gayla’s Grits is now a colorful, vibrant brand that is staying true to its roots. All corn for the gluten-free product is grown with heirloom seeds on the family farm in Lakeland, Georgia. The grits are authentic and created with care — and they receive an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from consumers.