The Story Behind Sunday Waffles: Madalyn Huen Journey from Idea to Reality

Entrepreneurship often stems from a simple idea, born out of a personal need or experience. For Maddie Hauen, the founder of Sunday Waffles, it all began with a nostalgic childhood memory—Sunday mornings spent making waffles with her dad. That tradition, filled with warmth and routine, unknowingly planted the seeds for what would later become a brand centered around creating ease in everyday life.

In a recent episode of Behind the Business, Maddie shared her inspiring journey from being a freelance personal assistant to launching The Bevvy Tote, her first product under the Sunday Waffles brand. Her story is one of creativity, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the struggles many women face in their daily routines.

 

From Nanny to Entrepreneur: How It All Began

Maddie’s career path wasn’t a traditional one. She spent years working in public schools as a substitute para and nannying for families, drawn to the personal connections and the problem-solving nature of the work. Over time, she realized that many families, particularly women, needed support beyond childcare.

That realization led her to create a freelance personal assistant service—a self-made role where she helped busy households with errands, organization, and even emergency childcare. She saw firsthand how women were juggling multiple responsibilities, often overwhelmed by small but persistent daily inconveniences.

One particular issue stood out to Maddie—women were constantly balancing multiple drinks throughout their day, from coffee and water bottles to smoothies and protein shakes. She watched as designer bags were ruined by spills and as drinks rolled around in cars due to a lack of cup holders. This sparked an idea: what if there was a stylish, practical solution to carry multiple drinks at once?

The Birth of The Bevvy Tote

This idea simmered in Maddie’s mind for a while, but like many aspiring entrepreneurs, she initially dismissed it as too ambitious. The world of product creation seemed complex and intimidating. However, after listening to various business podcasts and reflecting on what truly resonated with her, she realized that successful brands aren’t just about products; they’re about solving real problems for real people.

That’s when she took the leap. She began researching, sketching out ideas, and eventually found a women-owned production team in Brooklyn, New York to help bring her vision to life.

The Bevvy Tote was designed to be the ultimate drink carrier—a silicone-based, durable, and stylish solution for anyone who needed to carry multiple beverages on the go. It features:

• An easy-grip handle for hand carrying
• An adjustable shoulder strap for hands-free convenience
• A small front pocket for straws, sugar packets, or drink mixes
• Dishwasher-safe material for easy cleaning

With its sleek yet functional design, The Bevvy Tote was created by women, for women, reflecting Maddie’s commitment to addressing everyday frustrations with practical solutions.

 

From Concept to Reality: The Design and Manufacturing Process

Turning an idea into a tangible product is no easy feat. Maddie learned this firsthand as she navigated the complex world of manufacturing.

The process officially began in summer 2023, when she had her first kickoff call with the Brooklyn-based production team. She knew she had to be prepared with answers about her brand’s vision, target audience, and product functionality. By presenting a well-researched plan, she gained the confidence of her production partners, ensuring they were willing to work with her.

The first prototypes were 3D-printed shells, which were far from perfect but allowed her to test the balance, structure, and fit of different cup sizes. One major discovery was that Starbucks’ grande cold cups didn’t fit properly, causing the lids to pop off. This small but crucial detail led to design modifications, ensuring the final product could accommodate the most commonly used drink sizes.

By spring 2024, the final factory production was underway. Maddie worked closely with manufacturers to fine-tune details like color selection, strap materials, and branding elements. She even had to approve colors without seeing them in person, relying on Pantone samples and trusting the process.

Finally, in February 2025, the first shipment of 500 Bevvy Totes arrived. After months of anticipation, Maddie was finally holding her creation—a moment she described as both exhilarating and surreal.

Building a Brand with Purpose

While The Bevvy Tote is the first product under Sunday Waffles, Maddie envisions it as just the beginning. The brand name itself stems from her dad’s Sunday waffle-making tradition, a ritual that represents comfort, routine, and small joys—values she hopes to bring into her customers’ lives.

Her goal isn’t just to sell a product but to build a brand that supports small businesses and women entrepreneurs. She has intentionally chosen to wholesale The Bevvy Tote exclusively to small, independent retailers rather than big-box stores, ensuring that purchasing one also supports another woman-owned business.

Maddie is passionate about storytelling through branding, incorporating personal touches and nostalgia into her marketing. Each Bevvy Tote order includes a printed copy of her dad’s waffle recipe, complete with his original text message instructions—an Easter egg that ties back to the heart of Sunday Waffles.

Lessons Learned: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Maddie’s journey is a testament to taking the leap and figuring things out along the way. One of her biggest takeaways? You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start.

She encourages others to take the first step, even if they don’t know where it will lead. She learned that most businesses grow through trial and error, and the only way to move forward is by tackling one step at a time.

Another lesson she shared is the importance of patience in product development. While the manufacturing process took longer than expected, she emphasized that quality takes time, and it’s better to launch something well-made than to rush a subpar product to market.

What’s Next for Sunday Waffles?

While The Bevvy Tote is Maddie’s primary focus right now, she has other product ideas brewing in the background. Her dream is to expand Sunday Waffles into a brand that continues to create practical solutions for everyday problems.

She also plans to host a launch event in Omaha this spring or summer, bringing the product to her hometown audience. She is currently selling The Bevvy Tote through her website and wholesaling to select small businesses.

Final Thoughts

Maddie Huen’s journey with Sunday Waffles and The Bevvy Tote is an inspiring example of turning an everyday problem into an innovative product. Her story is rooted in nostalgia, resilience, and a commitment to empowering women—values that shine through in everything she does.

For anyone considering starting their own business, her advice is simple: “If you have something you want to do, just do it. Take the first step, and the rest will follow.”

To follow Maddie’s journey and shop The Bevvy Tote, visit Sunday Waffles website or follow her on Instagram at @_sundaywaffles.

 

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Behind the Business podcast episode released on March 10^th 2025.

The Behind the Business podcast chats with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and all-around inspiring people. We’ll talk about what it’s really like to build something from the ground up—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Whether it’s figuring out how to get started, creating a standout brand, or navigating the crazy challenges that come with running a business, these are the stories that don’t always get told.

If you love supporting small businesses, have a dream of starting your own, or just want to hear some inspiring and relatable stories, this podcast is for you. Grab a cup of coffee (or your favorite drink), hit subscribe, and join Jill for Behind the Business.

Edited by Grace Dunbar