Women's History Month: How The Apple Gal went from small kitchen to big success
TYLER, Texas (KETK) — From begging her friends and family to buy caramel apples to a booming business, this Tyler business owner has proven one vision can lead to sweet success.
In honor of March being Women's History Month, KETK news is uncovering the journeys of women business owners who turned their dreams into reality.
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The Apple Gal first started in the small personal kitchen of Van native and former fourth-grade teacher, Morgan Francis. Having educators in her family, Francis was always taught to 'follow the rules' and to find a 'safe job' but by making the abrupt decision to stop teaching in 2019, she was able to follow her dreams.
'After I had my first child, I went back to work after maternity leave for about five weeks and that's all I needed to go home and tell my husband I'm not going back to work,' Francis said. 'To help with that decision, I told him for fun I would make some apples to sell to our friends.'
Photos courtesy of Morgan Francis
The decision to sell apples to her friends was the 'pivotal moment' that helped Francis grow from one order to 150 before she knew it. Francis first started perfecting a caramel recipe and dipping apples in her 1940s personal kitchen inside the Loop of Tyler.
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'It was not only a home kitchen, it was the tiniest shoe box kitchen and it was good for me because I was able to learn proficiency and be organized,' Francis said.
Eventually, the demand for apples outgrew the capacity of Francis' home kitchen, and The Apple Gal Candy Co. opened their doors to a brick-and-mortar shop in May 2023.
Photos courtesy of Morgan Francis
As her caramel apples flew off the shelves, Francis now had the ability to focus on what is truly important to her, her family and giving back to the community. When Francis isn't working at the shop, you can find her sharing apples with local hospitals, schools and law enforcement.
'That's what's important to me, how much can I help the community around me and how much time can I spend with my family,' Francis said.
Photos courtesy of Morgan Francis
Although The Apple Gal 'quickly blossomed into a booming business,' Francis said she has many goals to reach for the business in the coming years.
'My goal would be multiple locations throughout the country, shipping out of a huge warehouse and my apples in a department store,' Francis said. 'I just want everyone to have an Apple Gal apple.'
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People can find the signature hand-dipped granny smith apples at 2459 Mosaic Way in Tyler or by ordering on The Apple Gal website.
Photos courtesy of Morgan Francis
Some of The Apple Gal signature apple flavors include:
Salted Caramel
Almond Joy
Salted Peanut
Apple Pie
Italian Cream Cake
German Chocolate Cake
Star Crunch
Cookies and Cream
Butterfinger
Sprinkle
Cookie Butter
Heath
Peanut Butter Cup
Circus Animal
Moo Crunch
Pecan
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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