Exploring Life & Business with Serbennia Davis of Jelly Lady

Today we’d like to introduce you to Serbennia Davis.

Hi Serbennia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
If you try it, you’ll buy it! In 2023, I was asked to make Pepper Jelly and came up with my own recipes. I offer free jelly-tastings at every event. My mouthwatering gourmet jellies comes in a variety of fruits and over 30 flavors. I participate as frequently as possible at pop-ups, farmers markets, and craft shows.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Biggest stuggles have been staffing more than one event at a time and demand & supply.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jelly Lady?
I started participating in craft shows while serving Grove City Arts Council as a member, later as President. We rented circus-size tents during local events. Artists sold their paintings, crafts, and photography images. I’ve hosted free monthly Sip & Shop Paint Parties for “Veterans-only” with the support of local vendors and family members.
My most proudest moment was when I participated in a 3-day craft show selling my handsewn apparel. That’s when I discovered how much people really loved jellies!
Know that dedication is imperative when starting a business. Profits don’t come rapidly. Owning a business has be a labor of love. Participating in pop-ups are not easy either. There are always distractions and expenses. The hours in preparation are often long. Expenses for supplies, vendor fees, insurance and point-of-sale fees adds up quickly
My products are home-produced and made from scratch. I use fresh fruits in every jelly/jam recipe. It takes 4-8 hours to cook fruit, wash & sterilize jars, mix recipes, fill jars, place them in hot water baths, wait for them to cool and set, fulfill Department of Agriculture labeling requirements, then take them to market to sell.
Orders are often taken online through my jellylady.net website, and social media platforms (FB, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn) mail orders, porch pick-ups and delivery.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Educate yourself before spending any money. I worked on details for starting a business for six months before moving forward with a Tax ID or Federal government EIN. Learn how others began their businesses in the areas which you’re interested in pursuing. Don’t be afraid to utilize free services from SBA, ECDI, SCORE and other non-profit organizations. Watch out for scam artists. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Know the business laws in your community and in your field.

Pricing:

• $8/4 oz jar
• $12/8 oz jar
• $5/ slice of ooey-gooey butter cake
• $25/ qtr sheet cake

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jellylady.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jellylady2024
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1bqBCtT37u/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serbenniadavis
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/RXBj0G-Kbd8
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jellylady64