Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Myers.
Kendra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started with a huge bumper crop of jalapenos that turned into the first batch of Jalapeno Jelly.
My husband and I moved to Rendon in 2008 and started a 1,000 square foot garden. We grew as much of our food as possible including jalapeno peppers. The peppers grew and grew. As we, and everyone I knew, became bored of pickled peppers I called my Memo to find other ways to preserve peppers. She gave me a recipe for Jalapeno Jelly that was an instant hit with family & friends. So much so that, I started a business selling jellies & jams at our local farmers market and other area events.
Since starting my legal Texas Cottage Food business in 2011, very little has changed. We did move back to the city, my products are all now 100% vegan, and my product list has definitely grown. But, one thing remains the same all of my products are still handmade in small batches with love. And, Jalapeno Jelly is still one of my biggest hits.
Has it been a smooth road?
I started my business on the day that the Texas Cottage Food Law went into effect. I didn’t waste any time. I read and learned the law inside and out, front to back. The hardest thing when I started my business was that most health departments hadn’t done the same. There was a barrier where there shouldn’t have been one. Most health departments are more knowledgeable on the Texas Cottage Food Law now.
In today’s fast passed times, everyone wants their purchases now. They don’t want to wait until the next event or farmers market, especially through the winter off season. Some would prefer to order online and have items shipped to their home. Under the current Texas Cottage Food Law, all online sales are prohibited as is shipping. I always tell my customers to contact their local state representatives and tell them their thoughts on the current TCFL and what changes they would like to see be made, like allowing internet sales and shipping.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I make a small batch, artisan condiments, and seasonings such as jams, jellies, mustard, and pickles. Jams & pickles are the backbones of my business but this year, I have focused on my dry spices and mixes more. I recently added a few new blends: Peppered Bac’n Salt and Spicy Everything Seasoning. Some of my biggest hitters are Sweet Hot Dill Pickles, Maple Mustard, Jalapeno Jelly, Wild Plum Jelly, and Scramble Seasoning.
I use high-quality ingredients including homegrown, organic, fair trade or locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Being green is a responsibility of Kendra’s Kreations. That is why jars, tags, boxes and jar rings are reused as much as possible and I compost. The jars I use are Made in the USA and are BPA free. I even use 100% pure vegan cane sugar.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
My small business fits in well in Fort Worth. Our city is diverse and sprawling; there is something for everyone. There is room for everyone to grow and succeed. Fort Worth is a huge community of like-minded folks in that we all want each other’s businesses to succeed and most are willing to network and build lasting business relationships.
Have you ever walked down Magnolia Avenue in Near Southside, Ft Worth? It is full of independently owned and unique businesses. It is a magical feeling and all cities need that.
I feel that just about any city could be a good place to start a business, but Fort Worth is home. I can really appreciate the streets full of mom & pop businesses. In the near future, I hope to have a storefront in this beautiful city.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kendraskreations.net
- Phone: 8178294649
- Email: kendras.kreations@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kendraskreationstexas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kendras.Kreations.Texas
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KKsTexas
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/KendrasKreation (Snapchat: KKsTexas)
Image Credit:
Kendra Myers
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