Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Romance.
Tess, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Lots of people ask me how I got started with elderberry syrup. Well, I found out about elderberry syrup when I was expecting my first child. I had a bad sinus infection and was looking for natural remedies that I could use during pregnancy. During my search, I came across elderberry syrup. I bought some at the store and it really helped me feel better. However it was expensive, did not taste very good, and I was not a fan of some of the ingredients (preservatives, thickeners, and processed sugar).
So, my husband suggested that I try to make it myself! After experimenting with recipes for a little while, I finally loved the taste, had the ingredients I wanted, and the rest is history! Shortly after, friends and family started asking for some… then neighbors… then mom groups, and so on. I decided to get licensed, began making it in a commercial kitchen, and now I am selling it locally and online. It’s available in several retail locations, I ship throughout the US, and I attend market events in hopes to share my knowledge and this miracle elixir with everyone!
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s definitely hard to start your own business, especially with two small children at home!! Balancing family and work time is difficult. As well, getting all my licenses, kitchen inspections, and food permits was a hard process in the beginning. But all worth it to be able to help people feel better!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mama T’s Elderberry Syrup story. Tell us more about the business.
I’m Tess, aka Mama T! After studying culinary arts and researching natural remedies, I started making my own elderberry syrup. Elderberry has been used as a natural medicine for centuries and is making a big comeback due to its amazing benefits. Elderberries are full of antioxidants and naturally boost the immune system! There have been many medical studies done on elderberries/elderberry syrup and it has been shown to shorten sick time with the flu, colds, and viruses. It is also great for your heart and skin. I’m not a doctor so don’t take my word for it, but with just a quick google search, you can see all the benefits and medical studies for yourself!! I also use local, raw honey in my recipe and many believe that taking it consistently eases seasonal allergies.
Now you can buy mass-produced elderberry products at many stores. However, they have a terrible taste and are full of preservatives, thickeners, processed sugars… so many ingredients you cannot pronounce. I feel like these types of ingredients not only affect the flavor but also negatively impact the benefits of the elderberry. I am very proud to say that my syrup is made fresh with organic elderberries and spices and also Texas-local raw honey! It tastes delicious!! I have so many moms tell me that Mama T’s is the only brand their kids will take, and they beg for it!
Helping others is my love language, and this business gives me that opportunity! I am constantly hearing positive feedback from my customers that it helped them kick a sickness quickly, are feeling better in general, or have stopped taking their allergy medications because of Mama T’s elderberry syrup. I love that I can provide people with something that tastes great and improves their health at a reasonable price!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I believe that food is medicine. In the last few years, I have seen a big shift in people making healthier choices as to what they put in and on their bodies. My hope in the next 5-10 years is that this trend continues. I believe with less reliance on chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and more natural remedies and organic whole-food choices, everyone would have health benefits and feel better!
Contact Info:
- Website: MamaTsTexas.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/mamatstexas
- Facebook: facebook.com/mamatstexas
Image Credit:
Allyson Warren Photography (first picture)
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