Today we’d like to introduce you to Camille Cortinas.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always loved pickles. A defining moment was a jar of pickles from Choke Cherry Farms in Colorado. After visiting the farm I would order and have them shipped to Texas. I was obsessed with the quality of small batch goods. The brine was my wine. HA! I started pickling and aimed to capture the same flavors. Mostly just as a means to save money from all the online pickle ordering. Anyway, it seems I got carried away, and in 2011 Yims Foods was created with the loving help of my Mother Judy McClellan Cortinas. Her passion for constantly making and creating just about anything has inspired me to do the same. She handles all the fruit jams and preserves and I focus on the pickling . Fortunately for me she’s business savvy, has mad bookkeeping skills and has kept us on a slow and steady incline. It wouldn’t be possible without her smarts,It also enables me to be on the front lines serving as the face of the company connecting with our customers.
John Lefler, my close friend and bandmate handles all my graphic designing and labels, I have been privileged to work alongside people I consider friends and mentors. (farms, photographers, local businesses, restaurants owners to name a few)
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road but that’s not to say it’s not been enjoyable. We are figuring a lot out as we go. There is no script or rule book to follow. That’s both intimidating and encouraging. We build our own path and i’m grateful for everything that comes along.
It’s important to run this business heart centered. Maintaining that frame of mind is quite a balance when running your own company. It can be a risky, scary backbreaking endevour. Ridding FEAR from your vocabulary is a must.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Yims Foods story. Tell us more about the business.
Yims Foods offer artisan pickled vegetables, preserved fruits, jams, and jellies.
All items are made in small batches with special attention to detail and quality in The Mix commercial kitchen in Dallas, Texas.
Awards:
Texas State Fair Awarded Products include:
Salvador Dillies
Tomatillo Salsa
Brussels Sprouts
Pickled Carrots with Onions and Jalapenos
Apple Butter
Available in these storefronts in the DFW area:
Williams Sonoma- Northpark Center
Local Yocal Farm to Market- Mckinney
Rooster Home and Hardware- East Dallas
Opening Bell Coffee- The Cedars in Dallas
Allgood Cafe- Deep Ellum
We delight our customers with the best pickles and jams/jellies they have ever tasted and work to support local farms and celebrate food traditions while doing it. We enjoy working and supporting local businesses – knowing that they appreciate the quality products we bring. As a local business, we love the connection we all have with each other, and the consumers appreciate the partnerships.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
We’ve taken a very grassroots approach and would love to see our products in as many local businesses and storefronts as we can. Starting local and working our way to a mainstream clientele.
We are in need of expanding our team and hiring on more employees in order to keep up with the demand for sales. We are getting our butts kicked but in the best way possible. Maybe, I should call up shark tank. Kidding but not kidding. haha!
Contact Info:
- Address: available every Saturday at White Rock Farmers Market
9150 Garland Road - Website: www.yimsfoods.com
- Email: yimsfoods@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yimsfoods/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YimsFoods/
Image Credit:
Carissa Byers
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