Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Weaver
Jill, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making fudge back in high school as a part of my “Senior Project.” Part of our graduation requirements involved a year-long self-development course that culminated in a final presentation of our accomplishments at the end of the year. I decided to make and sell fudge for my project and donate the profits to our local pregnancy care center in Columbus, IN. Fudge by Jill ended up being a huge hit, so I sold it again the next year during my Christmas break from college. My husband, being the go getter that he is, decided to build a website called Jill’s Fudge during our first year of marriage. This was way back in 2006, so there was very little online competition. We sold quite a bit that year and made many trips to the post office with hand-written labels! After that first year, we moved overseas as missionaries to the country of Hungary, so the fudge business closed.
We stayed in Hungary nine years, and moved back to the States in 2016, still working with the same ministry but in Upstate New York. I was a young and overwhelmed mom at that time, so owning my own business was the last thing on my mind. It wasn’t until recently that I felt ready to take on more, now that my kids are a little older, and we’ve settled nicely in Forney. Just this past September I felt the urge to start up Fudge by Jill again, after talking with a friend who also runs a side business of her own. I couldn’t help but feel a little envious of her, and proud too! When you’re a stay at home mom, part of you is longing to have something that’s just yours to present to the world as a personal accomplishment. I prayed about it, talked with my husband, and decided to make it happen! It was a full-time job that first month, figuring out how the cottage food laws work in Texas, gathering supplies, designing a logo, and building a brand. After I was somewhat organized, I started to sell at local markets on the weekends. I’ve had pretty good success and am starting to build a local clientele in the area.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My greatest struggle is finding balance. Each morning, I ask God to help me prioritize what’s most important for that particular day. Some days it’s fudge, but most days it’s the mundane – cooking, cleaning, and serving my family. I think most women would agree that because we wear a thousand hats, not everything can be done 100% well all the time. We have to pick and choose what is most important and do our best with those particular tasks. Baking is something I LOVE to do, but I can easily lose perspective when it becomes the priority over my family and people. I have to constantly remind myself that people are what matters. I can build this fudge empire for myself and probably do okay, but if I miss out on what’s really important – teaching my children, loving my husband, serving people – what have I really accomplished? So I’ve given it to the Lord. If He wants my business to grow and thrive, He will do it.
Practically speaking, it’s been hard to build a clientele. People really like my product, but how do you make them come back? I do my best with Facebook and email, but I’m not really sure how to expand beyond those two platforms. I have found that people are beginning to recognize me at the markets, and even miss me if I’m not there, so perhaps it just takes time to build a reputation. I’ve also had trouble zeroing in on my products. I make really good fudge, but I love baking lots of other goodies too. I’ve recently started curating large trays of cookies, brownies, and fudge for different events. I’m also working on DIY cookie decorating kits for kids. It’s hard to stop with just fudge, because baking is so much fun!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Before becoming a stay at home mom, I worked for our ministry as the Admissions Director for the Word of Life Bible Institute in Hungary. My degree is in Business Administration, and I really enjoy anything pertaining to entrepreneurship and organization! I’m most proud of raising our children, Caroline (9) and Jeremiah (6). I’m a homeschool mom, so most days are spent around the dining room table with books and pencils. We have a lot of fun, but it can certainly be challenging at times. I also enjoy thrifting and flipping items on eBay for a profit. Finally I run an after-school Bible club through our church at one of our local public schools. I truly feel that my life is very rewarding. I am so grateful!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I don’t watch a lot of baking videos, but I do get a lot of inspiration by scrolling Pinterest! I’m also a part of several, baking Facebook pages that are really helpful when it comes to pricing and business advice. Personally, I enjoy listening to sermons by Alistair Begg and Gary Hamrick on YouTube. And of course, my favorite podcast belongs to my husband, Paul Weaver. It’s called “Bible and Theology Matters.”
Pricing:
- 1.5 lbs Chocolate or Peanut Butter Fudge $25
- Individual Fudge Cups $5
- Fudge and Cookie Trays $40
- DIY Sugar Cookie Kits $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fudgebyjill.etsy.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565843847257
Image Credits
I took the pictures
