Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rodney.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Honestly, Marie’s Pecan Candy started as something really simple—I was just making pecan candy for the people around me. It was something I enjoyed doing, something that made others smile. But once I officially launched in June 2024, things took off way faster than I expected. We ended up going viral on TikTok, and that opened so many unexpected doors. Not long after, I was blessed to win some funding from a local radio station, which really helped me scale the business and reach more people with these sweet southern treats.
But this isn’t just a business to me. Marie’s Pecan Candy has deep, personal roots. The name ‘Marie’ came after a moment with God where He placed it so clearly on my heart. It turns out, that’s the name of my biological mother—someone I’ve never met. But in that moment, I knew it was God’s way of allowing me to honor her, even though we never had a relationship. So now, this brand carries more than just flavor—it carries love, legacy, and faith.
Every batch is made with that same spirit—with love, intention, and the belief that something sweet can still come from broken or missing pieces.
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?
One of the biggest challenges Marie’s Pecan Candy faces is navigating the rapid growth that came after going viral on TikTok. What started as a small operation serving friends and family quickly scaled up, and that kind of fast visibility brings both opportunity and pressure. Making the transition from a passion project to a fully functioning business has required significant adjustments in operations, inventory, and customer fulfillment processes.
Another obstacle is funding and resource management. Although I was blessed to win money from a local radio station to help scale, there are still ongoing costs like packaging, supplies, shipping logistics, and website upkeep that come with running an eCommerce brand. I’m also working on building a strong brand presence online, which means learning digital marketing strategies and keeping up with ever-changing social media trends while staying true to the heart of the brand.
Lastly, there’s an emotional layer tied to the brand’s identity. Like the meaning of the name ‘Marie’ I said earlier. So there’s a deep emotional connection and spiritual responsibility tied to this work. It’s not just candy—it’s legacy. Balancing that personal purpose with the practical demands of entrepreneurship can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it also fuels my passion and commitment to keep pushing forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the owner of Marie’s Pecan Candy—a woman-owned business that started with a simple love for making candy and turned into something much bigger. I create homemade pecan candy with deep Southern roots and a personal story behind it. Every batch is made with love, faith, and purpose, honoring my mother’s name and the legacy God called me to build.
At the heart of it though, we’re a pecan candy store. We specialize in customizable rich, homemade pecan pralines—those sweet, buttery candies that remind you of tradition and southern hospitality. Whether it’s for a gift, a craving, or a celebration, Marie’s Pecan Candy offers that nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth experience that keeps people coming back for more.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
My outlook for the gourmet and specialty candy industry is really promising—especially with the rise of small-batch, handcrafted, and nostalgic treats. Consumers today are looking for more than just sweets—they want an experience, a story, and something that feels personal. That’s exactly what Marie’s Pecan Candy offers.
With the growth of eCommerce, social media marketing, and support for woman- and Black-owned businesses, there’s a strong opportunity for us to expand our reach nationwide. Southern-inspired flavors like pecan candy are gaining popularity beyond the South, especially around holidays and special occasions. So, we’re leaning into that momentum while staying true to our roots: faith, family, and flavor.
Pricing:
- $17 Almost there Box: Comes with includes 4 pieces of homemade pecan candy (can be customized so price can vary)
- $27 Becoming a Fan Box: Is our midsize box contains 8 pieces of Pecan candy (can be customized so price can vary)
- $64 The Lover Box: This large treat box contains 24 pieces of our homemade New Orleans style pecan candy (can be customized so price can vary)
- $125 Family Reunion Box: This currently our largest treat box contains 60 pieces of our irresistable homemade pecan candy (can be customized so price can vary)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mariespecancandy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariespecancandy?igsh=MjE1Ynp6N2dybzE4
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariespecancandy.com?_t=ZT-8vAzT3WpO8M&_r=1
