Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Luscombe.
Hi Leslie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Honestly, I never set out to start a pepper jelly business. I just loved making jellies, experimenting in the kitchen, and sharing my creations with friends and coworkers. When people kept asking for more, I realized I might actually have something worth pursuing.
That passion eventually grew into a commercial kitchen on my sixth-generation farm in Anna, TX. From there, I rented a booth at the Dallas Gourmet Market and started writing wholesale orders for mom-and-pop shops all across the country. I set up a booth at the McKinney Farmers Market, where I connected with chefs and restaurant owners—relationships that sparked delicious collaborations. One of them, a sandwich at Patina Green featuring my Jalapeño Peach Jelly, was even voted Best in Texas by Food Network Magazine.
I kept building momentum, cold-calling and knocking on doors, including my favorite North Texas grocery store, Market Street. They loved the products, but months went by before I heard anything. When the call finally came with their first order, I was thrilled beyond words. Today, my jellies are in their warehouse in Lubbock, where they ship them to other stores they own—reaching shelves far beyond where I ever imagined this journey would go.
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?
Over the years, we have navigated supply chain challenges along with the disruptions brought on by Covid. Through it all, I’ve relied on the business foundation I gained from watching my father’s entrepreneurial approach. His example taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of thoughtful decision-making. I know he would be proud to see how this came to fruition.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself a professional food entrepreneur/Food Manufacturer. I source most everything locally.. I shop, prep, cook, label, box, then sell.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
In the world of food, relationships are everything. Build the network, nurture the community, and watch it grow into a family that stands with you.
When you sell a food product, you’re not just making a transaction—you’re creating connection. Your customers and contacts grow into a community, and that community becomes the foundation of your brand.
Through genuine support and collaboration, your network transforms into a family. It’s a group built on trust, loyalty, and shared values. When people feel connected to your purpose and your product, they don’t just buy from you—they believe in you. They champion your brand, share your story, and help it grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luscombefarm.com
