Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Dalzell-Booth.
Michelle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Family Traditions, Dreams and a bit of Science? Firstly, I am a Proud Native Texan. For my Family, love starts in the kitchen. It’s a Central part of the house, a gathering space, the place to catch up and a place to share. I have memories of being in my Father’s and my Grandmother’s kitchens and learning how to make our signature Pickled Carrots. My Mother and I making small batches of them when I was in my 20’s for my Father. Laughter, Love and Southern tradition go in every bite. From that one Pickled Carrot recipe of my Grandmother’s, I created the Hot Garlic Dill Pickle. And now, I have well over 35 flavors of cucumber pickles. Whythe Sugar Skull Logo? I chose the Sugar Skull Logo because it is a symbol of remembrance and honoring your Family after they are gone. For me Family and tradition go hand in hand and it is a huge part of my Business plan. Through my branding, I can honor my Grammy Mammie every time I look at one of my pickle jars.
Background I grew up in Dallas. I’ve traveled all over the world but I always come back home. I worked in Corporate America for 20 years before finally chasing my dream. From suits and boardrooms to pickles and Market life. My friends would always tell me to sell my pickles. And one day, I did it! I am constantly dreaming up and creating new pickles! Every recipe I make seems to come from some memory or influence from my life. I look forward to all of the people I meet at the Market. I think about what pickle they will like best. I try out so many variables and brine mixes to get my pickles just right. There’s definitely a science to it. Too much of this spice and it’s ruined. Not enough of that and it’s bland. It’s fun to get someones “pickle preference”. My pickles are nostalgic to some, just like Grandma’s. To some, they are crazy and new! And to others, they are a new spin on an old favorite.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has all been a learning experience. And well worth the outcome Working for yourself and making something you’re proud of takes time and hard work. Trial and error. No one gave me a business plan and said follow this. I just stick to my initial idea and tweak it as I go. My job is the greatest job. What’s the saying? “If you love what you do you will never work a day in your life.”
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Drop Dead Delicious Pickling Company story. Tell us more about the business.
Drop Dead is a woman-owned and operated small business. I am in several different types of markets. European Markets, Local Farmers Markets,Corporate Events, Private Events and Craft Markets. All of my products are made locally in Dallas,Texas. The cucumbers, herbs, and peppers I use are sourced in Texas. I am known for offering over 30 types of Artisinal Pickles. I am most proud of the customer loyalty we have achieved. Without them, we are nothing. Thank you, Drop Dead Pickle Heads!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I hope to see Drop Dead in some local stores and maybe one day a shop of my own. Although I love the smaller Markets because I can talk to the Customer and I have my finger on the pulse of the Industry. You lose something when you go commercial. I don’t know if I’m ready to give that up. I’m constantly reading about other successful Businesses, trying new things and absorbing what I can. I will never stop improving and following trends to stay ahead of the game.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://etsy.me/1Mf91e0
- Phone: 469-396-5536
- Email: mdalzell76@verizon.net
- Instagram: dropdeaddeliciouspicklingco
- Facebook: Facebook.com/tripledpickling/
Image Credit:
Michelle Dalzell-Booth
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