Meet Shanelle Smith of The Jar Bar DFW in Plano

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanelle Smith.

Shanelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had been working in corporate America since I graduated from high school in 2005. My first major job was T-Mobile when I was 18 years old; and back then making 11/hr., as a kid with not much responsibility was decent. Fast forward 13 years in the same industry, without much progress in a title or pay, and now a son; I realized enough was enough. I was tired of doing the same thing every day, and still living paycheck to paycheck. I was tired of having to find childcare (after school care) for a child, I wanted to spend MY time with. One day, I was in my kitchen, cooking, and baking and preparing to serve my friends like usual, and I noticed that THIS was where my comfort zone was. This is what I loved to do. I’m at my most creative moments when I’m cooking, and I also find joy in bringing others happiness via their stomachs. I believe the dinner table is where it all comes together, all the magic of friendship/family. That, plus the intuitive nature to be different and bazaar which is how the jar came about; The Jar Bar was born.

Has it been a smooth road?
Hell no! (excuse my language). The main thing I stress to my friends and family when asking about the journey to entrepreneurship is that its the road less traveled for a reason! When I started my business, I did so without a savings plan or any money saved for that matter. The biggest obstacle so far has been funding. In the beginning stages of your business, you will lose some things. Money (lots of money), time, possessions, friends, comfortability. Since the very beginning, I have been buying every jar, every ingredient, and all pieces of marketing material to make The Jar Bar happen day to day. Because I also feed people, there are also additional costs like licenses, commercial equipment, and procedures that can be costly and nerve-racking. I haven’t gained much financially in terms of profit, but I have SO many loyal customers, and business relationships that keep me motivated and moving forward. I do this because I LOVE it. I have also had to sacrifice time with my friends and family, so that balance was also a struggle for me in the beginning.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Jar Bar DFW – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The Jar Bar DFW is a catering/food service; that serves handcrafted, homemade, from scratch, dinners, and desserts in Mason Jars. We specialize in desserts and we are known for our Peach cobbler and Banana Pudding cake in a jar! We started selling our products first at the local Four Seasons Farmers Markets, located all over the DFW metroplex. Because we like to spice it up, we change our flavors often. Some of our most popular desserts are Peach Cobbler, Banana Pudding cake, caramel apple cheesecake, strawberry shortcake, carrot cake, and really all of them leave our customers speechless. We also offer food like, jambalaya, chili and cornbread, shrimp and grits, chicken salad, gumbo, and so many other dinner items, you can also get in a jar. We have had so many incredible moments with the whole Dallas community, but we are particularly proud that we were asked to participate in a program that allows small businesses to sell their products out of one of the biggest department stores in the world. The idea of selling foods and desserts in jars is mind-blowing enough for people, but the originality and flavor and love that we put into our dishes is what really sets us apart.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I LOVE Dallas! I’m from Kansas City, Mo and although home will always be the place that made me and is held near and dear to my heart; Dallas is where it’s at! Dallas is a BIGGGG city, which means there’s a lot of connections to be made, money to made and ground to cover. I like city life, and its busy enough to make your own coins from just an idea in your head (and survive), yet calm enough to raise a family and show them anything is possible. Business is thriving and surviving everywhere, and now is the time to take action!

Pricing:

• 80z dessert jars are $7/jar or 4 for $25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thejarbardfw.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thejarbardfw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thejarbardfw/

Image Credit:
Kelcee Guyton

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.