Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sharon Young, founder of Dawes Distribution, LLC dba Barbara's Kitchen Jams and Jellies, located in Largo, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

To source organic and the best ingredients to create unique flavors in preserves and seasonings that keep our customers wanting for more. And to hand make each batch of jam, jellies, fruit butter, salsa, and seasonings with love. Our target customers are true foodies.

Tell us about yourself

Tasty and delicious food has been at the center of my family for as long as she can remember. My culinary journey began in my island homeland, Jamaica, under my grandmother's tutelage, Viola Dawes. "Mama," as my grandmother was affectionately called, had a treasure trove of cooking tips and tricks that would transform a simple meal into an unforgettable eating experience. This food transforming ability was referred to in the Jamaican culture as having a "flavored or seasoned hand."

I  attended Middlesex County College, where I obtained an associate degree in Culinary Arts. I believe that the most memorable moments are always created around food.

A lover of the outdoors and eating natural, simple cooked food that is both healthy and environmentally friendly is the inspiration behind Dwight, aka "The Dreaded Fisherman." We also create Charcuterie Boards and Grazing Tables for special events, including our products.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our biggest accomplishment as business owners, Dwight and I are so pleased that our products are in over 20 specialty retailers in the Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York areas, including the Stellar Bay Markets and Stellar News in the Tampa International Airport. Customers can now pick up a jar of their favorite flavor and get on the plane.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is finding reliable, hardworking employees.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Set your goals.
  2. Research your market and the competition.
  3. Have realistic expectations.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

In September of 2016, Chef Young launched her brand of Preserves and Salsas under the label "Barbara's Kitchen" (so named to honor her mother, Barbara Dawes). The products are hand-made with fresh fruits and the finest of ingredients. Most commercially made jams are made with 35% fruit, while jams from Barbara's Kitchen contain at least 45% fruit. Their all-natural low sugar jam has a minimum of 70% fruit by weight content. It is sweetened with evaporated cane juice to enhance the flavor of the fruit. The jams and jellies are packaged in 8-oz. jars, while the salsas are packaged in 18 oz. jars.

In 2022, We launched our delicious and organic blend of spices called "The Dreaded Fisherman" which consists of Long Black, Citrus De Provence, and Blackout (A long black pepper and black lava salt blend). These seasonings are great to add flavor to any meats, fish, or poultry.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.barbaraskitchenjams.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1218088101619527
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbaraskitchen1/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.