We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmine Gaulding-Hill a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My business started December 2019, after the loss of two grandmothers and the birth of my son. Jars by Jas is a fusion of two of my grandmother’s dessert recipes packed conveniently in a mason jar. I picked up baking to cope with their passings and being a new parent. I began packing jars full of cheesecake for lunch to take to work with me, coworkers asked me to make them desserts. Four months later the Pandemic occurred, I had been furloughed and had to apply for unemployment for the first time. My mind did not accept that moment. I was an essential worker at a hospital distributing oxygen, and the feeling of uncertainty dreaded me. After an unpaid maternity leave I couldn’t afford not to make money. I had finally felt a true connection with my son due to the time off work. I had not realized my maladaptive behavior patterns after returning to work from maternity leave and volunteering for overtime. I lived the “I’ll sleep when I die” mentality. I was now a mom, and something had to change.
During my time back at work my coworkers started asking me to drop jars off to small gatherings. Still reluctant, I asked my mom to try my desserts and her reaction was all I needed to actualize my new career path. By May 2021, Jars by Jas became an official business and my full-time job.
The feeling of comfort of being at Grandma’s house is the feeling Jars by Jas gives each customer.
As a child I remember sipping iced tea, eating jalapeños and catching fire flies in a mason jar. The mason jars really bring a special element that resonates with my customers.

Jasmine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jasmine Hill, I am an entrepreneur from Dayton Ohio. Jars by Jas is my dessert catering business where we currently offer cheesecake in a jar. My business grew by bringing so many people joy in such an unpromising time. Customers hold Jars by Has close to their hearts, raving how delicious the desserts are. I am most proud of knowing I have shared love, comfort, and a sense of nostalgia.
Speaking to the feeling of comfort one would typically feel at Grandma’s house, there has to be a sense of safety. We offer flavors for every kind of cheesecake fanatic but most important, we want our customers to know our desserts can be trusted in taste and quality.
My family and I have taken the business all over Ohio, to Brooklyn, New York and Chicago sharing the love in Jars by Jas and mission.
We have elevated the experience with our food truck and catering options.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am still into a pivot with my business. The most valuable lesson in knowing when it’s time to pivot is the take measurable steps with intention. If it had not been for knowing when to scale back with investing money into marketing, or for inventory Jars by Jas may have really suffered. As an entrepreneur, I understand the demand. As a baker, I understand that timing is everything. With that being said, delegation and asking for help has been key in the end goal. Giving my customers quality.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Word of mouth has been the lead advertisement and provided the most sales for Jars by Jas in our industry. For anyone starting to build social media presence, pay attention to your customer demographics during onsite sales. Offer surveys and incentives for customers or simply ask if your product or service satisfies them. When your idea of who your target customer is and who is showing up to make the purchases align, move on the marketing ads. A Facebook business page is free, and reels are free. Just create from an authentic place that presents your business in a tasteful manner,

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jarsbyjas.com
• Instagram: @jarsbyjas
• Facebook: @jarsbyjas937
• Youtube: Jasmine Gaulding

Image Credits
VanTec Marketing has taken photos of the individual jars