Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Josephine Pace. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Josephine, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I’ve traveled to New Orleans many times over the years. I fell in love with the food, The French Quarters, the people and the overall culture. A culture and experience that forever will stay in my heart. While on my many ventures there, I was invited to try a pecan praline. Now, I’ve heard of them, but never tasted a true NOLA pecan praline. Let me just say that it was a taste like no other. I was in love once again! I’d come back home to the Midwest, and all of a sudden, I’d get a craving for that delectable, melt in your mouth taste. They were few and far here. The candies I did find, were loaded with preservatives and weren’t the taste I craved. On my way to NOLA once again, I thought I would chat with the locals to seek their advice as I was searching for the perfect recipe. I was taught by very talented people how to make the perfect NOLA praline. It took many trials and errors, but I was determined to master it. I started out making this perfection candy for my own enjoyment. I then had friends and family ask me to make them a batch. Since they were so difficult to find here, I started to branch out to other praline fans that was facing the same dilemma. As well as the folks who have never heard of a pecan praline. I am determined to spread this love throughout the Midwest!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve always loved to bake. When I bring some of my goodness to family and friends, I see the happiness on their faces. I even bring goodies to postal workers, retail people., total strangers as a surprise. To see their faces light up is just priceless! I love to spread the love. I did finally master the recipe and I only use the freshest of ingredients with absolutely no preservatives. Each batch is homemade and individually wrapped for optimal freshness and made with loads of love. I’m an almost perfectionist…and I only want my products to be the best of the best. I do ask people their honest opinions on the quality of my work as that is how I improve. I have two beautiful grandchildren who have adopted my love of baking and candy making. We are always in my kitchen whipping up new concoctions. That is how they learn. Through trial and error and lots of messes! They make treats and pass them out to their school’s teachers and staff. They’re learning that food is love!

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

Baby Jack’s Pralines was founded in 2019. In honor of my only grandson that was stillborn. It helps me emotionally to create in honor of him.
We are now on many social platforms. You want to put yourself out there. Facebook, TikTok, Instagram etc. It took much blood, sweat and tears to build up my audiences as I did the work solo without the aid of a social media promoter. Maybe one day! As of now, we’re just a small mom and pops wanting to spread the love to all praline fans.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I do sell my pralines on numerous sites as well. as local. Most of my client base in down South so loads of shipping is involved. I would advise researching shipping sites as their fees can vary widely. The Etsy market is flooded with pecan pralines, so again, I would advise doing your research before you decide on any eCommerce site to sell on. Most ecommerce sites do collect a fee, Research is vital depending on your budget. Most of my business comes from my website that my nephew helped me to design. The leads come from my social media platforms. The competition from ecommerce sites is huge. Try to make sure your item has at least a niche. Especially with a food product that is in multitudes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://babyjacks.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: babyjackspralines
• Facebook: Baby Jack’s Pralines
• Linkedin: Josephine S
• Twitter: Baby Jack’s Pralines
• Youtube: Baby Jack’s Pralines