We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kaleigh Simmons. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kaleigh below.
Alright, Kaleigh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea?
I had never started a business before PB&K and there were many steps I had to take in order to launch. I had to find a faster way to make peanut butter (other than using a processor), I had to perfect flavors, find the right jars, find a machine to seal the jars, create a label, apply for a food license, find a kitchen to actually make it in, and much more. I had no idea what it took to start a business. on top of it all, there were many shortages of products that I needed. I had a difficult time finding the jars I needed to use. Everyone was out of them and there was a lot of switching between jars and certain lids to find the perfect one. The jars were one of our biggest hold ups in the beginning. I had people asking me over and over again when I would be officially selling my peanut butters while I was solving the jar problem. I worked hard on my social media in the meantime and when I officially launched PB&K, I was overwhelmed with the amount of support I received.
Kaleigh, 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?
In 2019, my health became more important to me than it had ever been in the past. I began looking at nutrition labels, eating clean, and learning about the ingredients that I put in my body every day. One of the foods I ate the most of was peanut butter and before I was health conscious I would eat a lot of store bought peanut butters. I started making my own to keep the ingredients clean and simple. Unsalted peanuts, sea salt, raw honey, and avocado oil. My own peanut butter tasted better than store bought! I began making my classic and flavored peanut butters for friends and family and before I knew it, I was selling jars. Ever since I can remember, Reeses Cups have been my favorite candy. You can’t go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate. I have always loved sweets and treats. So much so that I worked at a candy and sweets store from 2011 to 2018. Thats when my obsession began! It was the perfect environment to be creative so when it came to making my own peanut butter and coming up with my peanut butter flavors, it was easy. I know what I like and I have a good judgment of what would taste good together. I feel confident in the kitchen! at PB&K I provide delicious gourmet peanut butter spreads. I have a Natural Classic, S’mores, Caramel Blitz, Birthday Bash, and a white chocolate Pebbles & Milk flavor. All of my flavors start with our natural peanut butter base and the fun flavors are added after that. One of the things I am most proud of is how true I have stayed to the natural base. My Natural Classic peanut butter is made with blanched peanuts, sea salt, raw honey, and 100% avocado oil. There are cheaper ingredients out there that I could use that would essentially save me money but it defeats the purpose of a simple ingredient peanut butter. Especially one that tastes good and is healthier for the human body. Of course, my fun flavors have chocolate, cookies, sprinkles and such, but I genuinely care for the people that choose to buy my peanut butter. I love providing a clean option. I strive to be someone my customers trust and its important to me to stay true to that. Another thing I am proud of in my business is what I aim to represent or I should say, whom I aim to represent. PB&K wants anyone and everyone to know how real, loving and accepting God is. He fully knows you and fully loves you. In a world full of what ifs, imperfection, and heartache, I want to be a light to people. At PB&K I want to show what true sacrificial love is. Mark 9:35 says “Anyone who wants to be first, must be the very last, and the servant of all” I do what I do for Him. With every batch that I hand make, and every jar that I fill, a prayer is said for whoever receives it.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
A major time in my life when I had to pivot my perspective and expectations was last April. My sweet daughter, Summer, was born and she changed everything! She gave me so much joy and purpose in life. She made me a mother and that title goes above being a business owner. Although PB&K is a little bit like my child, having a baby girl this year put into perspective how much dedication and work goes into keeping your business consistent. When your life changes so quickly and in a big way, it’s hard to find a balance that works perfectly all the time. I love being a mom and I love making peanut butter and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Having a baby taught me more about time management than I had ever learned in school and it has helped me to accept things as they come and roll with it. We are rolling with the punches!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
The biggest and most important thing to me with PB&K and my social media audience is community. When I launched we were blessed to have our first pop up with KC Wine Co. and after that the pop ups continued to other wineries, small shops and local bakeries like Mclain’s Bakery. This truly helped me market my product to people in the community, get my name out there and actually meet my customers. Another way I built my social media audience was through other local vendors who I had reached out to and who had bigger followings, like Kates Cookies KC, and Jules Co. They reviewed my products on their social media stories and that helped me gain some traction and trust from people. I also like to use lots of hashtags on my posts to hopefully pop up for people looking for my specific product. I believe that paying for advertisements on social media helps people tremendously but these are just some of the ways that worked for me in gaining a social media audience that were essentially free, besides my donated products. My advice to anyone trying to build their social media presence would be to reach out to other business owners and find a way to connect with them and offer your services or products. a sacrifice in the beginning will pay off with good words, friendships and trust within your community!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pbandkshop.com
- Instagram: @pbk_kc
- Facebook: pbkkansascity
Image Credits
Taylor Douglas