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

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think your parents did right?

I was raised by my Mother. She was a wonderful Mother and woman. She was tough and smart. She taught me to roll with the punches. Get up, and start again. She is always the voice in my head telling me to keep going. My Father was a teacher. I spent many summer days with him testing his class experiments for his students in the coming fall. He was always learning and looking for the beauty and joy in everything. I try to carry both of their ideologies into my own life. My parents separated when I was very young. They remained friends after. I always admired the fact that they interacted with respect and care towards each other. I was lucky with my Parents. They were wonderful people. I lost my Father in 2019 and my Mother in 2021. I miss them everyday. The amount of stories I have about how they impacted my life and career in positive ways are endless. And, my husband. He takes time to help me when I need it. He cheers me on when I’m tired. I would be lost without him. He’s always been in full support of Drop Dead Pickles.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I’m a native Texan. I’m a family oriented person. I come from a large family. I’m usually hosting one of our friends or family at our house. I like to chit chat. I like people. I love hearing about their lives. I’ve never met a stranger. We are unique in that we sell over 50 flavors of organic award winning pickles and pickled vegetables. Making pickles is a family tradition. I was taught how to make pickles at a very young age. I would make pickles with my Father. Then for him, friends and neighbors. I was at a party in 2017. I had of course brought pickles. And many of the guests inquired about them. Later the hostess and my best friend asked why I didn’t sell my pickles? Honestly the thought never occurred to me. Making pickles is a love language in my family. You make food for those you love. My Grammie Mammie would send my Father care packages from home while he was away at college. Pickled carrots were always in that box. His favorite and a little taste of home. I now share my family’s pickles with my extended family, my Patrons.

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

worked in corporate America for over 30 years. Mostly managing flower shops and hotels.I became very ill at 38. I discovered I had severe Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis and Rheumatoid arthritis. I had to resign my position. I wasn’t going back. So I moved forward and started something new. I manage my illness the best I can so that I can do what I love. And then 2020.. During the first year of Covid I had to pivot again and rethink the business in this new landscape. All of my festivals and holiday events were cancelled. All of my local Markets closed or were limited to essential businesses only. So I offered free delivery and streamlined my ordering process. Orders are made and paid online. It’s seamless. And it worked.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The consistency of our devoted Patrons. Without their crazy love for our pickles we wouldn’t be here. We strive to offer the most delicious organic artisan pickles. We buy only the best local produce. We offer an easily accessible way to buy our pickles. We attend as many local markets and local festivals as we can. We are always present in our town. We love to support our local Markets! We appreciate them and you so much. Thank you for thinking of me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://g.page/r/CbqSHaMFlA2EEAo
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/dropdeadpickleco?igshid=1rrdpouxvv8pc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/912567905574975/posts/2112159878949099/?d=n
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DropDeadPickles?s=09

Image Credits
Michelle Dalzell- Booth