Can-Do, Creative Canner Cooks Up Unique Jellies
Aunt Christy’s Country Kitchen
Christy Bean | Independence, MO | Microenterprise
A few years back, Christy Bean lost her job and needed something to fill her time while she looked for work—so she started filling jars. She made jelly out of her purple basil plant. She made jellies out of wine and beer. She experimented with other unique flavors, forced her friends to try it and they liked it. Out of adversity came entrepreneurship and Aunt Christy’s Country Kitchen was born.
Below she shares her story—and a little incentive to get you to take a taste of her vegan and gluten-free jams, jellies and chutneys. Entrepreneurship never tasted so good.
What key challenge did you have to overcome as you started your business?
My own fear of selling and putting myself out there. I learned that quality products sell themselves, but it still takes all my effort to market my products to people, even though I know they are delicious.
Who helped you along the way?
Made in KC, Handmade in Kansas City, 1 Million Cups
Why do you do business in KC?
I love the foodie crowd…they are my bread and butter in this community. And Kansas City is just the right size for my business.
What makes Kansas City a great place to start and grow a business?
Great resources that cost little to no money for newbie entrepreneurs—like Made In KC, the Ennovation Center, KCSourceLink and 1 Million Cups—and a really comprehensive network of local entrepreneurs who support each other in their endeavors.
What flavor do you add to KC?
Innovation and originality in jelly. I am an urban food entrepreneur who, after losing her job, taught herself to can and is not afraid to experiment with some off the beaten path ingredients to create amazingly tasty artisan jams, jellies and chutneys.
I am a quirky, creative maverick, that comes up with jam and jelly combinations that you would not necessarily think of. For instance, I make jelly out of basil and spices, and I know that you won't find that in many places.
Why is it important to shop local?
Shopping local means helping Kansas City and surrounding areas to become more sustainable and self-supportive.
Connect with the Can-Do Canner
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auntchristyscountrykitchen@gmail.com