We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jami Booton. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jami below.
Jami, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My Grandfather was my role model, the only one I wanted to make proud especially throughout my academic career. He showed me strength when I needed it the most and always encouraged me to focus on my goals no matter the circumstances. The morning of my wedding in 2018, he passed away. This was definitely one of the most challenging moments I’ve ever encountered in my lifetime. If it wasn’t for him, I never would of had the ability to continue forward marrying the man I call my husband today.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My small business journey began the moment I ran out of my mother in laws homemade vanilla extract. I really enjoy baking so of course I loved using it in all my cookies and pastries. She would send her vanilla all the way from Maine, where my husband and I are originally from. After having that authentic vanilla taste, I couldn’t bring myself to buy store brand. A month later Vanilla Bean Co. was established and homemade vanilla extract was being made.
While making my vanilla extract I realized there is so much more I could create with the vanilla beans. My products then expanded including vanilla sugar and vanilla syrup for coffee/tea! Everything is 100% pure and made only with organic Grade A vanilla beans from Madagascar.
The most special thing about my small business journey is the connection I made with my vanilla bean supplier, African Spices. They have been there for me since day one and I’m truly grateful.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Determination, motivation and brand awareness. I’ve been a stay at home Mom for almost six years now and part of me has been on pause. I started this small business for myself and to feel that fire burning inside again. If you have a passion and a purpose I feel like nothing will stop you from reaching your goals, just stay focused and go for it!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
It would be an honor to partner or collaborate with bakers and bakeries. My vanilla extract is what started my small business and for it to be used in their baked goods would be amazing!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vanillabeanco.com
- Instagram: @vanilla.bean.co
- Other: vanillabeanco.fl@gmail.com
