Savoring the flavors of Shelly’s Jellies and Jam

From the humble beginnings of a childhood kitchen to the bustling stalls of farmers’ markets, Shelly’s Jellies and Jam has emerged as a local treasure in Edmond, showcasing the art of homemade jellies and preserving cherished family traditions.

Family traditions and the birth of a business

Shelly’s Jellies and Jam, Owner Shelly Gregory’s journey into jelly-making began in her childhood kitchen, inspired by her mother’s self-sufficient lifestyle. “We lived out in the country, in the Ozark’s of Missouri, and we canned everything,” she said.

Drawing from her deep-seated appreciation for preserving, around six years ago, she decided to turn her passion into a business, encouraged by the enthusiastic response from those who tasted her creations.

Reflecting on this pivotal moment, she shared, “More and more people were interested…I was giving it away to a bunch of people, and they said, ‘Man, you should really sell this.’”

Embracing the community and expanding horizons

The support and encouragement from the community played a vital role in Shelly’s Jellies’ growth. As the jellies gained popularity, she received invitations to participate in church craft shows and flea markets. This exposure led her to the Guthrie Farmer’s Market, where she began selling her jellies.

Eventually, she was accepted into the Edmond Farmer’s Market, becoming a prominent vendor and solidifying her presence within the local community.

Shelly’s Jellies has also been negotiating with Broken Oven Bakery from Crescent, signaling further opportunities for expansion.

Family involvement and generational joy

Shelly’s Jellies and Jam is not just a business; it’s a testament to the power of family and togetherness.

Gregory’s grandchildren actively sell and create the jellies, fostering a sense of joy and generational connection. Her oldest grandson, in particular, has been by her side since the business’s inception, assisting with new jelly creations and material sourcing.

Her husband serves as the official taste tester and plays a vital role in labeling. Even her six-year-old grandson actively engages with customers and distributes business cards, adding a touch of youthful enthusiasm.

Crafting unique and imaginative flavors

Shelly’s Jellies offers an impressive range of flavors that captivate the taste buds.

Gregory said a lot of the creative input from her grandchildren has resulted in some of the most imaginative and distinctive flavors. Their requests inspired her to introduce remarkable creations to her jelly repertoire. One such flavor is Coco Melon Berry, affectionately named after a grandchild’s desire for a jelly that tasted like a tiger’s blood snow cone.

Another flavorful triumph is the Summer Vacation jelly, which combines pineapple, mango, and strawberry, fulfilling a grandchild’s vision of a jelly reminiscent of a tropical getaway.

Shelly’s Jellies offers a delightful array of flavors that cater to seasonal availability and customer preferences. While sand plum, a beloved seasonal delight personally handpicked by Gregory, faced limited availability last year, the peach habanero flavor quickly rose to prominence and became a best-seller.

She also highlights popular flavors like strawberry jalapeno and apple butter. “Apple Butter takes 18 hours to make,” she said.

To ensure year-round availability, she freezes large quantities of peaches, strawberries, and blackberries in her three freezers. Additionally, while flavors like Christmas jam and Cranberry Juice are traditionally associated with specific seasons, she accommodates customer requests for these flavors throughout the year, despite the challenge of stockpiling.

Shelly’s Jellies’ dedication to providing a wide range of flavors reflects the businesses commitment to delighting the Edmond community with every jelly jar.

Overcoming challenges and preserving quality

Despite its success and popularity, the business faces its fair share of challenges. Gregory highlighted the rising cost of ingredients like sugar, affecting production. “Sourcing the right-sized jars can be daunting,” she said.

However, she remains dedicated to maintaining her jellies’ quality and natural essence, ensuring they are free from preservatives and artificial colorings.

Shelly’s Jellies’ commitment to authenticity and attention to detail have been the cornerstones of Shelly’s Jellies, preserving its unique appeal.

Making an impact on the Edmond community

Shelly’s Jellies has become integral to the Edmond community, delighting residents with its delectable offerings.

By actively participating in local events and collaborating with other businesses, Shelly’s Jellies strengthens community bonds and contributes to the vibrant culinary landscape of Edmond.