Starting a business, even just a little side-hustle, is not easy. It takes a lot of time and effort and persistence. 

Several times over the past year I have been so frustrated that I was ready to give up. I was starting to believe that it just isn't God's will. A wonderful couple that I know blessed me with the equipment I needed to get started and reminded me that maybe it is God's will but not His timing. I was so encouraged by this and kept going. 

Again I got frustrated but someone from GiveSendGo encouraged me and suggested I apply for one of their grants. I was blessed again. I persisted. Through all of this I continue to see God working in my efforts. But I also see the devil trying to stop me. I have been relying on what I can scrape out of my own limited resources to keep me going. But this month my personal finances have taken a hit. I have nothing extra to put into My Granny’s Recipe at this time. And for anyone who might be wondering  - my personal finances and My Granny’s Recipe are separate. I may invest my personal resources into building my business but ALL of the resources designated for the business stay in the business. Anyone who is considering a contribution to my crowdfunding campaign can be assured that it is all going to the business start up. 

I still have inventory on hand. My current plan is to work on building/expanding my customer base. Sell what I can, gift some as samples in hopes of return business, continue posting to social media, etc.

If anyone is reading this I am pleading please share this campaign link on your social media. Please pray for me. And please, if you feel so led by the spirit, please consider a donation. 

Did you know that every share can help raise an average of $35 toward a campaign's goal?

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

Just about one year ago I had an idea that I could use some family recipes, good old traditional canning and supplement my income. As I began researching this in earnest I realized quickly that it would require some upfront funding and that would be beyond my meager resources. That was the catalyst for this crowdfunding campaign. 

I was gifted the equipment needed for water bath canning. I scraped out whatever I could from my own money and I began making products. My products have been really good. Within my family and some of their friends everyone wants to try them. But almost no one wants to buy them. 

Since the whole purpose is to supplement my income I knew I would need to generate more sales. So, Phase 2. Target 🎯 set up a vendor booth at the local Farmer's Market. This requires even more funding because I have to be in compliance with Texas Cottage laws, and I need some advertising/marketing materials to be successful. I was blessed with a grant and this gave me a boost of encouragement to push forward. 

I did not make my target date for the Farmer's Market. I am still way short of the funding needed to reach that goal. It doesn't appear that anyone is reading, following or sharing my campaign. My personal finances took a hard hit so I don't have any more resources of my own to put on this right now. Without resources or support I just can't move forward. I am going to step back just a little bit and reevaluate my plans and pray for God’s direction and pray for His will. If it's His will then these obstacles will be overcome. 

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

I have dear friends who, I am certain, would help if they were able. But, like so many, they are struggling as much as I am. 

I also have numerous acquaintances, friends, family, etc. who are probably in a position where they could help. But, for reasons unknown to me, they have not. I have received at least 2 major blessings and I have put everything I can, personally, into this endeavor. I don't even know if anyone is clicking the link, reading the updates, sharing, praying or anything. The next Farmer's Market is China Springs on September 7th. There's still so much more needed to reach that goal. Trust God. Pray. Share this link. Please. 

#GiveSendGo 

#Crowdfunding

#GiverArmy

#MyGrannysRecipe

#HomemadeGoods

#Pickles

#Relish

#Jelly

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

I wish this update was a praise report but things are not going smoothly at this time. 

I will not be able to setup a vendor booth at all this month. I have not been able to get the rest of the labels, any signage, or finish canning the rest of the products I need for a booth. Additionally, my personal financial situation has taken a difficult turn. Up to this point I have been scraping what I could from my own money to put into My Granny’s Recipe. And that has helped obtain ingredients and jars, lids, etc for my products. 

The next Farmer's Markets will be in September. That gives me time. I still need labels, I still need signs, I would like to have business cards. I need to make more Tomato Relish, Pickle Relish. I have 1 batch of Peach Jam but never got any other fruit products done. 

With my personal finances in trouble, no donations coming into my GiveSendGo campaign, and no other resources I am not confident that I can be ready for September either.  This is all in God's hands. 

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

I just found out that China Springs Farmer's Market takes a "heat break" during the month of August. July 27th is their last Market until September. I don't have the time, money or other resources right now to be ready by July 27th.

The Lorena Farmer's Market is only once per month, next one is August 10th. That is enough time from today to pull everything else together for a vendor booth... I just need money for labels. I still need to can a few more products but I think I can scrape up the resources for that. I would like to have signs for a booth but I could do without those if I have to.  

If I miss the August 10th Market I'll have to wait until September. Now is time to trust in God's plan. Pray 🙏 for His will. 

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

I now have plenty of pickles: Hamburger Chips, Dill Spears and Bread and Butter Chips. I have Pickled and Candied Jalapeños, Jalapeño Jelly. Today I finished 6 pints of Peach Jam 🍑 plus 2 half pints for sampling.

I have some sweet pickle relish and tomato relish but I need to make more. I may or may not also make Strawberry Preserves 🍓 

I have been checking thrift stores in hopes of finding a 8 cup or larger food processor. But, more importantly, I have about 3 weeks until my target 🎯 for first Farmer's Market setup. That means I need to get the rest of my labels ordered soon. Again, I wouldn't be allowed to sell anything not properly labeled. 

My brothers and sisters in Christ, I ask that you please take a moment to share my campaign on your own social media and pray for God’s will be done for this effort. 

#GiveSendGo #Crowdfunding

#GiverArmy #MyGrannysRecipe

#HomemadeGoods

#Pickles #Relish #Jelly

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

My first order of labels arrived today!! 🥳

I am thrilled with the "Thank You" stickers, they fit on the lids perfectly just as I had envisioned. 

But I am a little disappointed with the labels. No fault of the printers. I just didn't properly consider the contour of the jars when I selected the size. So it is quite fortunate that I didn't order all of my labels right away.  I can go back to my designs, adjust the size and adjust the design if needed before ordering more.

I am still making a lot of progress getting my products canned. By my August 3rd target date I should have plenty of product ready to setup at the Farmer's Market. At bare minimum I will still need to order the labels for the rest of the product. Rules are that I can't sell anything that doesn't have a proper label. They have about 10-12 day turn around. It's about $350 for the remaining labels needed. 

I could still print handouts in black and white but my logo wouldn't be the same without color. My granddaughter can make me some table top signs but I still think a hanging banner would be worth the cost (about $55 plus tax/shipping). Same line of thought about having business cards (about $20 for 100 cards).

It might seem like that's a lot more money to reach my target date. But it's always my belief that the longest journey begins with a single step. This is the basis of crowdfunding. Rather than trying to come up with all the money needed from a single source, you try to find multiple sources who can provide a small part. Then you apply the small part to a small step in the right direction. 

This is going to be just a quick update. I spent the 4th of July making more Dill Spears. And today I will be pickling Jalapeños. I am sure that 6lbs. of Jalapeños is more than enough for 2 batches. So, if I have extra I might make a batch of my Aunt Faye's Jalapeño Jelly. 

Living in Texas Jalapeños are very popular and I expect they will sell well at market.

I am continuing to scrape up whatever resources I can to make progress. My goal is still to setup a vendor booth at Farmer's Market Aug 3rd and 10th. However, I can only sell the products that are properly labeled and I still need several labels. I could initially setup without signs. The color ink cartridge to print flyers and handouts I could also do without initially but these are all items that would boost traffic to my booth. 

I want to say Thank you again to the GiveSendGo Giver Army for the generous grant. My first order of labels should arrive any day now and I am so excited to see them on the jars 🥰

Each product must be labeled individually with specific verbiage to comply with Texas Cottage laws, 12 sheets of labels (72 labels) is $56.04 with free shipping. Label orders take about 10 days to arrive. 

Thank you for your prayers and consideration. 

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

I have placed an order for some of the labels and Thank You stickers I need. I have a date stamp for the labels. I will be getting my Food Handlers card on Wed. I am busy canning more pickles 🥒 this weekend. 

Lots of progress 😁💕

There is still a lot more needed if I am going to make it to the Farmer's Market by August 3rd. More products, labels, signs, business cards, color ink cartridge to print info sheets, and JARS, JARS AND MORE JARS ⚱️

Thank you again for those who have encouraged me in this effort. 

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

I am a few days late in posting this update but I have good news. I have received a generous grant from GiveSendGo Giver Army. As soon as those funds are available I can order several of the labels I need to get started. This is a huge step towards being ready to set up at the farmers market. 

There is a weekly market in China Springs, I would like to be ready for that one by August 3rd. The next monthly market in Lorena is the following Sat, Aug 10th. There's still more needed before then. 

I also canned another batch of Bread and Butter Chips the other day. I want to get another batch of Dill Spears and Hamburger Chips done this week so they have the time needed to sit up before I go to market. And, as always, jars, jars, and more jars are always needed.

Praise God for the amazing blessing from the Giver Army. I pray that God will help me make the most out of the resources I have available. I trust in God to provide for the remainder. 

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

JARS, JARS, AND MORE JARS

For clarity I want to state, up front, that I am not just sitting around waiting for someone else to fund my project. I am doing whatever I can to pay for or obtain what I need. For example, in my last update I indicated that I need to can more products so I have sufficient stock for setting up a vendor booth at the farmers market. Since pickles need to sit up for 5-6 weeks I need to get these done asap. So I used a receipt scanning app, accumulated enough points for a $25 gift card. This will get me the ingredients for the pickles. 

However, I still need more jars (2 cases of pint, 1 case of half pint, and 1 case of 4oz for samples). This is just the minimum for now, and 4 cases would be around $50. So, I am trying to figure out if I have any other resources for that need. 

If I were receiving any help through crowdfunding it would be appreciated. It would also move the process forward in a more timely manner. 

I pray that this campaign reaches those who will pray and share and contribute if they feel so led by God. 

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

In order to set up at a farmers market you have to be in compliance with Texas Cottage laws. This requires very specific elements and verbiage on your labeling. For this and other practical reasons I have decided to use pre-printed labels from avery.com.

3"x4" labels come 6 per sheet. The more sheets you order the less expensive they are per label.

Example:

2 sheets (12 labels) = $1.08/label = $13.00+shipping

12 sheets (72 labels) = $0.78/label = $56.04/free shipping 

I estimate 72 is a good quantity to begin with but I have 10 different products, that means 10 different labels. (10 × $56.04 = $560.40).

I also designed 2" round Thank You stickers.

200 stickers @ $0.40 each = $80.00/free shipping. 

Canned goods also need to be dated. A self-inking date stamp is $10-$15.

MARKETING

A vendor booth should have signage. On the bare minimum side, VistaPrint can make a 24"x30" Sign front and back @$60. A Price Board would be a good addition(@$60). And if I am doing a wishlist I would add a vinyl banner.

VistaPrint also does wonderful business cards, 100@$20.00.

I have ideas for some informational handouts that I can print myself but I do still need a color ink cartridge (@$30). Food Handlers card =$7.95(valid 2 years). Vendor fees $10 or $25.

And before I sign up for a booth I really need to more than double my current stock of products. I need to make at least one or two more batches of all 10 products. (@$150-$200 for ingredients and jars).

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV 

These past few months have been very chaotic. A lot of things going on in our personal life but I have still been working on my canning as much as I can. I need to replenish a lot of my stock and make a lot more product. That means more produce and more jars. My other major stumbling block at this point is labeling. My granddaughter created me a wonderful logo but I don't have my labels set up or ready to put on jars. The choices are: print them myself or order them online from avery.com pre-printed. Pre-printed would be less effort on my part but more expensive. Printing them myself would be more work intensive on my part but cheaper. To do it myself I need color ink for my printer and labels to print on. But I would also need a laptop or desktop create the labels on. At this time I have my phone but the mobile app has less creative functionality than the desktop version. In any case my project is still moving forward little baby steps at a time but I still have a long way to go. I have an upcoming opportunity to set up as a vendor at a farmers market. However it would be so much better and more professional looking if my products were actually labeled correctly with my logo and everything and if I had my stock replenished with all of my offerings.

I am really praying for God's blessings on this endeavor.

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

Just a few quick updates:

I finished the Candied Jalapeños and I have sold a few more jars. The next addition to my offerings will be Jalapeño Jelly and I am looking for a good fruit Jelly. 

I have gone through all of the first batch of Tomato Relish. We personally used 2 jars, sold 2 jars, and gave away the rest as "samples" trying to generate interest and sales. I want to make another batch but the Tomato Relish is the most expensive and labor-intensive item so far. Unless I get some orders for it I am going to wait before making more.

Good news: I found a large (very heavy, sturdy) baker's rack for storing all of my canning equipment. It was used, listed on Facebook Marketplace for $50. My daughter bought it for me. Too bad I couldn't negotiate the price a little lower. I would like to have had some of that $50 for more jars. You can never have enough jars once you take up canning. A case of 12 is around $15. While the jars and rings are reusable, the flat lid is not. And selling these means you most likely won't get the jars back to reuse it anyway. 

So, onwards to my first attempt at Jelly. Praise God for the little baby steps I am making in this endeavor. 

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

I have not received any support for this crowdfunding campaign through GiveSendGo. Even the 2 offline donations I listed were out of my own pocket. I was hugely blessed with a donation of equipment and jars needed to get started. I also had a small tax refund this year. While most of that had to go on bills and living expenses I did portion out a small amount to invest in myself and "My Granny’s Recipe Homemade Goods". Here's some highlights:

* I got a free printer from my Mom that just needed new ink. I got the black cartridge but couldn't afford the HP 61 color cartridge. I also have plenty of printer paper for marketing materials, etc but I need printable labels, about $20/pkg. I am borrowing my Granddaughters laptop to design the labels.

* I got a small shelf from my brother's apartment that I can use to store completed product. But I will need something larger as volume grows. I also got a free cabinet that I can use to keep equipment but it's not quite large enough. It's a blessing for now.

* I also obtained some vegetable choppers and slicers from Mom. Praise God. I still need a slicer that makes thicker slices.

Over the past 3 weeks I have actually "put something in a jar". I spent 6 days canning: Tomato Relish, Sweet Pickle Relish, Bread and Butter Chips, Dill Spears, and Hamburger Chips. Granddaughter sold 3 jars to her co-workers so I put that money into 2 batches of Candied Jalapeños. These first batches are trials and I have given away several jars. But I am also reinvigorated and more firmly resolved to make this happen, with or without help.

💕 and Peace ^^Tammy 

Please remember to pray, share, and consider a contribution if you can. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

I had a sudden death in the family, my older brother Mark. And to make things worse I have fallen, twice, and injured my wrist. So, for the past 2 weeks I have not been actively working on this project. 

However, things are getting better and I am renewing my efforts to get my project up and running. 

* I was truly blessed with a donation of all the equipment I need and 4 cases of jars.

* I have been able to obtain all of the spices I need to get started.

* I am excited to go to the Farmer's Market this weekend for my produce. I am not sure how much money I will need, how much I will have to spend, or how much produce I will be able to get. At the very least I want enough cucumbers to make 1, 2, or 3 batches of pickles. 

* The Tomato Relish uses a lot more ingredients and I am not sure if I will have the funding for that yet.

* In addition to the produce there are still other items I will need before I start selling my products.

I will need labels for the jars. These are only a few dollars at the office supply stores. A good, used printer to print the labels. I have seen some at Goodwill for around $25. If I get the right model I have ink cartridges that I can use.

I will also need cheesecloth bags. I don't think I need this for the pickles but I will need them later on for other items I am going to make. 

Eventually I am also seeking a shelving unit for storing the jars of products and something to help transport them when I get ready to start selling. 

My dearest family, friends, acquaintances, and anyone else reading this: please be in prayer. I am trusting that God will provide. As He has already blessed me with the equipment I trust that He has a plan for everything else. 

"CARRY each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." - Galatians 6:2 NIV

And please give as you are able. Even the greatest journey begins with a single step.

All of my efforts are on hold temporarily. 

There's been a sudden, unexpected death in my family. And the same day I fell and injured my right wrist. I will post a proper update soon.

Today I am so happy I can barely breathe. I have been gifted a wonderful blessing.  Today I received a brand new stainless steel canning water bath pot, all of the utensils, an extra stainless steel funnel, and 4 cases of pint jars!!! I was also able to obtain the rest of the spices I need and this Saturday I am planning to go to the Farmer's Market for produce.

I should be able to start my first batches of dill pickle Spears, bread and butter pickles and Granny's Tomato Relish by Sunday. 

There are still a few other items I want/need to get going completely but this is enough to get started!!! 

I cannot say Thank you enough for my benefactors who have blessed me so greatly. And I PRAISE ALMIGHTY GOD for every blessing He provides. 

My dear friends, supporters and loved ones: please continue to pray, share and give if you are able. 

Happy New Year 

It is just a few hours until the calendar flips over to 2024. The beginning of a new year, 365 opportunities for everyone. People speak about a new year as if something MAGIC happens at midnight. It does not!! 

Tomorrow will be the same as yesterday unless YOU change it. I don't make "new years resolutions" but I do believe in making changes when necessary. 

This crowdfunding campaign is one of my efforts to make changes. Starting up this canning venture will have 2 significant benefits: #1 being in the kitchen canning, cooking, etc will make me feel more useful and productive. Since I had to leave my part-time job I have been feeling really useless and that is driving a lot of depression. #2 selling my homemade goods will help supplement my disability income so that I am more self-reliant. 

Next week I hope to obtain the rest of the spices I need for start up. I will put out another update soon.

Please pray 🙏 share and give if you are able. 

Merry Christmas to everyone. 

Today marks 100 days since I initially posted this campaign. To be honest I really believed that I would be up and running by now. Creating products and setting up sales. I was so hopeful that this side hustle would generate enough extra income to help make ends meet. 

This year has honestly been in the top 5 worst times of my life. But I will continue in faith that God is with me. If this is His will it will come to fruition. 

"For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you." (Matthew 17:20-21). I have my mustard seed 🥰

Continuing in Faith. May you all continue to be blessed. 

Please pray, share, and give as you are able. 

Because my campaign is not receiving any donations or support, the GiveSendGo platform automatically disabled my campaign. 

I have reactivated the campaign. I guess from their perspective it doesn't appear that I am working on this. And according to the email I received this will happen again every 90 days of inactivity. 

I have not been inactive...I have been updating the campaign, sharing updates, posting the link at every opportunity, and anything else I can think of to spread my message. 

I am still trying to make this happen. Some support and encouragement would be nice. But, ultimately it is in God's hands. 

As I mentioned before I have been a little discouraged at the progress of my efforts. However, today I was having a conversation with my Pastor and he offered words of encouragement. This means a lot to me. I was thinking this may not be God's will but he pointed out to me that maybe it's not God's timing. 

I have spent almost 3 months on this. Seeking out recipes, learning from others more experienced, researching equipment and costs, analyzing pricing and, of course, the work of trying to raise funding. 

To anyone who might be interested in helping out, there are ways to help besides money.

* Canning water bath: I would need a 20+qt. Water bath with rack and lid, preferably stainless steel. This doesn't have to be "new". If anyone has one they no longer need I would love 😍 it. 

* Canning tools: also doesn't have to be new, I would be thrilled with used usable tools. 

* Canning jars: Jars are very much reusable, as are the rings. The lids are not reusable but it's much less expensive to buy just the lids. Pint and quart size.

* Stock pot: a large stainless steel stock pot with lid would be very helpful, used is perfectly fine. 

I am looking at goodwill, etc. for a used wi-fi printer for printing labels. And somethings will require money, ie spices, produce. But getting the equipment has to happen first.

God is with me even in my storms. I will never let go of faith. He helps those who help themselves so if stay in faith He will guide me.

These are hard times. Not just for me, there's a lot of people struggling. 

I had no interest shown in my campaign and I have to admit I was getting discouraged. 

I am just trying to start a little side-hustle. There's not going to be a large/significant profit margin. Just a little bit of something to help me keep groceries in the house. But if anyone is willing to contribute I would be willing to offer a free jar of product (once I have product ready to market).

I am only asking each person who sees this for $1 and 1 share with others.

I am also considering additional items for my initial offering (Peanut Brittle and Cashew Brittle).

"My Granny's Recipe Homemade Goods"

This is the name I have given to my endeavor.

My Granny, Arrilla Powers (1905-1977), was an amazing woman. In that day and age it was necessary to have a variety of skills to survive. Granny could do it all. From growing her own food, cooking, canning, sewing, and more, she took care of husband, seven children, other family members and was a respected member of her community and church.  

I came along at the tail-end of 18 grandchildren so I didn't get as many years with Granny but my memories are near and dear to me. I pray that I do justice to her recipes.