Today we’d like to introduce you to Jilly McClure.
Hi Jilly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been a baker for as long as I can remember! Growing up, whenever I had free time, I was in the kitchen baking something! I hail from a long line of scratch bakers and good old farmhouse cooking. My grandad and grama, on my mom’s side, always had something savory and sweet on the stove or in the oven. I equate baking with family, love, hugs, sharing, giggles and smiles! My love of tarts came from my Auntie Carol…another amazing cook/baker! It was her Blueberry Raspberry tart recipe, my “Original” flavor on my menu, where my tart business began. I would bake it as a New Year’s Eve tradition, but then I started questioning myself as to why I was only making this dessert I loved so much, once a year?! Having no good answer to that question, I decided to start making the tart often and giving it as gifts or sharing it if asked to bring dessert to a party. Friends started asking me if they could order it, and Jilly’s Tarts was born! Next, I created my Chocolate tart and then my Lemon flavor. I now have eight flavors and four sizes of tarts including my mini tarts, that are a perfect size for parties, events and gatherings or just when you want a sweet treat on hand. I am in the business of creating smiles and nothing makes me happier than when someone enjoys my tarts or shares them with others. Creating dessert that is appealing to the eye and yummy for the tummy is my mission!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When your business is your passion, you can always find the joy in it. That being said, creating a business and products I felt proud to put my name on, had its challenges. It was a long process perfecting the recipes and crusts and then the designs. Also, putting systems in place for inventory and production was a learning curve and they are ever-changing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am known as the tart lady! I guess that sums it up! I work hard at creating delicious pieces of art which customers can feast their eyes on first and then enjoy bite after bite! I am most proud when customers share my tarts with friends and family and in turn, I gain new customers. I really meet the most wonderful people on my journey, and for that I feel truly blessed!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love to dance! Salsa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Two Step! And I’m passionate about and on the board of a non-profit called The Living Success Center. We give psychological counseling to people who otherwise could not afford counseling.
Contact Info:
- Email: JillysTarts@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.jillystarts.com/
- Instagram: @jillystarts
- Facebook: Jilly’s Tarts
- Youtube: Jilly’s Tarts
Image Credits
Laura Riffel, Brittany Carel
