Meet Debbie Roberts | Food Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debbie Roberts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve watched my mother, grandmother and aunts make preserves much of my life. They did it as a way of surviving during the winter months. As I got older, I would make jams occasionally for friends as Christmas gifts. They would marvel that I had made such a delicious edible. It occurred to me that many people were not aware of the canning process and how preserves were made. Attempting to re-educate people about making preserves and reviving a lost art-form contributed to me starting the business. I saw this as an excellent way to pay homage to the ladies in my life who taught me how to make preserves.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Providence Preserves originated in a small town in North Carolina in 2011. After relocating to Texas in 2016, we restarted the business a year later. We pride ourselves in working with local and regional farmers in our area. We especially like dealing with organic-base farmers. Because we are able to get produce one day and process it within 2 days makes the food in your jars very fresh! When customers purchase from us, they are getting a product that is all natural, hand ladled and made in small batches. We have submitted award winning preserves at the Texas State Fair. Our Hot Chow-Chow won first place in 2019 and our Watermelon Rind Pickles won second place in 2018. Two important lessons learned was to do the research about the business you might be interested in starting before you start and then connect with a mentor as you progress in the business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When friends come to visit, we try to hit some key spots in the DFW for food, fun and entertainment. Some of our favorite spots to eat are Sankofa Kitchen, City View Tacos, Mr. James Restaurant for breakfast and just about any restaurant in Trinity Grove. For entertainment we may visit The Bishop Arts Center for a good play, the JFK Sixth Floor Museum, The African American Museum of Dallas and a professional sporting event or rodeo.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Ken, has been and continues to be very supportive of my efforts. He’s the go-to guy for impartial opinions, tech questions, motivation, money issues and he is that shoulder to lean on.

Website: www.providencepreserves.com

Instagram: providencepreserves

Facebook: Providence Preserves LLC

Image Credits
All are personal photos