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

Hi Kendra, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
We’re in the middle of a world wide health pandemic. The hardest decision I’ve ever had to make is to keep my business open. Everywhere around me small business are closing their doors. It is heartbreaking to watch especially knowing what goes into owning and operating a small business. I am very lucky that I run my business from home. My sales have drastically dropped and all of my big festivals & shows have been cancelled. I am staying afloat by offering porch pickups and vending at the farmer’s market a couple of times a month. I have much less overhead than the average business and that has really helped me in this pandemic. I wouldn’t say my business is thriving at the moment; it is in survival mode.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am very experienced and have been canning professionally since the arrival of the Texas Cottage Food Law in 2011. Kendra’s Kreations celebrated 9 years on September 1st thanks to the TCFL. I have even been a Creative Arts Judge at the State Fair of Texas for the Canning Divisions three times. I feel very confident in my work. I understand the science behind canning, that not all recipes are created equal and some aren’t safe. That confidence is what fuels new recipes. I am a creative person by nature so when you add in the confidence it can be a wildfire. Sometimes I have to remind myself to slow down, you’re doing too much. But it is one of the funnest parts of my work. Trying new recipes and making them work for my business brings me joy. When I love a new recipe I always try it out on friends or family members and to know they love it too or to see the smile on their face is priceless.

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.
We’d have to eat at Mariachi’s Dine In located in a Fort Worth gas station! They have many delicious food options and a vegan menu. No visit to Fort Worth is complete without a stroll down Magnolia Avenue in Near Southside. While there visit Spiral Diner for some killer nachos!! Picnics in the Fort Worth Water Gardens are a must! Hiking though the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a real treat. The Log Cabin Village is very interesting and educational. A trip to Dinosaur Valley State Park is a great place for the day or to camp for the weekend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I grew up in the kitchen with my mom, grandma’s, and aunts. I have always loved being in the kitchen. I remember when I was maybe 11 years old my mom had purchased a paper bag full of ripe bananas and let me stay home from school one day to make banana bread loaves. Another time my boyfriend (now husband) and I showed up to my mother in law’s home for Thanksgiving to help with preparations and we found her under the weather. She asked me to make the entire meal so I put on my apron and got to work. It was the first time I had ever cooked such a large important family meal. Early on in my canning career most of my recipes came from my Memo. She is the one that provided me with a Jalapeno Jelly recipe which became the foundation of Kendra’s Kreations. I’d dedicate my success to all of the women around me. The women in my life always made me feel super confident in the kitchen and in life.

Website: https://kendraskreations.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendraskreationstexas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kendras.Kreations.Texas
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwkWc-U_u2WzCNsJgRdwSQQ
Other: TikTok: Kendraskreations https://www.pinterest.com/KendrasKreation

Image Credits
Kendra Myers

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