I grew up in the notable town of Brooklyn, NY and now call Florida my home. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit starting with having a plant business back in the 1970s and then later having two successful clothing businesses in Albany, NY in the late 1980s and early 90s. After managing my stores for over 20 years, I decided to move to Florida but continued my business ventures creating custom, designer Battenberg-lace T-shirts and then later custom-made jewelry, embellished jean jackets and custom-made pillows. I love creating beautiful products with my hands.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there brought on new challenges to my businesses, but also, new opportunities given what I observed about the world around me. More people were buying canned goods to stock up against shortages and eating more at home. I saw the need to reignite a common product (Jam) that most people have tried, but create new and exciting flavors, while also keeping in mind real health conditions that were exposed as putting individuals at higher risk for catching COVID-19 such as diabetes and obesity.

I know firsthand the importance of health-conscious eating. Most of my life, I struggled with weight gain to the point where I realized my morbid obesity was costing me my quality of life. In my 20s I attended overeaters anonymous for 15 years, gaining and losing hundreds of pounds and not being successful. In 2001 I made a major decision to have gastric bypass surgery at 315 pounds. After surgery, I was able to lose 170 pounds and I continue to maintain my weight loss to this day 20+ years later! 

My weight loss journey has been a testimony of God’s work in my life, from seeing my prior medical complications disappear to having more joy and desire to live a healthier lifestyle. However, over the last number of years, the symptoms of diabetes returned and I am now more passionate than ever to create Sugar Free jams for any person who is sugar conscious.

I invite you to enjoy my delicious jams, made right at home, with you in mind. From original, organic and sugar free I am sure you will find a jam you will love.

God Bless,

Ellen Kestecher