Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Song.
Hi Janet, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Ironically I started my business right in the middle of the pandemic when the whole world was in a big pickle. Prior to this venture I was pursuing my other passion in teaching yoga and was planning on leading my first international yoga retreat in April of 2020. I was very disheartened when I had to cancel it but in hindsight I realize everything happens for a reason. I always dreamt of owning my own business but thought it was far fetched and unrealistic. But given more time and an unstable work schedule I had the opportunity to reevaluate my path. I became motivated to pursue a dream that was once unattainable in my head. My affinity for pickles made it an obvious choice so I started off experimenting with different brines and vegetables. I played with various textures and flavors until I narrowed down what tasted best. I soon realized there is a true science to pickling and fermentation which is what fascinated me most about the process. Eventually I began to brainstorm what to call my business. The phrase “in a pickle” was always one that resonated with me and while thinking of a name it just made sense. I created my logo and packaging, and from there, it was official. Everyday is still a challenge and of course there are aspects that need improvement but I have learned to embrace that part. Although there are times I doubt myself I am certain these pickles have a purpose. What keeps me going is seeing the happiness my customers get from enjoying my product and the endless opportunities to help others through having a brand. I am definitely learning as I go and experimenting a whole lot. Through failure comes growth and experience; with all the trial and error I have learned to keep what works and to let go of what doesn’t.
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?
I couldn’t help but chuckle at this question because it feels like I have run into every obstacle you can think of. I think as a business owner many others can relate and understand it is not an easy road but I will say it has humbled me and never stopped me from trying.
I think one of my biggest struggles is keeping up with the demand and finding the balance when it comes to scaling my product. There are never enough pickles to be made and with a smaller budget you end up doing everything on your own. I am doing the work of a whole team, everything from production, photography to packaging/deliveries, graphic designing, social media, and beyond. I didn’t think it would be possible but I started off making three big mason jars and now I am making large buckets of pickles. It feels like no matter how many batches I make it is never enough, and finding storage is a whole other story. There were times when I tried to transfer huge buckets of pickles to my parent’s garage fridge and brine spilled all over my car, I’ve had glass jars crack, supplies out of stock, kitchenware break, you name it. Another struggle when you have a perishable product that needs to be refrigerated is shelf life. Luckily pickles do have a longer shelf life but my new product which is relish has a shorter shelf life due to the high shallot and onion content. I am also learning that pickles and fermented foods have a whole different set of rules for licensing due to being a “high risk food”.
I’ve learned to be patient with myself and my business through this process. I focus on being grateful that I get to share something that brings me and others so much joy. I am also grateful that so many have been supportive along the way and always keep in mind that this is my passion, nothing less.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about In A Pickle?
IN A PICKLE was born from just that, being in a challenging circumstance and figuring out a solution when seemingly there was none. We have all been there, where the struggle is real and we feel stuck. Part of what inspired me to create this business was to poke fun at how hard life can get. And sometimes when you’re in a big pickle the lightbulb somehow goes on. My hope is to instill humor and play with the intention that we should never take life too seriously and make the best of trying times. With that, I wanted to create a killer jar of pickles that values quality over quantity and supports the local community in every way possible. I love the idea that more than just a product, I have the opportunity to educate, inspire, and be inclusive with my audience. I use local farmer’s market produce and put my heart into each and every jar made. IN A PICKLE jars are unique in that there is a variety of specialty produce used with a flavor you can’t find in a typical jar of pickles. I hand pick and hand cut each vegetable, and use nearly 20 wholesome ingredients to create the brine. I let my produce sit in a five hour ice bath before pickling. It is definitely a difficult process but it is so worth it when I see the joy it brings to my fellow pickle lovers.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was and always will be a kid at heart. I was rebellious and misunderstood. I was typically the black sheep, both in my family and social settings, as I moved a lot when I was younger and it was challenging to recreate friendships. I had a rough adolescence but I didn’t let it sway me from being me and seeing the good in others. I loved dancing, making playlists, and running cross country growing up. I used to be called Miss Piggy because I would eat all of mine and everyone else’s food. I love food but hated cooking until recently. I was never afraid to be silly and a little strange, but I think it’s what makes people feel comfortable around me. I enjoyed anything wholesome and adventurous. I was mischievous with good intention, and through it all have learned how to stay true to myself.
Pricing:
- 16oz Jar of Pickles – $15
- 8oz Jar of Relish – $10
- 16oz Jar of Relish – $16
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.inapicklela.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inapickle_la
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