Sarah Cohen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Sarah, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My nieces, ages 3 and 1, are bringing me joy these days. We are taking a family vacation next week and I can’t wait for them to explore the Bahamas, by snorkeling and fishing, like my siblings and I did as kids. It’s a gift to see them learn about the world.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Sarah of Sarah’s Slow Jam.
I like to say justice and jam are my two passions. I am a full-time attorney for foster children through the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. I am proud to serve my community in this way.
I am also an entrepreneur with two side businesses: Sarah’s Slow Jam, LLC and Pineapple Island Co., LLC.
Sarah’s Slow Jam sells gourmet jams and jellies. I am a certified Master Food Preserver, and I also teach cooking class, like biscuits and jam, or fermentation classes. Sarah’s Slow Jam came after 10 years of making jam as a hobby. We just celebrated 5 years in March!
Pineapple Island Co. is about heirloom quality tropical home decor, such as quilts and embroidered napkins. I like taking inspiration from the gorgeous botanical surroundings here in South Florida and incorporating them into fabric arts.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe that food can be an excellent middle ground between people. I love learning about a person’s culture and heritage through food- what do they eat at celebration times? Or during a certain season? It is a powerful way in which we build connections.
When I travel, I try to take a cooking class- it is like history and culture and lunch all rolled into one experience!
Food is a powerful unifying force that brings us all to the table. Cooking for someone can be an act of love or celebration. Inviting someone to your table says you belong here.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Trust yourself and know you won’t be everything to everyone.
You will never get more unsolicited business advice as when you start a business!
Know your why and do everything to protect your peace. It’s too easy to be pulled in a million directions and then feel that you’re not honoring your why. That leads to burn out and dissatisfaction. The most successful people I know say “no” all of the time because they know their goals and they are focused on that and let the distractions fall to the wayside.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Bigger is automatically better. This goes back to your why and what you want to put out into the world. You can easily lose control pursuing constant growth. It can feel exciting, but systems break when resources are stretched to thin or your “why” gets lost in the noise.
Slow and steady wins the race- but it can easy to feel discouraged on that track. When you grow slowly, you’re able to build with intention. You stay close to your mission, keep your quality high and preserve your values. It all goes back to knowing your why!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes! Every business has its ebbs and flows. Five years in, I am so excited about our projects and where we are headed as a business. Currently, I am working on a cookbook collaboration with a local chef and it is so much fun! It is pushing me creatively and also a fun way to highlight new ways to use the jams.
This project is a natural extension of everything I love- celebrating quality ingredients, southern traditions, an creating moments of joy around the table.
I can’t wait to share it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SarahsSlowJam.com www.PineappleIslandCo.com
- Instagram: @SarahsSlowJam @PineappleIslandCo
- Linkedin: @SarahsSlowJam
- Facebook: @SarahsSLowJam @PineappleIslandCo
Image Credits
Photographs: Sandra Ransdelly Photography & Ellie Kolar Photography
