Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Hedrick.
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
A Bushel ‘n’ A Peck Cottage Foods & Gifts began in 2017 with a simple dream and a new season of life. After our youngest child started school, I decided to turn my love for creating and gifting into a small business. So I made the jump from stay at home mom to business owner overnight. What started in our home kitchen making jams and jellies quickly grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
The business name was the easy part, as it was a song my grandma used to sing to my mom and her brothers and sisters and then my mom sang to us, and now she sings it to our children.
In March 2018, we added a small laser engraver, opening the door to creating personalized gifts and custom products. The response from our customers was incredible. Through hard work, word-of-mouth referrals, and the support of our community, our business continued to grow year after year.
Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our customers—both locally and across the United States—continued to support our small business. Their encouragement allowed us to keep growing and investing in new equipment and capabilities. In 2021, we upgraded to a larger laser machine, expanded again in 2022, and in 2024 added UV printing to offer even more customization options for our customers.
In 2025, my husband, Matt, a navy veteran, started making amazing hand turned pens and we have now added those to our product offerings.
To date, we have created thousands of custom gifts and personalized products. While we specialize in realtor closing gifts and large bulk orders, we also love creating one-of-a-kind pieces that help individuals celebrate life’s special moments. From engraved keepsakes and custom décor to yard signs and promotional items, every order is created with attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
One of the things we are most proud of is giving back to the community that has supported us from the beginning. We regularly partner with local schools and organizations by offering profit-sharing opportunities on yard signs, Fan Faces, spirit merchandise, and other fundraising products. Helping organizations raise money while celebrating their students and communities is one of our favorite parts of what we do.
At A Bushel ‘n’ A Peck Cottage Foods & Gifts, we believe that the best gifts tell a story. Whether you’re ordering one special item or hundreds of custom pieces, we’re honored to help create products that celebrate memories, milestones, and the people who matter most.
You create the memories—we help make them last and enjoy the lasting relationships we have built with our clients over the last (almost) 9 years.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If I said there weren’t a few bumps in the road, I’d be lying! As most business owners know, pricing and finding good quality products can be a challenge, but having a great community of other laser engraving business owners has been so beneficial and helpful.
I would also say that learning from our failures, when something didn’t turn out how we thought it would and how to make it better. I absolutely hate failure, but it is a part of learning and growing and becoming a better business owner and maker.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I offer custom laser engraving and UV printing. We specialize in custom, personalized gifts and promotional items.
I would say we’re known for taking our client’s ideas and visions and making it come to life.
I am proud of what I have built mostly by word of mouth and minimal advertising, also the fact that it allows me still be flexible with my family time when needed.
I believe what sets us apart is our customer service and commitment to quality, as well as, our connection to our community and clients. Many of our clients started out as just that, clients, but have become really good friends in the process.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, where we grew peanuts and raised beef cattle. I believe that’s where my work ethic comes from. I had some great examples of hard workers in my parents and many others I grew up around in our small town.
I was heavily involved in FFA, showed animals, participated in public speaking and many other things. I also loved playing basketball and softball.
Personality wise, I was and still am very independent (sometimes to a fault), a little sarcastic and love a good joke or funny story.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abushelnapeck.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abushel.n.apeck
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abushelnapeckfoodsngifts/
