Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Goff
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was working for a local non-profit that helped survivors of domestic violence and there was a lady that would come in almost every week with a huge donation of fresh Meyer lemons from the tree. The Meyer lemons were delicious. There was so many, I thought I would use my baking skills and tried several recipes. I had never ,ever had a lemon bar before but me and my beloved Mother who passed in 2019, loved lemon everything. Once I mastered the recipe and put my own spin on it,
I knew they were good when one of my co-workers gave me money to put on the next batch before I even made them! My 80+ year old GodMother told me they were the best lemon bars she ever had so that also convinced me that I had something truly special that I need to share with the world.
As time went on, I truly was only baking for the love of it but when I was in between jobs and started to run out of savings, I thought…hmmm, if someone was willing to pay without me asking, what would happen if I asked people and took orders… and the rest is history.
I started knocking on doors, giving sample to local restaurants. The feedback was so great that I started researching and found out that Texas has a great Cottage Food Law that allows bakers to use their home kitchen and sell to the public. None of the local restaurants that I contacted panned out but luckily I got another job that worked out well. I started selling the baked goods to my co-workers and it turned out to be a great side hustle.
Over time, the business grew and I was able to use my corporate background to focus on branding and marketing, eventually becoming a regular at the Pflugerville Pfarmers Market and Taylor Farmers Markets. We started as a sole proprietorship and launched our website in 2019. Since then I have been truly blessed to have a loyal following that keep me in business. We incorporated in 2023 to prepare for the unlimited growth potential.
This little home bakery has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life, some are very influential business people. Lemon Bars by Jackie LLC is in demand and regularly invited to many events and markets and we have great collaborators. Currently, we sell Lemon Bars, Cookies, Lemon Pound Cake and Lemon Meringue Pie as our specialties. Our subscription service, aka our Sweetheart Club Membership, allows our customers to get free delivery, 20% off online orders and other deal and perks.
This bakery was not a life goal or plan, it is truly a gift from God and I am letting Him lead me to wherever this bakery will take me in the future. I am truly honored, humble and grateful to serve all those who support me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The food industry is a beast! It is not for the faint at heart. There are alot of very strict guidelines, rules and regulations that must be followed. The competition is fierce, the overhead is high. Baking is a precise science, it takes alot of time, patience and passion to deliver high quality baked goods. I have had so many unexpected personal loses during the time I was running the bakery from 2018, really until very recently.
The bakery was the only thing that remained consistent in my life. It was the only thing I had through all the tragedy that brought me any joy (and some income for a while).
I have so many customers, business associates, friends and family members to thank – they were my lifeline.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I think my profile from my website says it best:
Lemon Bars by Jackie delivers hand-made desserts and pastries that are made with love.
Jackie started baking at home with her Mother at five years old. Her Father, a trained culinary professional, introduced her to a variety of gourmet foods that allowed her to develop a sophisticated palate early in her childhood.
Because of this rich history, Lemon Bars by Jackie is able to deliver the most delicious tastebud experience – right to your front door!
The Lemon Bars are the top selling item however, our Lemon Pound Cake and Cookies are a very close 2nd. And customer favorites.
What sets us apart is that we use local farm to table ingredients when we can and hand mix, hand cut our lemon bars using fresh lemon juice. Everything is made from scratch and we do not believe in taking short cuts.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My parents were awesome. Being the youngest out of all of my siblings, I got to spend alot of time with both. I had a wonderful childhood with lots of love and support. Some bullying from all the brothers but it made me strong and independent.
The holidays and family vacations were always my fondest memories. Everyone in the family can cook or bake or both.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lemonbarsbyjackie
- Facebook: @lemonbarsbyjackie
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcgoff/
- Youtube: The Sweet Life
Image Credits
image provided by Summer Series Artisan Market at the Tiny Home Village. Contact Edna Gonzales for any other info – ednagonzalez@robertscommunities.com
