Love Stories: Holly Jolly Jams
By Jenny Vickers Chyb
"At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet," Plato once said. Don't agree? Lucky for you, we have some great "Love Stories" to inspire you each week leading up to our Valentine's Market & Brunch taking place Sunday, February 11th, noon to 5 pm, in the Grand Arcade of Convention Hall! Guaranteed to get your heart going pitter patter!
Our first story is a very special one to us. Holly Hindin, owner of Holly Jolly Jams, actually met the love of her life at the Asbury Park Fall Bazaar! This story definitely drives home the magic and beauty that we feel at every single Bazaar.
Holly Jolly Jams features small batch jams and jellies made using low-sugar recipes and/or local produce whenever possible. Read Holly's sweet love story below and be sure to visit her at our Valentine's Bazaar for some delicious treats!
When did you two meet and how did you get together?
John and I met at the Asbury Park Fall Bazaar, September 24, 2016. The weather was *supposed* to be warm and sunny that day, perfect for apple picking with his daughter, which was their original plan. Chilly temperatures called for a new plan, which included a visit to the Silverball Museum Arcade and to see Tillie at the Wonder Bar. Upon seeing activity at Convention Hall, they grabbed their dog and headed in to see what was happening. They stopped at my booth because John is a sucker for free samples, especially spicy ones! He settled on Pepper Jelly, then headed home to Scotch Plains. He emailed me through Facebook before the Bazaar was even over, we started talking the next day (Sunday), and had our first date on Monday...we've basically been together ever since! He jokes it was "love at first bite!"
Does your partner play a role in your small business?
Yes! I'm definitely a more creative person who focuses on details, event planning and customer interaction. He is more of a "big picture" person, and is helping me to be more efficient, as well as increasing my wholesale accounts. (He is also really good at peeling apples, slicing peppers and pitting peaches!)
What do you love best about your partner?
He always encourages me to keep moving forward and not to sweat the small stuff. He also give me a run for my money when it comes to corny jokes and silly puns!
What are your favorite things to do together?
John plays in a band so it's safe to say our schedule is JAM packed between my events and his gigs. We enjoy spending time with family and friends, binge-watching Netflix shows and taking day trips to check out local destinations. We love cooking, always trying to find fun and creative ways to incorporate Holly Jolly Jams into our meals.
What will you be offering at the Valentine's Market?
We will be be "spreading" the LOVE at the Valentine's Market with our sweet & spicy jams, as well as our Limited Edition "Valentine Jam." We also offer Valentine's Day themed gift sets, and complimentary fabric toppers, while supplies last!
Be sure to stop by and pay them a visit on Sunday, Feb 11th!