Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Murdock.
Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started JellyfishParty with SpongeBob themed art, as a way to re-engage with the local community and see if it would bring people joy. One creative idea led to another, and eventually I had more vendor friends and supportive spots in the city than I could have ever imagined. About 8 months into the business, and 60+ merchandise items later, I remembered that I loved the act of making strawberry preserves as a kid. I had only tried making it once, but figured, why not?
One small-batch of strawberry jelly later… I was obsessed. The mad scientist in me was suddenly channeling all of her past experience as a bartender, baker, chocolatier; all of these odd jobs I had picken up to pay rent, were connecting into this unexpected passion. And then it hit me. Sure, this could be jellyfish jelly. But this was my own product now.
Fast forward to today, it’s been over a year of offering NEEDMOREJELLY, my super smooth, no seeds small-batch jelly. Handmade with whole fruit and double strained, it’s not just the prettiest jelly you’ve ever tried, it’s the freshest. And trust me, I am just getting started.
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?
While the jelly is smooth as hell, no it did not start off smooth.
The biggest struggles would have to be social media. It’s moving rapidly, and I had dedicated myself to posting daily for a year when I started JellyfishParty. Once I reached that goal, I wasn’t having as much fun creating silly videos anymore. And I definitely wasn’t seeing an increase in sales. There was one night where a platform completely shut my account down, with no estimated time or support for when it would even come back. Moments like that really had me questioning if it was even worth it anymore.
Hard times force the change you need to see in your life, so I decided to pivot while I was unemployed.
That is what led to this whole jelly chapter in my life now. I had to pay rent and I was determined to figure out how I could do that, while still spreading joy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about JellyfishParty?
Whenever you’re about to head to the store, I bet you think at some point… “Oh, dang. I need more jelly.”
And that is where I save the day.
Ready to invite NEEDMOREJELLY in your life?
I would like to proudly present to you…
My berry flavored, small-batch, super smooth jellies. Available in strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and blackberry to sweeten your day, all year round.
These jellies are prepared with whole fruit and cane sugar because we both know nothing tastes as good as the real thing. Enjoy this jiggly little treat knowing it is full of pure fruit goodness. And don’t worry, it’s seedless. 😋
Doing What We Can: One Jar at a Time
More importantly, I believe in my mission to spread joy and sustainability of equal measure. That’s why I have been inviting my customers to return their empty NEEDMOREJELLY jars to my pop-up events and markets. As a token of my gratitude for joining me in this journey, they receive an immediate 50% off their next jelly jar purchase! It’s kind of a no brainer.
But that isn’t enough for me. Our planet needs us now more than ever. And I want to show our future generations that we fight for their futures. That is why, for every jar donated, JellyfishParty also donates $1 to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
So not only will you be supporting me, your new local jelly gal, but you will also be supporting our friends in the wild. From animals, to seas, to trees, to the air we breathe, we can all find a reason to show up and take action, one jelly jar at a time.
Join the Party, and Spread the Joy with Me!
Are you ready to dive right in? Hundreds, if not thousands of people have already started revelling in the smooth, seedless goodness of these double-strained jellies.
This journey is gonna be as delightful for your taste buds as it will be for the world around us.
And remember… when life gives you lemons, you make it into jelly and you sell that shit. 🍋
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I love this childhood memory because it’s just so uniquely me. When standardized state testing would happen every Spring in elementary school, I would draw cartoon animals on small pieces of paper and put them up on display with the sleeves of my folders. When teachers would give out free candy to help us focus during these tests, I would have other kids trade me their candy for a cartoon drawing. The teachers didn’t like this and put a stop to it, but man, I had soooo much candy!
Pricing:
- NEEDMOREJELLY – 80z Jar | $10
- Jelly Jar Tall T-Shirt | $25
- Commissioned Art | Starting at $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.needmorejelly.com
- Instagram: @jllyfsh_prty
- Other: https://www.jellyfishpartyshop.com
