Tamara Eckles, Owner of Jem of the South

Tamara is one of my inspirations in the dessert industry. We were both vendors at The Sugar Coma Festival when I first started my baking business. I remember being so impressed and inspired by her presentation, branding, professionalism, and food photography.

I believe that we didn't officially meet until a few months later on social media. It's always refreshing to connect with fellow bakers and cheer each other on. Tamara has always been supportive of my endeavors. She invited me as a guest on her Jem of the South Radio Show, early on. I believe that was one of my first interviews/feature.

It was only right, that I invite one of my inspirations as a guest on my platform.

Tamara took some time out of her busy schedule to chat with me about some of her inspirations, advice for anyone within the dessert industry (or any entrepreneur), and possible future plans for Jem of the South.

Here's our chat:

What is your blog/company and how did you get started?

Tamara: I started Jem of the South as a baking blog while I planned to work on a strategy to open my bakery. The bakery didn’t open as planned, but the blog and radio show took off!

What are your thoughts and opinions on how the dessert industry has transformed since you started, to now? (I can say for me, I believe that I started when social media was beginning to become popular. And now there are so many apps to display talents, it's almost overwhelming for me to transition with the times, sometimes).

Tamara: The dessert industry has grown, but the blogging and social media spaces added another layer and opportunity for bloggers to get more attention from major baking affiliated brands.

What is your favorite dessert to bake?

Tamara: Red Velvet is my signature dessert. But I love making pralines, marshmallows, and chocolate chip cookies as well.

What is your favorite dessert to have baked for you?

Tamara: My birthday is 12/26 so every year I just want a plain birthday cake. I almost never get it. LOL! But a girl can dream.

Do you have any advice for dessert entrepreneurs that are trying to make their way or have longevity in the dessert industry?

Tamara: With the advent of social media if you don’t have formal education, I would say hone your skills, be true to your goals (with some flexibility) and remain consistent.

Who or what inspires you?

Tamara: Both of my grandmothers and my mother. My dad as well with his entrepreneurial spirit.

Just putting it out there...with the age of podcasts, will you be bringing back Jem of the South as a podcast or show?

Tamara: I honestly don’t know. I had a major health scare last year and I am still trying to figure out what’s next for Jem. The podcast may come back with a new, exciting format. :-)

Thank you Tamara, for taking the time to chat with me, and being an inspiration to us all.

Check out Jem of the South on her website as well as all social media platforms for all of her recipes, tips, and dessert guides for any occasion. www.JemoftheSouth.com