Today we’d like to introduce you to Ahsaki Jones.
Hi Ahsaki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I love cooking, especially gourmet foods. After moving to Houston, I missed some of the flavors from my hometown, New Orleans. So, I made good use of a Creole cookbook that was given to me. I could make most recipes perfectly by the third time, but pralines were my biggest challenge because they’re not the easiest candy to make! The right temperature has to be reached before “dropping them” or they won’t set properly. It takes a well-trained eye, skilled hands, and a lot of practice to get them just right. And I’ve had my share of bad batches! But with time and improvements in technique, I mastered the art of making creamy, Creole-style pralines. I take pride in the fact that I can make something that’s a challenge for most.
Sometimes while cooking, I watched the Food Network’s Chopped to see how they paired odd ingredients to make gourmet dishes. It taught me how to use just about everything in the kitchen and minimize waste while creating great meals. This was how I eventually came up with different flavors of pralines. I soon discovered Sur La Table’s cooking classes where I learned to cook risotto, bake breads, make fresh pasta and so much more. I also visited Williams Sonoma during their cooking demos to see what they were serving up and make the recipes at home. There’s something amazing about starting with individual ingredients and turning them into something special! Pralines are no different.
During a Williams Sonoma visit, I discovered Nielsen-Massey’s vanilla extract and tried it in my pralines, elevating them to another level. I began infusing other flavors like Ghirardelli Cacao and freshly ground coffee beans for some variety. I created a total of eleven gourmet flavors, six of which I haven’t yet released. So, making pralines was just a pastime, and I never considered making a business of it until recently. I really enjoy what I do because it doesn’t feel like work. But one thing I’ve learned in this journey is discovery of passion usually comes when we aren’t looking for it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m grateful that the road on this journey has been mostly smooth but nothing in life comes without obstacles in our path. As a business owner, the biggest obstacle has to be one’s mindset. Someone once said, “Plan B is planning to fail.” That statement resonated with me because once I set my mind to do something, it’s already done. So when I decided to start my business, I also decided there would be no other outcome besides success. And although it’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned, I know that failure is also part of the process and helps in growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business actually started December 2021 right before the new year. I signed up for our first farmers market because I thought it would be fun to venture out and try something new. My daughter and I brought a tent, her old Girl Scout cookie table and about 50 pralines. We didn’t even have a sign, so customers had to walk up to our table to see what we were selling. It was cold that day and we had no idea what to expect or what we were doing! I would make pralines for family and friends but wondered how complete strangers would like them.
Three hours and one spilled coffee later, I got my answer after we sold out! It was a great feeling to see how others really liked my pralines! And that’s when it became clear to me. That’s when AJ’s Gourmet Pralines transitioned from being just a hobby to a business that I would take seriously.
In the following months, I booked markets throughout the city which helped build our customer base. I’m thankful for every opportunity from the invitations to various events, securing exclusive vendor deals, participating in festivals, and requests to have our pralines in local stores. We’re currently transitioning into retail so that customers have easier access to our products and more options for purchase. It’s exciting to see our growth so far and where the business will be this time next year!
AJ’s Gourmet Pralines stand out because our candy is authentic in flavor and texture. We’re known for making uniquely flavored, gourmet pralines, bringing the tastes of New Orleans to the Lone Star State. Customers who try our brand for the first time immediately notice the difference between our pralines and others. We only use high-quality, all-natural ingredients because that directly affects the overall flavor. We currently offer Original Pecan, Chocolate, Rum, Coconut Walnut, and newly debuted White Chocolate Raspberry with more varieties to come.
We’ve reached many milestones since starting up, from selling out at our first market to getting our first big catering order. One of my proudest moments was being chosen as the Official Praline Vendor at The Taste of Louisiana Festival. The process was very selective because the organizer wanted a diverse group of only the best restaurants to represent the flavors of Louisiana. It was between my company and a seasoned praline vendor they accepted in previous years. AJ’s Gourmet Pralines was ultimately chosen to represent the Taste of Louisiana brand because of our quality, variety and presentation! We went on to make many great connections at that event including a customer who helped secure one of our best vendor deals. Other events have connected me to people who opened more doors of opportunity. It’s like a domino effect… and I want to keep my business on a wave of momentum, continuously growing. Most businesses fail in the first year so I’m truly grateful for our growth and every one of our accomplishments, big and small.
AJ’s Gourmet Pralines will continue to provide the best in quality and service for our customers as we expand the brand. You can find us at local events and festivals throughout Houston and surrounding areas. We currently offer shipping, delivery, and catering for all occasions. Readers can visit our website for more details.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely. First and foremost, I give all credit and thanks to my Father for blessing me with a gift, revealing my passion and helping me every step along the way. My beautiful daughter who is my biggest cheerleader, helps at the markets and behind the scenes. My dear mother who supports my dreams and celebrates every milestone right from the very beginning. My mentors and friends who have supported me with positive vibes, valuable advice, patronization, referrals, and praying for my success. And, finally, my loyal customers. I truly appreciate the positive feedback and support from them. My customers are the absolute best because they are dedicated, encourage my continued growth, and truly appreciate the brand. AJ’s Gourmet Pralines would not exist without them. Thank you! I am so grateful to have such a strong network of supporters in my life. It makes this journey that much sweeter!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.
ajsgourmetpralines.com/ - Phone: (346)291-0906
- Email: info@ajsgourmetpralines.com
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/ ajsgourmetpralines/ - Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/ ajsgourmetpralines/
