Celebrating National Pecan Day With Melanie Perkins-Morris
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- April 14, 2022
Each year, National Pecan Day is celebrated on April 14th. Pecans are native to the United States and a favorite snack for many. There is one woman incorporating pecans into her world-famous pralines and we’re excited to highlight her on this day.
Melanie Perkins-Morris is the founder of Mama Dots Sweet Shop, a family-owned business, and home of the best pecan pralines around. We were able to interview Melanie and learn more about her story and her brand.
Tell us about yourself.
Melanie: I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA. I currently reside in Houston, TX. I’m married with two daughters. My childhood was not ideal. In fact, it was a nightmare. My dad was psycho, abusive, and manipulative. I use to think this made me weak but it actually made me the strong-minded, loving, giving person I am today. I wouldn’t want anyone to feel the pain we went through. I learned to love from my mom, she’s one of the strongest women I know. Even going through all the things she went through with our dad, she never let it harden her heart. My grandma’s house was our happy place. It was her that showed us unconditional love and nurtured us.
Who do you feel is your target audience?
Melanie: I am my target audience! The working woman age 25–55 with a family who loves to indulge in a delectable sweet treat after a good meal or a long day at work.
What do you define as success?
Melanie: Success is changing the trajectory of your predetermined path and building the life you want. According to the statistics, someone coming from where I’m from is supposed to fail. I teach my daughters and I want people everywhere to know that failure is not an option. If you stumble you have to get up and try again and again, until you succeed.
What was the inspiration behind your brand?
Melanie: My family is my inspiration. I especially want to show my daughters that women can have it all. I teach them that nothing is off-limits. You can literally have anything your heart desires. Of course, you have to put in the work but everything is attainable.
How do you differentiate your business from the competition?
Melanie: I think the difference is the joy and passion we put into our brand. Not only do we put love into the products but we handle every aspect of the business with care. We hope that our customers can feel the joy in each bite.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
Melanie: We are expanding to new territory. We will introduce our heavenly salted-almond pralines at the Sweets and Snack Expo in Chicago May 23–26, 2022. This is the largest candy expo in the US. I’m super excited to exhibit alongside all of the major players in candy manufacturing. I hope the Windy City is prepared to be blown away with this Authentic Creole flavor! The possibilities are endless.
Connect with Mama Dots Sweet Shop online: