Hidden Gems: Meet Liljana Daniel of Lilly’s Marmalade

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liljana Daniel.

Hi Liljana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
When I was younger, I always watched my Grandmother and my mother makes jam together.

Growing up in Sweden, we had to keep ourselves busy during the dark months of the year and Jam was one of those things.

They put love and effort into making the Jam and when it was done it transformed into delicious flavors.

I watched as they bonded over something as simple as Jam. My grandmother told me once that she and my great-grandmother used to do the same when she was younger back in the Middle East. As an Assyrian from the Middle East Jam and marmalade has always been a part of my heritage. I remember I used to eat it with homemade bread and cream cheese every day.

One day, when I was older, I decided to help them out. It was a life-changing experience. So when I moved to the U.S in 2019, I had a lot of free time and a garden filled with fruits. I decided to try out my great-grandmother’s recipes. The more I made the more it became clear to me that I needed to share it with the world.

They motivated me and they are the reason for my success. I would not have been able to create Lilly’s marmalade without them.

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 wish I could say it has been a smooth road but due to Covid and I know a lot of us small business owners have been struggling. I opened up my business in June 2020 during quarantine time.

Due to this, I was struggling a lot to get my name out there. But thanks to social media and the help from my family and friends I have been able to keep my business alive for more than a year.

We’ve been impressed with Lilly’s Marmalade, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Lilly’s marmalade is a small business based out of Phoenix, Arizona. I moved to Phoenix in 2019 and started my business shortly after. What I am the proudest of and most blessed with is that even though 2020 was a challenging year for all of us, it made me realize my own passion for Jam making.

There is a lot of pressure when you try to take over a family recipe. These recipes have been in my family for more than 4 generations. I’ve spent hours in the kitchen with my mother back in Sweden, learning the trick to making perfect jam and getting the sweetness and thickness just right. That must have been my greatest challenge before I started selling my products.

But over the years, I was given the chance to perfect the recipes, learn from my mistakes and grow into my role as a professional Jam maker. It’s been a long journey and I know it’s not over yet. There is still so much more for me to learn and so many fruits and flavors to experiment with. I am so excited to see what comes next!!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My mentors have been my mom and Grandma. The best way to learn is to ask questions to someone you look up to. and remember to be open to new adventures.

Pricing:

• 4oz Jars $7
• 8oz Jars $10

Contact Info:

• Email: Lillysmarmalade@gmail.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Lillysmarmalade
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Lillysmarmalade