Jem of the South and Belle of Desserts

If there is one thing the south knows how to do, that is dessert. Everyone loves southern desserts and if you are looking for some of the best dessert recipes in the south, look no further than Tamara Eckles. She is the founder of, Jem of the South, a dessert blog that will leave you hungry at your desk. Learn more about her work, journey through entrepreneurship and love of the South today! We promise she will make an add a cheat meal to your diet 🙂

Your Name:

Tamara Eckles

Business Name:

Jem of the South

Alma Mater:

Clemson University

Sorority:

Alpha Kappa Alpha

Hometown:

Florence, SC

Current location:

Dacula, GA

Website Link:

www.jemofthesouth.com

What services do you provide?

I’m a dessert blogger, radio host and writer. So I don’t actually provide a service, but a dessert experience through my dessert recipes, dessert guides and events.

Why did you decide to start a business?

I started my business because I needed a creative outlet.  I’ve taken lots of turns in the last 5 years and I am still growing and developing my business.

Who are some of your business idols?

I really admire Myliek Teele Founder of Curlbox, my brother Founder of Eralphia 3 Imagery and my dad who owned several businesses over the years.

Do you have any mentors?

My parents have been the best mentors in my life. They both have work ethics that have driven me to be excellent in any life endeavors. My father is a serial entrepreneur which has taught me to never give up and to know that entrepreneurship can take many twists and turns. The key is to not give up and to keep pushing.

What is your favorite thing about being southern?

I love our food culture, our love of family, rich traditions and faith.

What is your favorite southern entrees or sides?

I love any type of green, especially collard greens, baked sweet potatoes and fresh tomatoes! These are some of my favorite southern dishes because they are simple, but when cooked the right way they are amazing!

If you could only have 3 desserts for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

That’s a tough one since I’m a baker. . I would have to say Talenti’s caramel gelato, peach pie, chocolate cake with cream cheese icing.

What is the most important thing you have done to build your business?

I’d have to say staying consistent. I’ve worked different angles to find my niche and I feel I’ve found it through sharing my recipes, hosting events and in the near future writing my first cookbook!

What are your favorite southern brands?

Love Cortnie (custom clutches) , Ashley Brooke Designs, Moon & Lola

What is your favorite restaurant in the south and why?

I must give a shout out to two of my favorite bakeries, Cami Cakes and Buttermilk Pie Company. I love that  these are businesses are owned by women who are not only savvy business owners, but women who produce some of the best baked goods I’ve ever tasted. Their quality has remained outstanding over the years and you don’t always see that with food based businesses.  www.camicakes.com multiple locations in Atlanta and Jacksonville Fl.  www.buttermilkpieco.com Gainesville, GA.

Michiel Perry

Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes 🙂

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