Jamming Closer to “Being That $100M Brand That We've Always Known We Could Be” with Ashley Marie Rouse

Back in November Rouse shared with Facebook for Business News that her business saw quadruple-digit growth, adding that her long-term goal has always been to turn Trade Street Jam Co. into a $100 million brand.

Almost a year later, we’re celebrating Black Business August once more, while still grappling with the coronavirus pandemic. So we checked in with Rouse to see how she’s doing and ask: Did the growth continue?

“Growth, yes. 1,000% growth? No way,” Rouse said. “Every peak has its valley, but the great thing is that we’ve averaged out in a space where our monthly revenue is still 5 to 8 times more than it was pre-COVID.”

Rouse credits her husband for helping her keep recent events in perspective.

“I find myself complaining about how slow sales are, and my husband has to jump in and say, “But, where were you last year?”

Hear more from Rouse about what the last year has looked like, how she’s celebrating Black Business Month and more. For more wisdom from founders like Rouse, sign up for Facebook Elevate’s #BuyBlack Summit, taking place Aug. 24, 2021.

Since we last spoke in November, tell us: What’s changed and what stayed the same?

Well, I'm less stressed now than I was then! I've learned to navigate my way around the growth, and I've become more efficient and patient in the process.

What have you learned?

That I can get through anything with this business, no matter how uncomfortable or sticky (pun intended?) it may feel. That's what this whole entrepreneurship thing is about. I've always known that, but living it is another kind of beast.

How are you meeting the needs of new customers you’ve reached during the pandemic?

Innovation is a pillar in our company. We meet their needs by providing new, exciting products and fun recipes to make with them. That’s where my culinary expertise comes in and where I really get to shine.