Meet Bonnie Perry | Small Business Owner -1/2 Pints Jelly

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bonnie Perry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bonnie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Since starting my small business in 2017 my work life balance has changed drastically. Before I started my small business I worked full time for the North Clackamas School District. My 8 hours was split between 2 positions, 4 hours at the district office doing data entry and miscellaneous work and 4 hours at Sabin-Schellenberg as Attendance Secretary. (both the 4 hour positions I had should have been 8 hours on their own.) On top of my 8 hour job I also house/dog/child sat for about 7-10 people. Once 1/2 Pints Jelly was official there was no going back and it was in full swing, I even started to help manage a Farmers Market close to home. With my 8 hour job, house sitting, managing the jelly business and managing a farmers market there was no self care. After 2 years of managing it all my body was telling me something had to give, as I developed Psoriasis and then COVID hit which was a stress for us all. I really had to dig deep and figure out what needed to happen so I could continue with jelly and keep my sanity. I calculated my monthly wages at the district so I could pursue the jelly business and resigned from 4 hours at the district which was a huge decision after being there for over 10 years, it was scary but I made the jump. Dealing with COVID made it so I wasn’t house sitting as much either so I had more time to focus on jelly and taking care of myself. While setting a time for self care, I didn’t realize I needed to set a schedule for jelly as well since it was my dream job and I didn’t think of it as a job. Balancing life, side jobs and your dream job is by far a work in progress but keeping a daily routine and set schedule for it all is the best way for myself to manage it. I even use a daily planner to make sure my routine is met and checked off my list so I feel accomplished.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets 1/2 Pints Jelly apart? Well, It’s pepper jelly to be exact, and what really sets my business apart is the chunks of fruit in the jelly. If you pick up one of my jars you can see the chopped up fruit throughout the jelly jar, unlike most jelly from a store that have more of a smooth texture to it. The chunks of fruit ads a nice sweetness to the jelly so you can actually taste the flavor, and looks glorious over some pork as a meat marinade. Another fun thing about 1/2 Pints Jelly is the name itself has two meanings, one is myself since I am a small 1/2 pint and second is I sell jelly in 1/2 pint jars. I have now adopted the nickname 1/2 Pint.

I learned that as much as I researched about starting my own small business, I wasn’t really going to fully understand or trust the process unless I jumped into it. Besides canning jelly, I didn’t know much about licensing, state laws or owning a small business. With more knowledge of owning a business I can actually say I am also a bookkeeper, blogger, cook, salesman, certified canner, event planner and much more! I have learned so much as a person and business owner, and I know there is more to learn and add to my list.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you are visiting Portland Oregon there are tons of places to visit and do! It is Friday morning and I would first start with an early breakfast at Biscuits and then head over to Estacada for a game of disc golf at Timber Park. I would pack some snacks and enjoy outside in the woods. After a great game of disc golf I would drive to Fire on the mountain for some chicken strips and a beer/wine. There are tons of places to see downtown but if you are staying the entire weekend/week you have plenty of time to check the city out, plus you will be tired after a game of disc golf. Saturday I would make breakfast and then go to a local farmers market for shopping and fun. After the market I would go back home, put my witch cloak on and head to Wyrd Leather and Mead downtown Portland for an early dinner, drinks and a fun medieval atmosphere. My pepper jelly is featured in their menu! There is much to do in the night life of Portland, we could go to a few more hot spots before we turned in and if we do the waterfront is a must! My favorite day of the week is Sunday Funday. First things first is breakfast and a bloody mary at multiple places downtown Portland or even Milwaukie area. The best thing about Portland is you aren’t far from a day trip to the coast or the mountain, whatever your heat desires. I couldn’t image staying the entire time in the city, but if you want to that is up to you!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and friends. I would not be where I am today without the support of my family and friends. My boyfriend, my mom and a couple friends took the food handlers test so they could help me in the kitchen when they can, and without me asking them. My boyfriend, Bob, has been the biggest supporter I think. Bob is my therapist, cheerleader, he convinced me and helped calculate my monthly wages so I could leave the district office comfortably and pursue the jelly business. Bob helps me set up and take down my booth at Farmers Markets as much as he can. Bob drives me around during snow storms in his big excursion so I can deliver my charcuterie boxes. Bob encourages me every day. My mom, Marci is always my number one fan and supports me in everyway! Marci is now retired and so has more time to help me! LOL Her words, not mine! I am so blessed to have them and own my small business!

I also want to thank the businesses that support my small business!
Dr. Regan, Dental Office
Unitus Community Credit Union
Clackamas Dermatologist Office
Pretty Party Platter -Berta
Creative Char Boards PNW -Maygan
Wyrd Leather and Mead -bar in Portland Travis and Anastasia
Milwaukie Floral Shop -Kelly and Cory!

Website: www.halfpintsjelly.com

Instagram: @halfpintsjelly

Facebook: 1/2 Pints Jelly

Image Credits
Myself, Bonnie Perry, Sara Robinett and Mark Rousseve