Birmingham Community Spotlight: Jenny McCain’s Sweet Success with Woodhill Cottage
Birmingham, AL – In a city vibrant with diverse entrepreneurial spirit, Jenny McCain stands out as a notable example of blending passion with profession. By day, she is a dedicated attorney, offering vital legal guidance to banks and financial institutions throughout the Southeast. By night, she transforms her kitchen into a bustling jam-making hub under the brand Woodhill Cottage, enriching the community with her small-batch preserves.
Roots of Inspiration
Jenny’s journey into the world of food began in her grandmother’s kitchen. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, she absorbed lessons in business and cooking alike. Her grandmother, Ruby McCain, played a pivotal role in inspiring Jenny’s love for cooking, having been the chief operations officer of a children’s wear company started by Jenny’s grandparents in the late 1940s. While running a successful business, Ruby also cherished cooking, savoring every moment spent “putting up” vegetables and making jams.
From Gifts to Business
According to Jenny, it was friends and family who nudged her towards entrepreneurship. For years, she shared her homemade jams as thoughtful gifts during holidays and gatherings. The overwhelming positive feedback she received culminated in a single phrase from a friend in Augusta, Georgia: “That dog will hunt!” This marked the beginning of Jenny’s journey to establish Woodhill Cottage. She meticulously crafted flavors like strawberry, peach, and tomato, each reflecting her love for the fruits and her grandmother’s legacy.
Unique Flavors and Recipes
Jenny emphasizes that her Woodhill Cottage Strawberry Conserve isn’t just any strawberry jam—it’s described by customers as “the strawberriest,” made with real fruit and a balanced sweetness. Her Peach Conserve, lovingly referred to as “Sunshine in a Jar,” captures the essence of fresh peaches, while the Tomato Jam offers a sweet-savory blend that elevates numerous dishes.
Along with the jams, Jenny shares recipes with her customers, creating a community around her products. Current favorites include Tomato Jam Cheese Thumbprints and Oven-Glazed Peach Hot Honey Chicken Wings. All products and recipes are easily accessible on her website, further fostering her connection with customers across the Southeast.
The Journey of a Small Business
Initially, Jenny faced various challenges, from sourcing Ball Mason Jars to developing custom shipping boxes. As the demand soared, she realized adaptability and creativity were vital. “Start small, be committed to quality, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box,” she advises budding entrepreneurs. Jenny also highlights the importance of kindness in business relationships, noting that it’s not always necessary to be friends with everyone—but showing goodwill goes a long way.
Exploring Birmingham and Beyond
When she’s not busy crafting delicious jams, Jenny enjoys exploring Birmingham and surrounding areas. She refers to her excursions as “galavanting”, expressing a deep interest in history and local culture. Jenny often finds herself at popular spots like Bricktop’s or Bottega Cafe for meals and is a frequent visitor at local shops such as Christine’s and Black Sheep Antiques.
Looking Ahead
As Jenny continues to navigate her dual careers, she remains optimistic about the future of Woodhill Cottage and her legal practice. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: embrace practical problem-solving and maintain a commitment to quality. With her delicious jams making waves and the fulfilling blend of law and creativity driving her forward, Jenny McCain truly embodies the spirit of Birmingham’s entrepreneurial landscape.
