Meet the Maker: Denise Jane, Seed & Shell LLC 

Learn more about the people and products in these Q&As with Specialty Food Association member companies. 

What does your company produce? 

 Pistachio butter. 

Did you have a food background before launching your company? 

No, this is my first time launching my brand and product. I am, however, a health enthusiast and am passionate about food and the food industry. 

How did the idea for your product/company come about? 

I founded Seed & Shell with the belief that we can all harness the seeds of potential within us and break free from our shell of self-limiting beliefs to achieve our dreams. In 2019, my mom brought me a gift of pistachios following a family health scare. Pistachios became my snack that got me through those difficult times while I was in the midst of struggling to meet the demands of both my personal and professional life. I knew I could rely on them for their nutritional benefits and also to keep me satisfied.  

Inspired by my love for pistachios, which are (technically speaking) seeds, and not nuts, I founded Seed & Shell so others could enjoy pistachios in a fresh, new way (like with our pistachio butter). While my initial purpose was to spread awareness to the amazing health benefits of pistachios, I realized along the way that Seed & Shell represented a challenge to myself for personal growth. 

Why did you get involved in specialty foods? 

As a foodie and health food enthusiast, I personally am a big fan of specialty foods. They have always been an important part of my lifestyle and my dietary preferences, and I love the fact that so many specialty food brands exist to make a difference in people's lives by bringing new and exciting foods to the market. 

What is your favorite thing about the specialty food industry? 

The selection of high-quality and new products that specialty food brands bring to the table. 

What is one piece of advice you’d give a new specialty food business? 

Enjoy the journey. 

If you weren’t running a food business, what would you be doing? 

I couldn't even be thinking of anything as meaningful that I would be doing with my time other than running my business. I am truly passionate about my company. 

What does specialty mean to you? 

Specialty food means being the risk taker of the food world.