Meet LyKinda Thibodeaux: QueenE’s Jams Founder

Recognized as one to watch in Louisiana’s artisan culinary field, LyKinda Thibodeaux is a visionary and entrepreneur who is making her mark on our Bayou State. As the creative force behind a legacy brand, Queen E’s, that offers a true artisan experience; food lovers are enjoying the nod to tradition and modern twist of updated recipes and flavor profiles.

Join us as we learn more about LyKinda, QueenE’s, and the making of a Southern Louisiana legacy brand.

Louisiana Ladies – Hi LyKinda, can you start by telling us about the history and legacy of your company?

LyKinda Thibodeaux – The short story of QueenE’s began in July 2022 at the request of a local Slidell vendor who happens to be a family member. He simply needed someone to produce pickled cucumbers for his produce stand. Because he’s family, I obliged. Within hours he sold out!

While delivering his next order, he asked about the preserves that he knew I made as a hobby. I turned him down without a second thought. When I shared the conversation with my husband, my husband encouraged me to just make a few extra jars for the produce stand every now and then and it would be “something to do”. Just to occupy my time as I was a happily retired housewife anyway.

Fast forward to now, we service 2 bakeries, I’m at the Farmer’s Market Mandeville Trailhead at minimum once per month, the online store is www.queenejams.com, you can find me on the cover of Start Healthy magazine and 2024 is going to bring a new look and offerings.

Louisiana Ladies – What is your role with Queen E’s, and what do you enjoy most about this role?

LyKinda Thibodeaux – I am the Owner/ Creative Director/Confectioner and Brand! I own the company, I make the jam and pickled vegetables, I create the recipes and I represent the name and everything attached to it.

Louisiana Ladies – Seeing your posts on social means we get a glimpse of the fresh ingredients you use in your jams. Do you gather your ingredients based on seasonal availability? Do you work with local growers?

LyKinda Thibodeaux – Yes and Yes! And in 95% of the cases, the ingredients are organic. You can find most of the items either organically grown around here or I work with vendors that can ship it to me from certified organic based farms. Also, because of the disparities in the Black Farming communities, I reach out to and support the vegan black farmer’s community first if possible.

Louisiana Ladies – Do you have seasonal recipes or flavor profiles?

LyKinda Thibodeaux – Absolutely! Because I try to keep everything fresh, seasonal items are essential. As we settle into fall, you can enjoy the fruit of the season. Apples, cranberries, pear, and figs are fruits and flavors you’d want to enjoy this time of the year.

Louisiana Ladies – Can we find Queen E’s Jams in local markets, and if so, where?

LyKinda Thibodeaux – In Slidell, you can find it at Shelby’s produce stand on Gause Blvd.; in Hattiesburg, MS, you can find it at Magnolia Coffee House next to Oak Grove High School. In Picayune, MS, you can find it at KMAC Juice, Co.

Louisiana Ladies – Can we find and order Queen E’s Jams online?

LyKinda Thibodeaux – Yes! That’s the preferred method, actually, and the easiest. www.queenejams.com. And because you are reading this article, use the code LALADY to enjoy 10% off your 1st order as a thank you for being a part of the Louisiana Ladies and taking the time to learn a bit more about QueenE’s.

Louisiana Ladies – What’s the next big thing for Queen E’s Jams?

LyKinda Thibodeaux – We are actually working on a deal with yet another bakery, and we are expanding the brand. Look for exciting announcement in 2024.

Louisiana Ladies – What would you like our readers to know about you?

LyKinda Thibodeaux – I actually don’t like to cook! I only enjoy making the products themselves, and I only enjoy cooking any type of meal AFTER I have created jam. I know it’s weird, but you won’t find me randomly cooking a meal on a Wednesday afternoon…nope!

Louisiana Ladies – What would you like our readers to know about Queen E’s?

LyKinda Thibodeaux – The business is named after my mother AND my grandmother. While my mother’s name was indeed Queen Esther, my grandmother’s name was Essie. The original name, which was named by my daughter, the 4th generation of QueenE’s, was Queen Essie’s. We shortened the name after we kept calling it QueenE’s…which was also my mother’s nickname.

QueenE’s is always looking to improve, enlighten, change, and grow. I am constantly seeking new ideas and stretching my imagination to discover new ways to create goodness in the form of confectionary products and …. More. Stay tuned for the more.