07/22/2026
A few weeks ago, I shared how excited I was about my meeting with Walmart. So many of you reached out, cheered me on, and asked how it went. I wanted to give you an update.
First, I want to say how grateful I am to the wonderful people I met with at Walmart. They were kind, encouraging, professional, and generous with their feedback. I truly enjoyed the experience and walked away having learned so much.
In the end, JulieAnn Caramels wasn't quite the right fit for where they are today—and that's okay.
One thing I've learned over the last 14 years is that getting a product onto grocery store shelves is about so much more than having a great product. There are distributors, category managers, third-party vendors, pricing structures, shelf space, logistics, margins, certifications, and countless other hurdles that have to line up. It's a complicated process, and every retailer has different requirements.
I don't look at this as a disappointment. I look at it as another step forward. Every meeting teaches me something new, every "not right now" gets me closer to the right opportunity, and every door I walk through makes me a better business owner.
I'm incredibly thankful for the chance to sit across the table from such talented people, share my story, and receive honest feedback. That experience alone was worth it.
Thank you to everyone who has supported JulieAnn Caramels along this journey. Your encouragement means more than you know. We aren't slowing down—we're continuing to grow, and I truly believe the right opportunities are still ahead.
Sometimes success isn't measured by getting the "yes." Sometimes it's measured by having the courage to walk into the room, learn everything you can, and keep moving forward.
On to the next adventure! ❤️