“ It just builds off of our customers and what they like ,” Ashlyn said , adding that a small no-sugar line has been developed to meet customer requests .
While their business is constantly growing , it ’ s based on generations of perfection .
Brian grew up learning the rustic trades of making jellies and syrups , pickling and soap making from his great-grandmother and grandfather , and has been keeping the tradition alive for 40 years .
“ It ’ s always something I ’ ve liked to do , me and my brother , we were always taught to do stuff like that , so when we got older , we could teach our kids and they could keep passing it on ,” Brian said .
When Ashlyn joined the family 11 years ago , she learned the tricks of the trade from Brian ’ s grandmother herself , and together , they ’ ve turned the family tradition into a business through which they can share their love with the community .
Hooks Family Farms began selling their specialty jellies , pickles , syrups , relishes and goat milk soaps a few years ago , though it was through the pandemic that the business really took off .
“ During COVID it was good , we porch dropped a lot to people and that kind of really kicked it off for us ,” Ashlyn said , noting that they deliver locally for free and ship anywhere they ’ re asked .
“ We have a great customer base and I think we ’ re very blessed that they keep coming back time after time and find us at the farmers market or call if we ’ re not there , so we ’ ve been very lucky through the whole pandemic , it ’ s been nice ,” Ashlyn added .
As born and raised Huntsville locals , the Hooks family keeps their business in the community for the most part , setting up most Saturdays at the downtown Huntsville farmers market , when they ’ re not with their son ’ s Cub Scouts troop , and annually at their largest market , Fair on the Square .
They regularly stay involved and strive to give back to the community by sponsoring events like the Peyton Irwin Memorial Scholarship Pineapple Run and the Huntsville High School varsity football games , while donating boxes of jelly to benefit raffles .
“ We like to shop local , spend local , help local , so we kind of want to keep the money in our hometown to support others in our hometown ,” Ashlyn said . “ Huntsville is very unique in that way , we all support each other , if anybody needs help , we ’ ll help them .” “ Without them , we don ’ t have a business ,” Brian added . Hooks Family Farm is more than a business , drawn to the warmth and kindness of true southern hospitality , it ’ s easy to feel like family when bringing home one of Hooks ’ handmade products , and it ’ s what continually brings shoppers back time and again .
As they work to meet the demand , it could easily be a full time job for Ashlyn and Brian , who spend long nights and early weekend mornings on their craft , but it ’ s a labor of love and they wouldn ’ t have it any other way .
“ I never imagined we would be this busy and having fun doing it . We always said if it got to be work , we would quit , and it ’ s a lot of work , but I don ’ t think I could ever quit . The customers are too sweet and loyal , if they buy it from us , they won ’ t buy it from someone else ,” Ashlyn said .
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER , 2021 | 11