April is National Pecan Month

Every April we celebrate National Pecan Month by recognizing the nut that has so many great uses. Pecans are known to reduce your risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol. They also contain fiber, protein, and antioxidants . They have been named as a heart healthy food choice by the American Heart Association. Pecans are a tasty treat good for any time of the day. While they have many health qualities we also love them as an added ingredient in many sweet treats. Pecans have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a buttery texture that makes them a great addition to so many desserts. One woman has taken the pecan and included it in her world famous pralines. Recently we sat down with the owner of Mama Dots Sweet Shop to talk about her pecan treats as well as how she has grown her business to where it is today.

Mama Dots Sweet Shop is a family owned business and home of the best pecan pralines around. The owner Melanie Perkins-Morris, was born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA and currently resides in Houston, TX. She is a wife and mother of two beautiful children. She watched her mother, grandmother & great-grandmother prepare all sorts of desserts in the kitchen her entire life. Her grandmother Dorthy perfected several desserts including her homemade pecan pralines. Melanie has mastered her technique and is sharing these delicious treats with the world.

Tell us about your pecan praline brownie and how they became a part of your menu.

Melanie: We started with one item, our original creole pralines. I was playing around in the kitchen and added the pralines on top of fudge brownies. My family absolutely loved them so I decided to try them with our customers. Our Praline Brownies quickly became a customer favorite.

What’s your best-selling product?

Melanie: Our classic original Authentic Creole Pralines are still our number one seller. Mama Dots’ pralines are creamy smooth and bursting with flavor.

•What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Melanie: Social Media Marketing has been game changer for me. You have the world at your fingertips. The reach is far and wide. 

•What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs? 

Melanie: Put yourself out there. Adapt a fearless mindset. Don’t be afraid to fall. Failure is apart of the journey. Learn from your mistakes and always push forward. I’m not saying it’s easy but anything is possible. 

•Who is your business role model? Why?

Melanie: I have so many business role models that I’ve learned different things from but my go to would have to be my great grandma Effie Lee. That’s where I get my loving spirit, my will to succeed, my drive and ambition from. She laid the foundation for our family. She took care of all of us and even some strangers. She and her sister had their own business and she owned several properties as far back as the 50s. I want to leave that sort of legacy for my family. 

•What do you have planned for the next six months?

Melanie: We are expanding to new territory. We will introduce our heavenly salted-almond pralines at the Sweets and Snack Expo in Chicago May 23-26, 2022. This is the largest candy expo in the US. I’m super excited to exhibit along side all of the major players in candy manufacturing. I hope the Windy City is prepared to be blown away with this Authentic Creole flavor! The possibilities are endless. 

When asked about her world renowned recipe Melanie credits her grandmother. She says her grandmother Dorthy, put her own spin on the classic pecan praline recipe when she was 15 years old. “Her pralines are one of a kind and they are exactly what the world needs, a little more love.” Melanie says that recipe will continue to be passed down in her family for many generations.

Connect with Mama Dots via their Instagram or order online to experience these pralines for yourself.