Some wellness brands are born from strategy; others are born from a mother’s instinct. For Jen, founder of Katy Elderberry, it began 14 years ago with the arrival of her first daughter—and the sudden realization that she was now responsible for someone else’s health.
“I wanted to be proactive rather than reactive,” she remembers. “It started with our everyday choices.”
So she began researching immune-supportive foods and herbal remedies, eventually landing on elderberry. She made the syrup for her family, then for friends, then for friends-of-friends—and soon, no one wanted to keep it a secret. The ripple effect grew so quickly that in 2022, she made it official and launched Katy Elderberry. Today, her small-batch syrups and tinctures are shipped to homes across the country, all crafted with the same intentionality that started in her own kitchen.
Jen and her family
Why Elderberry? And Why Katy Elderberry?
Elderberry comes from the deep purple berries of the Sambucus shrub and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Rich in antioxidants—especially anthocyanins—it’s known for supporting immune health and helping reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
“When I started making elderberry for my family, the ingredients were essential to me. When I started producing it for others, I wanted to stand by that same principle,” says Jen.
Store-bought elderberry syrups include lots of extras— sugar, preservatives, and fillers that work against building a strong immune system.
Made with simplicity in mind, Katy Elderberry includes elderberry, ginger, clove, cinnamon, and lemon juice, and is sweetened with either maple syrup or honey, both of which offer additional health benefits.
It’s a labor of love and efficiency. “We personally make all of our elderberry in a commercial kitchen right here in Katy. I head in around 5:30 a.m. and spend the day cooking and hand-labeling each bottle. I typically finish up around 1:30 p.m. — 8 hours of cooking by lunch time!”
Katy Elderberry is a true family business. Jen’s husband serves as financial strategist and chief encourager—“he pushes me to grow when I’m scared”—and her three daughters help with shipping and often work markets with her (yes, they’re paid employees!).
Wellness-to-Go: When Real Life Shapes Innovation
As a family constantly on the go, the syrup was becoming… messy. “We were literally packing a cooler just for the elderberry,” Jen laughs. She knew there had to be an easier way.
That challenge became inspiration: Wellness-To-Go tinctures, a shelf-stable option with the same high-quality ingredients but no refrigeration required. They now travel everywhere with the family—purses, backpacks, car consoles—and her customers love the convenience.
When Jen imagines families using her products, she thinks about confidence more than anything.
“I want them to feel empowered. I wanted to take care of my family without running to the doctor for every little thing. Elderberry was how it started for me, and I hope other parents see they can support their families too—and it doesn't have to be scary.”
In her own home, elderberry is used both seasonally and as needed—daily during cold and flu season, and more frequently when someone starts sniffling.
Tips for Daily Use in Houston
With Houston’s ever-changing weather, long allergy seasons, and constant temperature swings, elderberry has become a staple for many families.
“It’s my first line of defense,” Jen says. “We make sure we’re never without it.”Many people overthink how to incorporate elderberry—Jen keeps it simple:
Keep a bottle in the fridge with a pour spout for easy daily use
Store tinctures everywhere (bedside table, purse, car)
Teach kids how and when to use it
Elderberry works best when it’s woven into real routines, not treated as a complicated protocol.
What’s Next for Katy Elderberry?
“This business has been on my heart for a long time. I’m so thankful for every part of it. Whatever comes next, I’m waiting for the Lord to guide that path.”
She already has a notebook full of ideas and “the next problems to solve.” One exciting collaboration has already launched: a partnership with Natalie of @themindfulmocktail in Australia. Together they created a festive, health-forward holiday drink—The Holiday Glow—which you can find on Jen’s website.
“Everything I do is with purpose and the highest regard for the people I serve,” Jen says. “Being welcomed into people's homes—entrusted with their family's wellness—is something I deeply cherish.”
Jen’s Wellness Hacks
1. Move your body early.
As a homeschooling mom and business owner, mornings set the tone. Sometimes it’s a long walk; other days it’s lifting weights—but she always moves.
2. Read every label.
It feels daunting at first, but once you find brands you trust, life gets easier. Jen plans menus, shops intentionally, and preps foods so her family has healthy meals all week.
3. Choose progress over perfection.
As a “recovering perfectionist,” she’s learned how powerfully stress affects the body.
“Do your best and forget the rest,” she says. “Give the rest to the Lord.”
4. Wellness Day in Houston?
A long walk with her family, open windows, fresh air, and as much time outside as possible.
Find all of Jen’s products and recipes at www.katyelderberry.com.
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