Zenobia Taylor-Weiss

Founder & Co-Owner, Cellar Door Preserves
Entrepreneur

What started as a canning hobby and way to eat as much local food as possible, became a business for Zenobia Taylor-Weiss in 2016. After attending college in Grand Rapids, she became convinced the world’s best fruit is grown in Michigan—a fact she felt more people should know. Through this belief, Cellar Door Preserves was born. 

She dedicated nights and weekends alone for over two years to Cellar Door Preserves, while also working other jobs. Today, she oversees a small but mighty staff and has sold jam made with Michigan fruit in all 50 states and Canada. Cellar Door Preserves won the Best Product Award at the prestigious NY Now Gift Show and has graced the tables of farmers, celebrities, high-end restaurants and foodies alike. But Taylor-Weiss’ favorite compliment is someone sharing that her products taste like jam their grandmother used to make.

She says, “The biggest mistakes I’ve made in my business were when my gut instinct told me something was off and I ignored it. In our culture, especially as women, we’re often taught to doubt our instincts and not trust ourselves. What I’ve learned from being an entrepreneur for over seven years is that the person who knows what’s best for your business is YOU.”