Cathy Terrell

Cathy Terrell is the founder of Mama T Jams and Jellies, a small-batch, artisanal jam company that blends family tradition with bold, innovative flavors. Inspired by her grandmother’s legacy and her own love for experimentation, Cathy creates handcrafted jams, jellies, and cocktail syrups that bring joy to any table—whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a high-end restaurant charcuterie board. Serving food lovers, local restaurants, retailers, and gift buyers, Mama T Jams is all about turning everyday moments into something extraordinary—one jar at a time.

Topeka | KS

Founder, Mama T Jams and Jellies

• Cully Platt, Bank of America
• Ericka Nicholes, Bank of America

Cathy’s jam-making journey began in her grandmother’s kitchen, but building a business required more than just great recipes—it demanded clarity, strategy, and confidence. One of her biggest challenges was communicating the value and vision behind Mama T Jams in a way that would resonate with partners, customers, and funders.

With the help of Sky’s the Limit, Cathy was able to overcome that challenge. Her mentor, Ericka Nicholes, worked closely with her to develop a detailed six-month marketing strategy, helping Cathy clarify her goals, messaging, and monthly action steps. Her Bank of America mentors, like Cully Platt, also played a pivotal role, introducing her to valuable professional associations and networking opportunities that expanded her reach beyond her local community.

Through Sky’s the Limit, Cathy also participated in Pitch Practices, Growth Labs, and sales and marketing workshops. These experiences gave her the tools to refine her pitch and present her business with greater confidence and purpose—ultimately helping her win a Friends & Family Pitch Grant and lay the foundation for future funding.