Monica Smith is the president and owner of Raven’s Nest Gourmet, a woman-owned and operated family business specializing in artisan jams, butters, salsas, and spices since 1980. Founded by her mother, Raven, the company has grown into a trusted gourmet brand with a nationwide presence. When her parents were ready to retire, Smith stepped in to carry on the business—something she calls a true labor of love. At the time, she was a stay-at-home mom of three young children, but felt a deep responsibility to continue the legacy her parents had built and ensure the brand would live on.
As an adult, Smith began attending major wholesale markets, building connections and expanding the company’s reach. She has also spent more than three decades selling Raven’s Nest products directly to consumers at retail shows, giving her firsthand insight into what customers love and how they use the products in their homes. She remains actively involved in all aspects of the business—from production and packaging to customer service and sales.
Raven’s Nest is especially known for its signature “sweet with a little heat” jams and award-winning mulling spices—now a cherished holiday tradition for many families. Smith takes great pride in seeing the products used in customers’ homes, celebrations, and everyday meals.
While Raven’s Nest jams are delicious on biscuits and toast, they’re far more than that. These versatile pantry staples can be used as gourmet condiments on burgers, sandwiches, or cheese boards—or transformed into simple syrups for creative cocktails. Whether drizzled over brie, glazed on roasted meats, or shaken into a signature JAMtail, Raven’s Nest jams add bold, unexpected flavor to everyday dishes and special occasions alike.
Under Smith’s leadership, Raven’s Nest has undergone a successful rebrand, featuring clean, modern packaging and a growing ecommerce and retail presence. She’s passionate about educating customers on the versatility of her products—encouraging creative uses like jam-based cocktails, marinades, baked goods, and charcuterie pairings. Unique flavors like Raspberry Jalapeño and Peach Habanero strike the perfect sweet-spicy balance and are favorites for entertaining year-round.
A strong advocate for small businesses, Smith prioritizes partnerships with local shops, specialty retailers, gourmet markets, wineries, and boutiques that align with Raven’s Nest’s mission and values. These partnerships are built on a shared commitment to quality, community, and personal customer experiences. For Smith, it’s not just about stocking shelves—it’s about relationships. These meaningful connections have been the foundation of the business, and the reason Raven’s Nest has been proudly partnering with many of its retail partners for over three decades.
With every USA-made product, Raven’s Nest is dedicated to elevating everyday meals and special gatherings alike. Whether it’s cooking with family, sipping wine over a cheeseboard, or hosting a celebration, Raven’s Nest helps make each occasion feel a little more special. Through imaginative flavors and exceptional quality, the brand also supports its retail partners in reaching their goals in sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
