Owner of Momma Bear’s Homemade Goods, SueEllen Williams, has lived in LaBelle since she was 2 years old. Married to David Williams, she is the mother of three daughters, ages 22, 20, & 3, has two grandchildren, as well. She also makes and sells homemade elderberry juice.

“Elderberry is the magic berry with many health benefits. Elderberries are an excellent general immune system booster. The berries contain chemical compounds called anthocyanidins, which are known to have immunostimulant effects. Elderberry has been shown to be a safe, efficient and cost-effective treatment for both cold and flu symptoms.”

She also sells homemade jams, homemade vapor rubs, homemade shower steamers, homemade ginger and lemon lollipops, and elderberry lollipops.

“I started this business after using homemade elderberry for a long time for my family and decided to make it myself, then sold a few bottles to friends and family and bam! It just exploded. My goal was to just pass the goodness along to others and make other families aware of the health benefits of such natural ingredients. I also wanted my products to not only taste amazing but look professional, as you can see I spend extra money on things like bottling and labeling.”

I asked her what sets her apart from other businesses in the area. She responded, “I think my genuine concern and desire to spread the word and teach about more natural products sets me apart. I always follow up with a message to see how families are feeling because I genuinely care.”

“Any age can benefit from elderberry or my other products. As I always tell my customers please check with your doctor before starting anything and check ingredients as to make sure you’re in no medications that may interfere. However any age can benefit from my products,” says SueEllen. “My favorite part is when someone messages me on how they’ve tried everything and nothing worked, then they used my products and they were amazed how fast they or their little ones felt better. Makes me feel like I’ve made a difference.”

As for motivation and inspiration, SueEllen doesn’t have to look far. “My family motivates me, wanting them to be healthy and happy. When I’m not making all my products or in the kitchen cooking a batch of elderberry, I’m with my family, they are my biggest fans and my entire world,” she goes on to say, “Adrienne Taylor was a big inspiration she’s absolutely amazing and so helpful and is the owner of All Washed Up Bath and Body Co. She also loves to use chemical-free products and was a big help when making my elderberry juice.”

I asked her about a personal or business philosophy, but she said, “I don’t have a philosophy per se, I just try and look at things from the customers stand point, as far as pricing, and what my products look like. Lots of people sell elderberry juice, but if I’m buying I would want a fair price and a product that looks safe and professional. I even go as far as a safety seal on all my bottles. I try and go that extra mile and keep in mind what I would want as a customer. My elderberry is cheaper than most but I put way more into how mine tastes and looks. I promise you mine has a taste unlike most and I say that proudly.”

Her products can be found at the Cottage Under the Oaks, a favored boutique in LaBelle.

She also makes deliveries in Clewiston, Moore Haven, Lehigh Acres, Riverdale, Immokalee and Ft. Myers.

Momma Bear’s Homemade Goods can be found on Facebook. Orders can be placed on by messaging the Facebook Page, or by texting or calling 863-234-6065. You can also reach SueEllen Williams by email: Mommabearelderberry@yahoo.com.