Photos courtesy of Jojo Ehlers.
Customers gather at the InBetween Macs tent during one of Jojo Ehlers’ pop-up events.
Mt Laurel resident Jojo Ehlers loves macarons and has recently taken her love of the French confection into a new business “InBetween Macs.”
Photos courtesy of Jojo Ehlers.
Jojo Ehlers stands behind her display during a pop-up event at Bradley.
“I am originally from Singapore and moved to Alabama because this is where my husband is from,” Ehlers said. “I have always loved macarons, but started noticing that when I would go to a local bakery or a dessert shop there were never any macarons. You just don’t really see them a lot because it is a dessert that takes a lot of time to make. One day, I decided to just try out making some myself and that is where everything first originated.”
InBetween Macs speciality is focusing on small, bite-sized macarons.
“One day I made some for my husbands and I have also made some for friends and people were very encouraging with their feedback just telling me I should make more of them,” Ehlers said. “It was actually my father-in-law who encouraged me to start selling them so I first started with pre-orders out of my home, and then I shifted to doing pop ups at fall festivals and farmers markets.”
Photos courtesy of Jojo Ehlers.
InBetween Macs’ bite-sized macarons are displayed for customers at a pop-up event.
The Mt Laurel Fall Festival was the first larger market Ehlers started selling her confections at and it was a clear success.
“I was initially so nervous because when you put yourself out there for the first time you just never know how things are going to be received,” Ehlers said. “When I did the fall festival feedback from the customers was just so positive so it really encouraged me to keep going.”
Ehlers said she views each macaron as a tiny blank canvas and is constantly working to come up with creative ideas for her desserts whether it be a fun new color, flavor or design.
“I love to explore with colors and flavors,” Ehlers said. “I feel like macarons are so versatile and elegant. You can really play with a lot of ideas.”
Ehlers said feedback from customers is they usually like the smaller bite-sized options over the standard macaron size.
Photos courtesy of Jojo Ehlers.
InBetween Macs’ bite-sized macarons are displayed for customers at a pop-up event.
Macrons are French confections often made from almond flour and meringue (whipped eggs and sugar) with food coloring to add to their bright colors. Typically, macarons are filled in the center with a jam or buttercream or ganache to add to the sweet filling.
“I know for me, whenever I take a bite of a regular sized macaron it is always hard for me to eat the whole thing,” Ehlers said. “These are smaller and allow for you to try multiple flavors.”
At each pop up, Ehlers usually has about 8 to 10 flavors available for customers to try. She is also available for custom orders through her website.
Ehlers has also participated with several pop ups including one held at Sephora at The Summit.
“It is really fun to see that this whole concept and idea came from me staying at home, and now here I am making macarons for all different types of occasions,” Ehlers said. “I love being able to provide something for customers to really enjoy.”
Photos courtesy of Jojo Ehlers.
InBetween Macs’ bite-sized macarons are displayed for customers at a pop-up event.
Ehlers was a crowd favorite this summer at the Chelsea Farmers Market where she set up many weekends selling the macarons to customers.
“I had a lot of fun interacting with people and trying out various ideas that I had,” Ehlers said.
Ehlers said customer favorites often include the creme brulee flavor macaron.
“I also often hear from younger children when they see a brightly colored one ‘mommy,’ ‘mommy,’ ‘I want the pink cookie,’” Ehlers said. “It was a lot of the craftsmanship and artistry that really drew me to start working with macarons in the first place, and I can’t wait to see where things go from here.”
To reach Ehlers or to order macarons from InBetween Macs, visit her website at inbetweenmacs.com or her Facebook page InBetween Macs.
