Super Jam Boy - Fraser Doherty

Fraser Doherty is an ordinary 19 year old from Edinburgh who enjoys spending time with his family and friends.  When he was 14 years old he started selling jars of jam to his neighbours with some help from his friends.

He now owns the business SuperJam, and he is one of the youngest people to supply a UK supermarket.  On the 14th August we got the chance to ask him a few questions about his life and work...

Who inspired you to try and turn jam-making into a business?
I always enjoyed making and selling things as a kid.  At the age of 10 years I went with my friends to a farm, we got eggs and took them home.  Then we kept them warm for a few weeks until they hatched, then we sold the eggs they produced.  I always did that sort of thing.

How important was the help and support you received from friends & family?
It's very important, they have encouraged me alot.

So, did you have many setbacks?
Yes.  I spent about six months working to try and get the jam into the supermarkets.  I had to think of different flavours, and think of the jar and label designs.  They would come back and tell me that they didn't like the flavours or designs etc, so I would have to go back and try again.  My friends and family encouraged me to keep trying.

What other interests and hobbies do you have?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.  I don't see what I do as backbreaking work, I enjoyed what I do.

Are there any other food products you are interested in making/selling?
I haven't got any ideas at the moment.  The next step is to make marmalade, and after that there is always other fruit jams.

You've been to the Highlands before - what do you think of it up here?
Yes, I love Scotland in general.  I think the Highlands is one of the most beautiful places.

What advice would you give to young people who want to be successful?
Whatever you can put your heart into and believe in, the things you can enjoy and feel strongly about.  A lot of people just take a path they think they're supposed to - you should work at something you are passionate about.