Our Story

Both my grandmother, Artie R. Jones, and my godfather, Doc "Da Da" Shepherd, were domestics. My grandmother was born and raised in East, Texas, on our family land.  Both prepared and served thousands of their originally, hand-made dishes at work and at home.  I was blessed to be able to spend my childhood and adolescent years in the country with her and in the kitchen observing them both perfect their art of preparing deliciously unforgettable meals.  The kitchen is where I learned many of life's necessary lessons under their supervision.  While my relatives and friends played throughout the neighborhood, both Da Da and my grandmother, affectionately referred to as, "Maw Maw", taught me how to blend spices that really brought out the essence of food.  

I often reminisce about the many fond memories that I have held on to of those special moments with my grandmother in East Texas and them both in their employer's kitchen, where they labored tirelessly for more than 43 years.  I reflect on how their humility, diligence and commitment as domestics contributed to providing me the awesome opportunity to attend Dartmouth College, become an Engineer and subsequently become a successful practicing attorney.  
I still travel to East Texas and farm on our family land the way she did when I was just a youth. I am blessed to be able to harvest directly from my own labor  directly from the land in which she sowed and to integrate a number of the ingredients into my hand blended Doc & Artie's products. I cherish her teaching, her dedication, and her love. I pray that as you experience our products, it will connect you to her as well.
I realized that my heartfelt passion for cooking which was gleamed from both of them is a gift and to be shared with others.  Thus, Doc & Artie's Teas, Spices, & Foods has been created for just purpose. I cannot think of a better way to pay tribute to their hard work and passion than to offer you the same opportunity to share your love for cooking with your family and friends.
Enjoy and happy cooking!