BY JUSTICE SMITH

Andy Waller and daughter at Safe Space RVA’s “SUMMERFEST,” photo by Mx. Bex.

In Richmond, it’s nearly impossible to go a day without encountering art. From the murals that decorate buildings to the buzzing music scene to homemade jam makers. You heard that right. Andy Waller, founder of Dayum Jam, has been making jam for the last seven years to tickle taste buds and enact social change. But their journey to jam has not been bread and butter.

Prior to taking on Dayum Jam full-time, Waller found themselves occupying countless office jobs. It was there they experienced microaggressions pertaining to their gender identity.

“So many spaces feel unsafe to me as a Queer and Trans person,” Waller says.“ After years of feeling isolated, othered, or harmed by leadership and coworkers, I had to get out.”

And that’s exactly what they did. Before leaving their day job, they recall a friend telling them, “When you’re ready to take the leap, your community is here to catch you.”

After nearly 15 years in the workforce, while also running Dayum Jam, Waller leaped.

It all began when Waller and longtime friend, Lindsay Larkin, entertained the idea of starting a business that would allow them to hang out more. Little did they know that a household recipe book passed down from generations, would be their map.

Inspired by roots within Richmond’s local music scene, they came up with the name, “Dayum This Is My Jam” (“Dayum Jam” for short). Some of their product names include Bohemian Raspberry, Baby Got Blackberry, and Psycho Diller Pickles.

Dayum Jams on display at Richmond’s Lakeside Farmers Market, photo by Andy Waller.

Through their businesses, Dayum Jam and TransJam Events, they have cultivated a community of Queer artists and makers. Waller aligns with the mission to create more spaces for people like them.

“To be constantly told you’re wrong or that your existence isn’t valid is deeply traumatizing. And this is my story.”

Waller describes their work as a collaboration and celebration of community by making unapologetically Queer art. In addition to making jam and pickles, they’re combining their experience in event planning and community organizing with TransJam Events to produce inclusive local events, parties, and private workshops.

“Organizing is action that heals,” Waller says. “Our shared joy is a salve for my deepest wounds."

Folks can find Dayum Jam and TransJam Events on Instagram and connect via email at DayumJamRVA@gmail.com.