Vaquero - Burns Canyon Spice
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mikey S, Founder of Burns Canyon Spice Co., located in Pioneertown, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Burns Canyon Spice Co was founded in Pioneertown, CA. We have one product at the moment, and it's not just a hot sauce; it's an ingredient. We call it Vaquero... Vaquero is a Mexican/Southwest-inspired chile oil filled with a smokey chipotle flavor. Bold, versatile, and unlike anything you've had before - Vaquero can be used as an everyday table sauce on anything from traditional Mexican dishes American breakfasts, Asian cuisine, and everything in between. Our customers are people who love spice and overall flavor. Whether you're an avid cook or just learning, Vaquero can add just the right depth to any meal. We serve locals of the Hi-Desert, visiting tourists, and online orders. Vaquero is currently in 4 different boutique stores in the Hi-Desert.
Tell us about yourself
I love spicy, and I love to cook. I'm a collector of hot sauces when I travel. There isn't just one sauce for every meal. In Mexico, they have an everyday table sauce called a Chile Morita. I found this to be something that is more or less the same anywhere you have it, but I wanted to create one that is a bit more unique in flavor and uses. I'm motivated by the feedback I get from people who use it and love it. It's definitely something that I think if you like spice and smokey flavor, then it's something you have to try.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Coming up with my recipe. Sourcing different Chile Morita peppers and finding my own unique blend and balance. I did 26 recipe variations before I landed on the recipe I now use.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Learning how to scale up and keep your quality and flavor the exact same. Also, learning how to market and advertise. Just because you have something great doesn't mean people know how to find it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
It takes time before you might see a return on your investment. Do it because you love it and because you do not need it to succeed today.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.burnscanyonspiceco.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Z7bW56
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burnscanyonspiceco/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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