Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Catherine Chen, founder of CC’s Szechuan Sauce, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

CC’s Szechuan Sauce puts a modern twist on an old family recipe. It’s made from simple and natural ingredients whose names you can actually pronounce. It’s vegan, gluten & nut-free, with no salt and sugar. CC Sauce has traveled to almost 20 countries on five continents in a period of one year. CC Sauce is perfect for those who love spices and even those who aren’t spice eaters — I offer three spice levels.

Tell us about yourself

I’ve been making it for years as it’s a family recipe, and I personally love cooking. In November 2020, I gave a few jars to friends to try. They loved it and said, “it’s so good. You should sell it!” The rest is history. I’m a sole founder, and I love what I do. When customers and their friends, family tell me how much they love CC Sauce and tag me on Instagram, that’s what motivates me every day. I ditched the corporate world to rock my own. And I have zero regret!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I’ve sold 3100+ jars in one year without spending money on marketing — pure social media and word of mouth. Also, customers have been taking CC Sauce to their home countries. More importantly, I created three new products based on customers’ requests!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

As a sole business owner, I do everything myself: sourcing the ingredients, making CC Sauce, packaging, and delivering every jar. I need to think about what’s next constantly!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Hustling! No one can tell us what to do and how to do it. We have to hustle to get what we want.
  2. Don’t be shy to ask for help.
  3. It’s not fancy as it sounds. It required hard work.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Kids love CC Sauce, “super good. 11 out of 10!”

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://ccspicy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccszechuansauce/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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