Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Bryan Mehaffey, Owner of Haffs Hot Sauce, located in New Philadelphia, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Haffs Hot Sauce makes all-natural, small-batch hot sauces with tons of local ingredients. All our flavors are flavor-forward and focus on unique flavor profiles. All the art is commissioned from amazing artists starting from Ohio and now branching out to a few other states.
Tell us about yourself
I am a 42-year-old husband and father that loves craft beer and spicy foods almost as much as I love my family. I mean, look at this dadbod. I had a garden full of peppers and the desire to make sauces as different and delicious as those craft beverages. I strive to keep everything natural in our products, to use as much local as I can, and to help others around me grow as I do.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Beginning to get contacted by stores inquiring about carrying my product. And to have events contacting me asking to participate. For the last three years, I have fought tooth and nail to fill my calendar with events and get them onto shelves. I never thought it would come to me.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to put almost everything you earn back into the company. Payroll is a foreign concept so far, except for my booth workers. They get payroll every two weeks.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Be patient. It takes a long time to get to the point where it is profitable. But it's worth it. Being your own boss is worth everything you go through to get there.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.haffshotsauce.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haffshotsauce/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.