Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nikki Guerrero, founder of La Maria LLC dba Hot Mama Salsa, located in Portland, OR, USA.

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

Our business is making good food to make our customers happy. We hand make a line of fresh salsas, chili pepper hot sauces, Mexican style chili oils, and the best white corn tortilla chips in town. Our customers like flavor and heat that enhances that flavor. We hope by giving them great sauces, we will make it easy and inspiring to cook good food at home.

Tell us about yourself

I started Hot Mama Salsa because when I moved to Portland, OR, I missed the flavors that I grew up in within the Southwest, and I thought my new community might like them as well. I am totally enchanted and motivated by the rich, deep, and unique flavors that you can get from different chili peppers. I am also motivated by my awesome production team and farm partners.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is showing my daughter that by building community and being a compassionate leader, you can create a successful business. I am also very honored to be able to provide stable and collaborative employment in my community.

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

The hardest thing about being a business owner is that you never stop working. Even when you are not at work, you are strategizing and building. You will never work harder than when you own your own business.

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

  1. Think hard about what type of business you want to build and why you want to be in your business, and then let those core desires drive your decision-making.
  2. Be honest and transparent and view asking for help as a strength, not a weakness.
  3. Do not sacrifice quality; shortcuts always cost more in the long run.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Good luck and learning to the fellow entrepreneurs out there! Don't be afraid to question the established norm if something does not feel right for you and your business push back and work for what works for you. You will be surprised at what can open up for you if you ask for it.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://hotmamasalsa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HotMamaSalsaPDX/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotmamasalsa/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hotmamasalsa

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.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.