Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacy Bering, Co-Founder of Little Diablo Salsa, located in Whitmore Lake, MI, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Michigan's premier salsa manufacturer. Little Diablo Salsa has seven carefully crafted flavors that are delicious and healthy to eat! Our salsas are made from all-natural whole food ingredients that you can trust.
Tell us about yourself
Little Diablo Salsa is 11 years old this year! What started out as a way to use up an abundance of tomatoes at the end of the season has morphed into a business model that has continued to grow and be redefined over time. When we first started, we needed a way to keep our kitchen busy when we weren't making salsa, so we started co-packing for other small family-run food businesses. This has allowed us to be a part of their dream of building a food-based business while keeping our team busy. Every day is different here at Little Diablo. Some days we run salsa; other days, we run BBQ sauce, salad dressing, or wing sauce. When we first started, we struggled with making our product due to costs, time constraints, and other roadblocks. We are so honored to be able to provide a manufacturing solution to other food startups.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In ten years since we opened our doors, we've been in business; we've built two commercial kitchens, doubled our space, and we are set to double our space again by the end of 2022. We have a fantastic team who comes to work every day with a smile on ready to 'sling sauce.'
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Managing the day-to-day ups and downs. It's always a little frightening to be responsible for other people's livelihoods.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
If you have a business idea, run with it! Surround yourself with people who are interested in seeing you succeed. Be prepared to work hard. No one will care about your business as much as you do. Have fun with it. Being your own boss is an accomplishment.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.littlediablosalsa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittleDiabloSalsa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlediablosalsa/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-bering-92b52317a/
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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