Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cameron Ayers, Owner of Oso Rojo Hot Sauce, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Oso Rojo Hot Sauce, and we make hot sauce with Flavor before Spice! Our customers are people looking to spice up their meals with some amazing flavor and still be able to taste their food.
Tell us about yourself
I have a background as a chef and have always loved spicy food. I also loved making hot sauce as a hobby for friends and family. After a year or so of trying out a lot of different recipes, I decided to start Oso Rojo for real and take a chance!
My motivation comes from wanting to create a product that enhances your meal with spice and flavor while not being overwhelmingly spicy. I love to create new flavors and show people how versatile hot sauce can be. Hot sauce is more than just a condiment; it's an ingredient!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to work for Oso Rojo full time and have it be a successful small business is a pretty big accomplishment for me but what really gets me is seeing it on the shelves of stores that I shop at! It is pretty amazing to see something you made on the shelves when you're at the grocery store.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management. You have to wear all the hats and manage how much time you spend on certain things so that no aspect of the business is neglected.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Do your research. Look up everything that you will need before starting your business. For example, licensing, is your product taxable, and who is your competition?
- Price out your product and make sure you will be able to source everything you need to make it. Run some numbers and make sure you will be able to turn a profit and take everything into account, including your time.
- Talk to people that are already in the industry. Some of them might actually help you out and give you some advice. Go to a trade show and meet some of the people actually out there doing it and ask them some questions.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We love making hot sauce and would love for you to try some! Check us out online or at a store near you. We have a ton of recipes and suggestions on how to use our sauces at home if you need any inspiration.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.osorojohotsauce.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/osorojohotsauce/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osorojohotsauce/
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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