Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kevin Carbone, owner of Sauce Bae, located in Howell, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Sauce Bae! Our customers are a very diverse group of people that all have one thing in common. They love hot sauce!
Tell us about yourself
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 10 years ago at the age of 21. Since then, I have been on a path toward better health, and while on this path, I fell in love with turmeric and eating clean. I learned that turmeric could do wonders for your health, but few products incorporated it at the time. I also learned that eating clean can be very challenging because many food products that are labeled as "all-natural" still tend to be processed and filled with artificial ingredients.
These findings sparked my desire to create a product utilizing turmeric and holding truthful to being "all-natural." In 2017 I decided to leave my career in analytics to pursue my vision. After four months in the kitchen, the original Sauce Bae recipe was born, and in 2018 the launch of the final product began.
My motivation comes from my commitment to the product. Years ago, when I told myself I would make this hot sauce, I made a promise to not stop until my brand was in every major food retailer in the country. I haven't reached my goal entirely yet, but I'm still working towards it. Also, a huge part of my motivation comes from my customers. The positive feedback they give me about the sauce has been phenomenal and definitely makes me proud of what I am accomplishing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think my biggest accomplishment to date was getting Sauce Bae into numerous major retailers in such a short amount of time. The hot sauce market is extremely competitive, and retailers have very little shelf space to offer, so it is not an easy task by any means.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest parts about being a business owner is that all the problems a business faces fall on your shoulders. Unlike being an employee of a business who can usually rely on others to help when things go south, an owner needs to take care of everything themself. It's tough, but I wouldn't want it any other way.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Never give up because times are going to be tough. The larger you grow, the bigger the problems that you'll face.
- Believe in yourself, as others will be judgmental (especially at the beginning).
- Work towards your goal every single waking moment. If you're not, then believe me, that someone else is.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We all have great ideas, and unfortunately, many people do not pursue them. Go after your dreams, work hard and make a difference in the world. The world needs more of it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.saucebae.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saucebae
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saucebae/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SauceBae
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinecarbone/
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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