“Be mindful about whatever your project is. Create something that would be wholesome for the human body and the earth.” -Sufia Hossain

 

Episode Description:

“A Hot Sauce with a Fashionable Pedigree,” wrote The New York Times about Sufia Hossain’s Silly Chilly Hot Sauce, which is currently offered in flavors that will tickle your taste buds: Super Hot Habanero, Fresh Mango and Sweet Pepper, and the Smokey Serrano and Chipotle. [Check Resources for discounts!]  What started out as Sufia’s dream of winning a hot sauce contest is now a mission-driven company that values better-for-you food products and supports local organic farmers. All of Silly Chilly’s hot sauces are made from locally-sourced ingredients directly grown and handpicked by New Jersey farmers. 

 

Recently, headlines caused quite a stir with predictions about the number of harvest seasons we have left. Some say about a hundred, others 60, and some- more dire- put the number at only 30.  Yet, it’s not how many seasons remain, but the fact that our soil health has declined enough to threaten the earth and everything on it, including humans. We are now experiencing the effects of soil degradation due to centuries of irresponsible farming. It’s time to create a more sustainable world. 

 

In this episode, Sufia shares the mission behind Silly Chilly Hot Sauce, and how better-for-you products like hers can bridge the gap between farms and our tables. As an entrepreneur who started from scratch, she also shares valuable tips for new founders. Justine and Sufia talk candidly about the struggles they had when starting their respective businesses, how they overcame shyness, fears of pitching and their shared fear of public speaking.  If you’re thinking about launching a new product or business- or just have a germ of an idea- this episode is definitely a must listen!   

 

Connect with Sufia: 

Sufia Hossain is the CEO and Founder of Silly Chilly Hot Sauce, a mission-driven company dedicated to supporting local organic farmers. The company invests in long-term sustainable relationships with its farm network to ensure the true value of farm-to-table products, preserving freshness and quality. As a first-generation American hailing from Bangladesh, Sufia always goes back to her roots to find refuge from the fashion industry she works in.  Silly Chilly Hot Sauce started out as a dream.  Sufia wanted to win the title of “Hottest of Hot Sauces!”  Sufia eventually turned that dream into her own mission-driven (and passion-driven) business.  

 

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Connect with Justine: 

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Connect with NextGenChef:

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Episode Highlights:

03:10 The Best Compliment for an Accidental Entrepreneur 

10:01 The Challenge of Selling

14:44 How to be Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

18:00 Question and Compliments

23:51 Support the Local Farmers

27:29 Go with a Clean Label

31:25 Tips for New Founders

35:09 Be Mindful of Sustainable Packaging