We were lucky to catch up with Jhonny Delgado recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jhonny, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so one thing we think people don’t talk about nearly enough is investments – either time or money. What’s one of the best or worst investments you’ve made and what did you learned from the experience?
Early in my business journey, I made a pivotal mistake that proved to be both the best and worst investment I’ve undertaken. Initially limited to accepting cash payments at markets, I soon realized the significant missed opportunities and lost sales due to this constraint. This realization prompted me to delve into the realm of digital payments, discovering platforms like Venmo, Cash App, and PayPal. To diversify further, I invested in a card reader, expanding my payment options and enhancing the overall customer experience.
However, the dual nature of this investment also stems from my foray into the world of cryptocurrencies. At the time, my understanding of Bitcoin was rudimentary, influenced by a mix of genuine curiosity and the dubious landscape of get-rich-quick schemes. The lack of reliable education on the subject, coupled with an influx of misleading investment content, left me skeptical about the potential of cryptocurrencies.
Undeterred, I continued my self-guided journey into the crypto space, drawn by the idea that the success of Bitcoin could potentially extend to other cryptocurrencies, given their lower values at the time. Eager to embrace this emerging technology, I opened my business to accept payments in Bitcoin and Ethereum, delving into the intricate world of ERC20 coins.
Regrettably, my lack of experience led me to make ill-informed investments in various tokens associated with scammy businesses or promising concepts but lacking the necessary teams for execution. This resulted in a significant loss of funds invested in these cryptocurrencies—a hard-hitting lesson in the volatility and risks inherent in the crypto market.
Amid these setbacks, I learned to discern and make wiser decisions. Embracing the guiding principle of “Don’t Trust, Verify” upheld by the Bitcoin community, I redirected my focus solely to Bitcoin. Understanding its purpose and appreciating its potential not only financially but also as a mindset shift, I realigned my investment strategy.
Today, my business accepts a variety of payment methods, but when it comes to cryptocurrencies, we exclusively transact in Bitcoin. Through my journey of trial and error, I’ve not only invested in the success of my business but also in my own knowledge and resilience. I share these experiences with others, aiming to prevent them from making the same costly mistakes I once did. The lesson learned is invaluable—through scrutiny, perseverance, and a commitment to understanding, one can navigate the complex world of investments and emerge stronger on the other side.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Delgado’s Fuego was born out of a casual yet passionate family tradition that turned into a thriving business venture. The journey began during the festive celebrations of my father’s birthday on July 4th and New Year’s Eve, where our close-knit family and friends gathered for joyous occasions. The highlight of these gatherings was the homemade hot sauce crafted by my dad, Oscar, complementing the delectable array of dishes expertly prepared by my mom, Aurora.
What started as a flavorful addition to our family parties soon sparked interest among our guests. The demand for our hot sauce grew organically, as friends and family began requesting jars to enjoy the unique and delightful taste at home.
The turning point came unexpectedly during my tenure at Red Ventures, a company with a vibrant campus and a culture of supporting employees’ entrepreneurial endeavors. A chance encounter led me to showcase my hot sauce at an internal vendor market. Despite its informal status, the response was overwhelming, prompting me to realize the potential beyond our close circle.
With a hastily made sticker and a table adorned with Peruvian touches, I ventured into the market, where the positive reception from a broader audience validated the product’s universal appeal. Encouraged by the success within the Red Ventures community, I decided to take a leap into the public domain by participating in a friend’s vendor market.
The reception was beyond my expectations, with Delgado’s Fuego becoming an instant hit among a diverse audience. The venture gained momentum as we introduced new flavors and continued to evolve since 2019. The curiosity surrounding our hot sauce was fueled by the unique inclusion of rocoto peppers, a gem from Peruvian cuisine that resonated with a global audience increasingly drawn to the richness of Peruvian flavors.
Delgado’s Fuego is not just a business; it’s a culmination of cherished family moments, unexpected opportunities, and the shared love for a product that has transcended personal circles to captivate taste buds far and wide.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a strong reputation within our market has been a rewarding journey, and I attribute much of our success to the diverse and dedicated community of supporters we’ve cultivated in the area. Our network includes not only friends but also individuals I’ve had the pleasure of meeting through various endeavors, creating a broad base of genuine connections.
Undoubtedly, word of mouth has emerged as our greatest ally in shaping a positive reputation. Our Peruvian hot sauce, renowned for its perfect balance of heat and flavor, has garnered genuine admiration from those who have experienced its exceptional taste. It’s heartening to hear stories of people encountering our sauce at a friend’s place or stumbling upon it in someone’s fridge, resulting in a transformative culinary experience.
Beyond the product itself, our Peruvian roots play a pivotal role in setting us apart. At our booth in markets, we showcase not only our delicious recipe featuring ancient Incan rocoto peppers but also a vibrant display of our culture. From the handmade, colorful tablecloth sourced directly from Peru to the lively atmosphere created by our cajones and occasional musical interludes, we bring a unique and authentic experience to our customers.
In addition to our flavorful offerings, we add an extra layer of fun with llamas adorning our booth and the introduction of the traditional Peruvian game called Sapo. This not only allows people to enjoy our sauce but also creates a memorable and enjoyable atmosphere. Our big smiles and warm welcomes encourage individuals to step out of their comfort zones and try something new, dispelling any concerns about the sauce being overly spicy or lacking in flavor—concerns they may have encountered with other hot sauces.
Overall, it’s the combination of a fantastic product, a strong sense of cultural identity, and the joyous atmosphere we create that has contributed to our positive reputation within the market.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Our journey began with a simple desire—to enjoy our time and create something we love, not just as a business but as a meaningful bonding experience between my dad and me. The initial idea was to provide my dad, who stays at home and faces language barriers, an opportunity to connect with others by taking our passion out into the world.
As we aimed to expand beyond vendor markets and take our brand to new heights, we encountered a significant hurdle—the onset of the pandemic. This unexpected challenge forced us to halt our plans and, after thoughtful conversations, we even contemplated calling it quits. The uncertainty of the times seemed overwhelming.
However, as the world slowly reopened, presenting us with the chance to resume our market activities, we didn’t hesitate. Despite the setbacks, the longing for the joy we found in our business fueled our determination. The experience of being confined at home during the lockdown intensified our appreciation for the vibrant interactions and shared moments our business brought us.
Yet, as we picked up where we left off, new challenges emerged. The supply chain disruptions hit us hard, making it difficult to source the essential peppers for our signature sauce. Surging prices and a surge in canning practices further complicated matters, making it a struggle to obtain the mason jars we relied on for bottling.
This supply chain crisis imposed limitations on our production capacity, forcing us to adapt and make the most of what we could acquire. Despite these hardships, we persevered, adjusting our approach to continue participating in vendor markets whenever possible.
Now, as the obstacles gradually recede, we find ourselves in a phase of recovery and strategic planning. The lessons learned during these challenging times have strengthened our resolve, and we are actively exploring ways to elevate our business to the next level this year. Our resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to our commitment to the joy, connection, and shared experiences that define our journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://delgadosfuego.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delgadosfuego/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Weputdafuegoinfire
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/77824711
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/delgadosfuego
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@delgadosfuego7540
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@delgadosfuego NOSTR: https://iris.to/npub1jz5pyzg6zrqqtqafslg95r8hhp2wcnr7zupgm20a9spd7pagxklqzfvd4d
Image Credits
Jhonny Delgado Oscar Delgado Matt Alvis Pedro Aguirre