We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mariam Lenkman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mariam below.

Hi Mariam , thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

What makes us stand out from other salsa companies in the PNW? We’ve gone with glass packaging for our salsas!

When you stroll through the refrigerated section of your local grocery store and reach the fresh salsa spot, you might notice that most salsas come in plastic deli containers. But not La Oveja Negra! We picked glass because we really care about our customers. Glass keeps our salsa fresher and tastier for longer, without any of those pesky chemicals that can leach from plastic. Plus, we’re all about helping Mother Nature, too! We have a jar return program that rewards you with free salsa when you bring back a certain number of jars. By joining our jar recycling program, you not only get to enjoy a higher quality salsa but also play a part in protecting our planet!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Howdy, I’m so excited to tell you a little bit about myself and my company!

My name is Mariam, and I am thrilled to introduce you to my labor of love: La Oveja Negra, a small-batch salsa company that embodies the best of my heritage and hometown. A huge shout out to my vibrant city, Houston, TX, where southern charm meets the vibrant flair of Mexican cuisine, inspiring every jar of salsa we make!

La Oveja Negra was born from my deep-seated passion for crafting unique, flavorful salsas that you just can’t find on the shelves of your mainstream grocery stores here in the Pacific Northwest. Picture it: I found myself in a whirlwind of flavors, craving the taste explosions of my childhood, reminiscent of backyard barbecues and family gatherings, and I realized something important—this magical marriage of southern flavors and Mexican spices could create something extraordinary. And so, armed with my molcajete and an insatiable appetite for creativity, our journey began!

At La Oveja Negra, we’re not just making salsas; we’re crafting flavor adventures! Our salsas are designed to be deliciously versatile because I believe that salsa should wear many hats. Sure, it’s fantastic as a snack, slathered on crispy tortilla chips for your next game night. But there’s so much more! Our salsas are your perfect culinary companions, ideal for marinating meats, enhancing soups, bringing life to enchiladas, or even stirring into stews for that little extra *zing*. Each salsa is a ticket to elevate any dish from mundane to mouthwateringly magnificent!

But let’s talk heart for a moment—because food, to me, is more than just flavors and ingredients; it’s about connection, laughter, and memories shared around the table. That’s why I founded La Oveja Negra—to share a slice of my world with you. Every jar carries a story, a memory, and a bit of spice designed to ignite not just your taste buds, but also your spirit.

So, whether you’re whipping up a family feast, planning a casual get-together, or simply wanting to add a kick to your Tuesday tacos, I invite you to dive into our delicious salsa lineup. Let’s change the way we think about salsa, transforming it from a mere condiment to an essential ingredient that unites us all in the joy of cooking and sharing the love of food.

That’s why I created La Oveja Negra – to share my love for salsa with the world and bring a little bit of spice into people’s lives.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest things I had to unlearn on my journey to becoming an entrepreneur was my fear of failing. It’s wild how much power that fear can hold over us, right? Even now, I still find myself grappling with those nagging doubts. But through this wild ride of being my own boss, I’ve come to realize just how crucial failure is. It’s tough, but every stumble has taught me something valuable.

What I’ve learned is that it’s not about the fall; it’s about getting back up, dusting myself off, and trying again—no matter how many times it takes. There’s something so empowering about that resilience. Each setback has actually pushed me further, and for that, I’m genuinely grateful. This journey isn’t just about success; it’s about growth, learning, and finding the courage to keep moving forward. And honestly, that makes every moment worth it.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

There’s something truly special about what we do. Sure, there are tons of salsa companies out there, but here at ours, we have a deep pride in our Flavor. It’s not just a word; it’s a commitment we make to each jar we produce. The way we approach our salsa is with an immense amount of respect for the produce we use, and that starts with our incredible local farmers. Yes, we really do work closely with them to ensure that all our ingredients are top-tier!

Being a small batch salsa company might sound limiting to some, but for us, it’s all about quality over quantity. We want to guarantee that every single jar delivers the perfect balance of salt, heat, and acidity, time and time again. And I mean, who wouldn’t want that?

Let me tell you, there’s something so cozy about hand peeling and cutting every onion and garlic clove. And shout out to my husband for squeezing all those limes—seriously, we go through so many! It’s a labor of love, and it shows in the final product.

One of my favorite parts of the process? Quality control! I take great joy in tasting every batch to ensure it meets our high standards. It’s not just a job; it’s a passion. Every bite of our salsa carries a piece of our heart, and we hope you can taste that love in each jar.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laovejanegrasalsa.com/
• Instagram: https://laovejanegrasalsa.com/

Image Credits

Cream Picture with the Totopo chip bag – Hannah B from HB Photos
The rest of the pictures are from Elena Popescu from ilumina Photography