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

Marie, appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

When I created my Volcanic Sensation hot sauce, I never thought it would be this difficult to get it out there. I mean, I have a wonderful product, from the taste to the quality of it, and those who have tasted it can’t stop talking about it, praising it as “the best” hot sauce they have ever tasted. However, despite the positive feedback, I found myself facing unexpected challenges in my business journey.

One of the most unforeseen problems is the daunting task of getting the necessary licensing for my hot sauce. I had anticipated some paperwork and perhaps a few fees, but the actual cost and complexity of the licensing process turned out to be a significant hurdle. Navigating the legalities and regulations associated with producing and selling a food product added layers of complexity I did not initially consider.

The licensing issue created a roadblock in my plans to market and sell my hot sauce. Without the proper permits, I can not move forward with distribution or retail partnerships. It is frustrating to have a product that people love, yet be held back by bureaucratic obstacles.

To resolve this challenge, I decided to seek professional guidance. I am consulting with experts in food regulation and licensing to ensure that I understand the requirements and can fulfill them accurately. This involved investing time and resources to educate myself on the legal aspects of the food industry. I am also seeking mentorship from individuals who have successfully navigated similar challenges.

In addition to the licensing hurdle, the unexpectedly high cost of each ingredient used to make the hot sauce posed another financial challenge. While I was aware of the general expenses involved in production, the actual figures exceeded my initial estimates. This required a reassessment of my pricing strategy and a search for more cost-effective sourcing options without compromising the quality of my product.

Addressing these challenges is a learning process that tests my resilience and determination. It teaches me the importance of thorough research, networking with industry experts, and adapting my business plan as needed. Overcoming these unexpected obstacles will not only strengthen my business insight but also fuel my passion for my product. It’s a reminder that even the most well-thought-out business plans can encounter unforeseen challenges, and the key is to approach them with a strategic mindset and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Marie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in Cite Soleil, Haiti, where I witnessed the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of my mother and aunt, both single mothers who engaged in various businesses to provide for our family. From selling cooked food and clothing to fruit juice, they demonstrated the power of determination and hard work. My entrepreneurial journey began early at the age of five when I started selling “pate,” fried dough, on the streets of my neighborhood.

Upon coming to America at the age of fifteen, I faced a challenge familiar to many hot sauce enthusiasts – the struggle to find a sauce that perfectly balanced flavor and heat. Dissatisfied with the options available, I embarked on a journey to create my hot sauce. Drawing inspiration from my Haitian roots, I aimed to craft a sauce that was both flavorful and spicy without the overpowering vinegary taste found in many commercial hot sauces.

Volcanic Sensation Hot Sauce is a reflection of my passion for hot sauce and a tribute to the flavors of my childhood. What sets it apart is the use of sour oranges instead of vinegar, providing a unique and balanced taste. I am committed to using mostly organic ingredients and avoiding chemical-based ones that are common in many hot sauces, ensuring a product that enhances the natural flavors of food.

Beyond the culinary aspect, my background in one of the most impoverished nations instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back. Volcanic Sensation Hot Sauce is not just a product; it’s a means to make a positive impact. I have a vision to use a portion of the revenues to sponsor children in Haiti and invest in land to grow the ingredients for the hot sauce. This initiative will not only create job opportunities but also contribute to the well-being of the Haitian community.

As a social worker by profession, I carry the values of compassion and community service with me. Volcanic Sensation Hot Sauce is not only about offering a delicious product but also about making a difference in the world. I am proud of my journey from the streets of Cite Soleil to creating a world-class hot sauce that not only delights the taste buds but also supports social causes.

In essence, when you choose Volcanic Sensation Hot Sauce, you’re not just getting a premium condiment; you’re contributing to a larger mission of giving back and making a positive impact on communities in need.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Throughout my life, I’ve faced numerous challenges, from abandonment and violence to loss and abuse. Despite these hardships, giving up has never been an option for me. My resilience is evident in my determination to be the first in my family to break the cycle of generational trauma and abuse. Despite feeling tired at times, I remain committed to making a difference and bringing positive change to my family, even aspiring to relocate them to the United States. My life is a continuous journey of pivoting and building resilience, driven by a deep-seated determination to overcome adversity and create a better future for myself and those I care about.

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

The lesson I unlearned was the initial perception of profit from my childhood, where I observed my mother and aunt working hard to turn anything into a sellable product. In my early entrepreneurial endeavors, I applied similar techniques without fully understanding the comprehensive calculations involved in determining true profitability.

During my first batch of hot sauce production, my calculations suggested a substantial profit. However, through mentorship and a deeper understanding of business accounting, I learned to factor in the costs of goods, labor, materials, equipment, and other essential elements. This enlightening experience revealed that what had initially seemed like a profit for my mother and aunt during my childhood was, in reality, a loss.

This realization prompted a significant shift in my approach. I recognized the importance of meticulous calculation, considering every cost, time spent, and expense, including factoring in a fair salary for myself. This newfound understanding became the foundation for pricing my product to ensure not just revenue but a genuine profit.

In essence, the lesson unlearned was the oversimplified view of profit, and the backstory lies in the journey from a perceived profit to the understanding that a comprehensive assessment of all costs is crucial for sustainable and successful entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Volcanicsensation2021

Image Credits
amitiewellness.com, Amitie LLC; @marcdphotographyllc