We recently connected with Mario Cruz and have shared our conversation below.

Mario , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

Bárbaro Mojo began with a simple idea on Christmas Eve, but it was the unwavering support and enthusiasm of our closest family and friends that gave us the confidence to bring our hot sauce to the public. Their love for what we were creating inspired us to take that leap, and ever since, they have been instrumental in the growth of our business. Our own friends and family are with us and help us in every step of our growing business. From helping us set up and sell at events and markets, to sharing our products with their own friends and families, and referring us to their communities and networks, their support has been invaluable! They also contribute by using social media to share photos of themselves enjoying our sauce at home, and even creating recipes for us to feature on our site. Our success today is largely due to their ongoing encouragement and support—they truly are our strongest advocates.

Our secret sauce truly is our “framily”! We encourage other entrepreneurs to ask their friends and family for support! More often than not, they are ready to help in ways you may not have expected. Their involvement can be the boost you need to get your business off the ground.

Mario , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Mario Cruz, co-founder of Bárbaro Mojo. I founded the company with my son, Kevin Cruz, combining my own passion for making the best mojo for our annual pig roast with his love for hot sauce and always wanting a little extra heat on his food. Together, we created a unique product—flavorful hot sauces rooted in the traditional Cuban Mojo Criollo, each with its own twist that tells a story. Our sauces are crafted to balance flavor with heat, offering an authentic taste of Cuban tradition.

What sets Bárbaro Mojo apart is our focus on authenticity and storytelling. Our hot sauces are more than just spice—they connect people to culture and create memorable experiences. Each bottle and its name tells a story, such as our newest (and hottest!) limited-edition hot sauce, ‘Matanza,’ inspired by my hometown in Cuba. This new addition will certainly “slaughter” your taste buds with heat and flavor!

For those new to Bárbaro Mojo, know that we’re about more than just heat. We’re about bringing authentic flavors to your table, creating memories through food, and being part of your culinary adventures. Whether you’re adding bold flavor to your meals or looking to elevate your cooking, Bárbaro Mojo brings the taste of Cuba to your kitchen and becomes part of your story.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

One of the key factors that helped us build our reputation within the market was our partnership with Sedano’s. Being featured in their stores was a pivotal moment for Bárbaro Mojo, as it provided a sense of validation for our product. Sedano’s is a well-known and respected grocery chain within our community, and their decision to carry our hot sauce gave us significant credibility. This partnership allowed us to reach a broader audience and positioned us alongside other trusted brands, which helped build consumer confidence in our products.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been getting people to try our hot sauce firsthand. We’ve focused on participating in events and markets where we can offer samples and connect directly with potential customers. There’s something powerful about tasting a product in person—once people try Bárbaro Mojo, they fall in love with the bold flavors, and it becomes much easier to convert them into loyal customers.

Another key part of our strategy has been partnering with restaurants like Chug’s in Coconut Grove in Miami, FL, Cafecito in Charleston, SC, Santiago’s Cuban Cuisine in Vermont, and The Blended Bistro in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, where customers can enjoy our hot sauce as part of their meal. These partnerships allow people to discover Bárbaro Mojo in a natural setting, and the positive feedback from those experiences has led to increased interest and demand for our products.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://barbaromojo.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/barbaromojo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaroMojo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barbaromojo/
• Twitter: https://x.com/barbaromojo
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@barbaromojo
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@barbaromojo

Image Credits

no credit needed. All taken by our family.