We were lucky to catch up with Zharia Alexander recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zharia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you manage your own social media?

I currently manage all of the social media for Z’s Spicy Bowlss myself. I made this choice mainly because I understand my brand’s voice, personality, and target audience better than anyone else right now. Social media plays a huge role in how people connect with Z’s Spicy Bowlss, and I wanted to make sure that every post, caption, and interaction felt authentic and personal.

So far, it’s helped me build a strong community and stay directly in touch with my customers. I’ve been able to test different content, like behind-the-scenes videos, customer shoutouts, and product drops, and adjust quickly based on what gets the best engagement.

One lesson I’ve learned is that consistency matters more than perfection. You don’t need fancy equipment or overly polished content—just be real, show up, and talk to your audience like people. But I’ll also say: when the time is right, I’d definitely consider bringing someone on to help so I can scale the brand without burning out.

For other business owners: if you’re just starting out, managing your social media yourself can give you a deeper understanding of your audience and what works. Once you’ve built that foundation, then you’ll be in a better position to train someone or hire help that fits your vision.

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?

I’m the founder and owner of Z’s Spicy Bowlss, an online-based snack brand known for bold, flavor-packed spicy bowls and Kool-Aid pickles. I like to say I’m your fave spicy bowl dealer—because this business is built on flavor, fun, and personality.

I got into this industry kind of naturally. I’ve always had a love for spicy snacks and creative food combos. What started as me making bowls for fun turned into people constantly asking, “Where can I buy this?” That’s when I knew it could be a real business. I took that love, mixed it with my creative side, and turned it into a brand.

Z’s Spicy Bowlss offers spicy bowls and Kool-Aid pickles. We ship nationwide, everything is done online through our website. So no matter where you are, you can get your fix.

What makes us different? Honestly, it’s the mix of flavor, creativity, and connection. I don’t just sell snacks—I create an experience. Every product feels personal, the branding is eye-catching, and the energy of the brand really connects with people. I also handle my own social media, which helps me keep things real and in touch with my audience.

One thing I’m super proud of is the community I’ve built around the brand. It’s one thing to sell a product—but it’s another thing to have people genuinely excited to support, repost, and rep your brand.

For anyone getting to know Z’s Spicy Bowlss, just know it’s more than snacks—it’s a whole vibe. We’re here to bring flavor, fun, and a little heat to your day. If you’re bold enough to try it, you’re already part of the fam.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

One of my favorite marketing moments—and a big turning point for Z’s Spicy Bowlss—was when I sent a PR package to OrianaASMR on TikTok. I had been following her for a while and knew her platform could be a great fit, but sending that package was a bit of a risk. I had no idea if or when she’d post about it, and as a small business, every PR box I send out counts.

Weeks went by with no word, and I honestly started to think she might not post at all. Then one day—out of the blue—I got a notification. She had posted a video trying my spicy bowl and captioned it, “@Zs Spicy Bowlss are the TRUTH 🥵😭.” I was in complete shock. Within minutes, the video was taking off.

That one post brought in hundreds of new TikTok followers and, more importantly, hundreds of sales. My website traffic spiked, my inbox blew up, and people were tagging their friends nonstop. It was surreal. Seeing someone I admired genuinely enjoy my product—and watching my brand grow because of it—was one of the most validating moments of my business journey so far.

What I learned is that taking the risk is worth it. Even if the outcome is uncertain, sometimes the right person sharing your product at the right time can change everything. Now I approach influencer marketing with more confidence, knowing that just one authentic connection can shift the game.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Z’s Spicy Bowlss started in December 2022, right after I left my job working at a corrections institution. I was ready for a change, and I decided to share a video of my spicy bowls on TikTok. To my surprise, the video blew up within less than 24 hours. My phone was flooded with comments and DMs asking, “How can I purchase?” or “Do you ship?” That’s when it hit me—why not sell these bowls and ship them to others?

A few days of thinking it over, and I decided to take the leap. I wasn’t expecting such a quick response, but the demand was real. By April 2023, I knew I had to make things more official, so I invested in a website and logo to bring more legitimacy to the brand and make the whole experience feel more professional.

I started small—promoting on social media, creating the brand identity, and fulfilling orders from home. It was a hustle, but the response was encouraging. One major milestone was building out my website and going from taking orders through social media to online-only, which made the process smoother and more scalable. Then I launched Kool-Aid pickles and saw even more traction.

Now, Z’s Spicy Bowlss is my main focus. I’ve learned to trust the process, stay consistent, and take calculated risks. Every small win—from a happy customer review to a viral post—has helped get the brand to where it is today. And the best part? I’m just getting started.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://spicybowlss.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/z.spicybowlss?igsh=MTV0NHZycTNnYTlqOQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ZRVfeZtsJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiazR7YccX1Tm0r3BPMHnMQ