SPICZ GALZ / Laurie Jean Gebhard, Owner Spicz Galz produces creative spices for salsas, dips and rubs that are both flavorful and healthy.
clear understanding of exactly how much money you need to get started.
Your toughest lesson was…
How do you measure success? For me, I’m successful if people are seeking out information about the products and asking for interviews. My customers are happy, and businesses are calling to request products in their stores instead of the other way around.
I really hadn’t anticipated how much personal time was needed to make this business work. We sacrificed a lot of time and weekends in the beginning.
Entrepreneurial inspiration
Our customers provided great feedback and shared how much they love the product and how they were using it.
determined to see the business grow.
While vacationing with my best friend and former business partner, Lorrie Jean Castellano, we came across a business selling seasoning packets for salsas and dips. We had been making our own seasonings and thought “we can do this better.” We launched our business at the Yellowstone Valley Farmers’ Market and completely sold out of several of our products.
What keeps you motivated? When we began the business, it was very seasonal until we were able to get our products into retail spaces. This was very challenging. Our customers provided great feedback and shared how much they love the product and how they were using it. Hearing the enjoyment they got from our products made us more
Secret sauce When you have a business, people always think they have a better way of doing things, and they’re going to tell you about it. Be sure to stick to your ideals and your vision.
How has your business changed? After researching suppliers and evolving our recipes, packaging and pricing, we added a variety of grilling rubs and seasoning salts to our original product line of dips and salsa mixes. We also expanded our distribution to include local grocers, gift shops and our website.
Advice to others Don’t hesitate to take the plunge. I know I would have had serious regrets if I hadn’t taken the risk and started Spicz Galz. Take chances or you’re never going to know. You can’t be afraid to fail.
Personal strengths Determination. Seeing the product in stores and watching demand increase is exciting.
Learning or Knowing. Which is more important?
Biggest myth about starting a business: You need a lot of capital.
Learning. There’s so much to learn in business, and there’s no way to know it all. Things will always come up and how you deal with it determines your success. Learn as you go. No one likes a know-it-all.
We used a credit card to pay for all of our expenses and paid it off in the first month of business. Do your research and make sure you have a
Photo by James Woodcock
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