Hey salsa lovers! We had the pleasure of interviewing Jessica Weston, the owner of Nava's Salsa, an Etsy shop that offers mouthwatering homemade salsas made with the freshest ingredients. Jessica's passion for cooking and healthy ingredients has turned her hobby into a thriving business. Read on to learn more about her journey, creative process, and delicious salsas.
Tell us about the products you make.
We use the freshest ingredients for our salsa. Our produce is from our family's warehouse in Deep Ellum, so you could say this is a family-run business.
What is your favorite product that you create?
Our Habanero Salsa is our best seller. It is a medium spicy salsa. I use the flavor of the pepper rather than the heat of it.
Is there a story behind your shop/business name?
I learned the love of cooking from my family in Mexico. I spent my early childhood days cooking in my Abuelas kitchen in Mexico. The name is a tribute to my family and my Hispanic heritage.
What does your process look like?
I hunker down for a couple of days to make the salsa. It is a one woman show. I make every single jar myself. Every jar is made with love.
What led you to start your business? How did you get started, and how has the journey been so far?
I took Salsa to a few family and friends pot lucks during the Holidays. A few weeks go by, and I get messages from them asking me for more salsa. Eventually, they turned into customers, and I decided to start an Etsy shop! The journey of running and owning a business has its ups and downs, but this journey has been great!
How did you get to where you are today? How long did it take?
It has been one year since I started my company. It has been amazing! I have my loyal customers who I know I would not be here today if it weren’t for them.
What was first item you ever made/sold?
The first jar of Salsa I made and sold was the Hot Salsa. It was actually a lot spicier than what I make it today. I have found that not too many people want to go running for the hills after eating a super hot salsa.
What makes your pieces special?
I am very transparent about what ingredients are in my Salsa. I think we should all know what is in our food. I live a very healthy lifestyle, and this is a reflection of that.
Which of your pieces do you think make for a meaningful gift?
The Habanero Salsa is a meaningful gift. It surprises people when they taste it. It has such a good flavor that you can put it on anything.
How do you recommend using your salsa?
There are so many ways to use our salsa. You can throw some chicken and veggies in a crockpot, add the salsa on top, and it will elevate your meal. The Habanero Salsa is good for Mac and cheese. I know, I know – but trust me. You can use it on a roast in a crockpot. Enchiladas. Tacos. You can get some sour cream and add our salsa, and it makes a great dip for wings.
What do you love most about running your business?
I love all the people I get to meet. I love when I hear someone say, "Oh, I can bring this to so & so's house for this." I love that my food brings people together. I am big on food and family, so it makes me happy to see people enjoying my salsa.
What inspires you, and how do you stay inspired?
I enjoy trying new recipes and seeing how else I can incorporate my salsa. People just use it for chips and salsa, which is great, but it has such good flavor that you can add it to just about anything. It is exciting to see what other ways I can eat it.
What do you spend time doing when you aren't running your business or creating?
I enjoy traveling to new countries and trying their food. I live to eat. I love creating in my kitchen. I like to spend time in my garden and reading books.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as an artist?
Take your time and do it right. There is no need to rush things.
How do you overcome creative blocks?
I will take a step back and try to take a break. I will read a book, go on a walk, or go meet up with friends. Try to forget about what it is I am trying really hard to make happen.
What are the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It seems like everything has been a challenge! Learning my way about this business. There is just so much to learn; when you think you know it all, you don't. I have learned to never stop learning, always do research, and keep trying to evolve.
Why do you think people are drawn to your style?
People like things that taste good. It is even better when it tastes good and it is healthy for you.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
I wish I had more arms like an Octopus. Man, would that really help me out during Salsa making days.
Are you offering anything special at the Spring Bash?
We sell our jars on Etsy for $12.99, but for the Bash, they will be $10!
Anything else you'd like to share with us?
I have a Koi Fish pond in my backyard where I like to hang out. I also look like Cher.
That’s a wrap!
What a fantastic note to leave off on. Thank you so much for joining us at the 2023 Spring Bash!
Be sure to shop Nava’s Salsa and follow along on their Instagram @navas_salsa.