Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Meeker, Rosalina Carrillo, Lawren Sample, Johna Aquino.
Hi Nancy Meeker, Rosalina Carrillo, Lawren Sample, Johna Aquino, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The story of our business began serendipitously. We, four mothers, met at our children’s school in the heart of LA’s Mt. Washington neighborhood. Our children were in the same grades, and we quickly connected through playdates and social gatherings.
In 2020 during covid, we stayed connected through virtual themed dinners, bonding over our shared love of cooking and trying each other’s dishes. When travel felt safe again in 2021, we took a trip with our kids to Sayulita, Mexico, where our passion for flavorful, spicy food was further ignited.
The following year, while celebrating Nancy’s 50th birthday in Joshua Tree, Rosie brought Johna a bottle of salsa macha from Tijuana. As soon as it was opened, Johna and Lawren started playfully arguing over who would get to take it home. Laughing at the moment, Rosie said, “Instead of fighting over it, why don’t we just make our own?”
And so, our culinary adventure began. The four of us started researching and developing our own salsa macha recipe. We’d meet at each other’s homes, enjoying tequila, laughing, and dancing in the kitchen as we experimented. What started as a fun hobby eventually turned into something more – after much trial and error, we perfected our recipe and with the encouragement and support from our family and friends we started slowly selling our product. We are now in 25 locations across the U.S. and counting.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all — but it’s been meaningful. We’re a self-funded company, which means every step forward has been built with our own time, energy, and resources. That alone comes with financial pressure and the challenge of stretching ourselves thin. On top of that, we’re all full-time working moms, which means our families come first — always. Balancing motherhood, careers, and building a brand from the ground up isn’t easy.
One of the biggest challenges has been the fact that none of us come from the food industry. We’ve had to learn everything from scratch — packaging, logistics, shelf life, sourcing, compliance, all of it. We’ve figured things out step by step, often making mistakes and learning as we go. There have been many trials and errors along the way. We’ve learned that nothing happens overnight and that businesses take time and 150% effort from all parties.
Running a company with four women — each with her own voice, strengths, and responsibilities — is powerful, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. There are differences in opinion, communication styles, and pacing. But ultimately, our shared vision and deep respect for one another keeps us grounded. The road has had its bumps, but it’s also been filled with growth, sisterhood, and a commitment to creating something lasting — for ourselves, our families, and our community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We’re Cuatro Mamás — a multicultural food brand created by four moms from four very different backgrounds: Filipino, Mexican, Guatemalan, and the American South.
We started this company with no food industry experience, no big investors — just a shared love for our cultures, for good food, and for creating something meaningful for our families. As full-time working moms, we’ve built Cuatro Mamás in the real-life chaos of motherhood and everyday life.
Right now, our main offering is our Macha Chili Crisp, a bold, spicy, flavor-packed condiment that’s available in two spice levels. It’s our take on something we felt was missing in the market — a true blend of salsa macha and chili crisp that reflects all of us. Most chili crisps out there lean toward either Asian or Hispanic flavors — ours is a little bit of both, with influence from each of our cultures.
We use real, high-quality ingredients and handcraft each jar with so much intention. Every flavor choice, every label, every detail has meaning to us. This isn’t just a product — it’s a reflection of who we are as women, as mothers, and as daughters of rich cultural lineages.
What makes Cuatro Mamás different is our story. We didn’t follow a traditional path, and we’re proud of that. We’re learning as we go. We’re doing it our way. And the best part? We’re doing it together.
We’re most proud that we’ve stayed true to ourselves while creating something fresh and exciting. Our Macha Chili Crisp isn’t just about spice — it’s about connection, creativity, and legacy. And the response from our community — people telling us it reminds them of home, or that it’s unlike anything they’ve tasted — that’s what keeps us going.
At the end of the day, Cuatro Mamás is more than a condiment brand. It’s a celebration of culture, motherhood, and the power of food to bring people together. We hope that when you open a jar, you feel the love, the hustle, and the heart that went into it — and maybe even feel a little more connected to your own story, too.
What does success mean to you?
For us, success isn’t just about numbers or how many jars we sell — it’s about impact, connection, and staying true to our “why.”
Success is hearing someone say our Macha Chili Crisp reminds them of their abuelita’s cooking, or that it introduced them to a flavor they’ve never tasted before but now love. It’s our kids seeing their moms build something from scratch — learning that you don’t have to follow someone else’s blueprint, that you can create your own path.
We didn’t come into this with industry experience or a traditional roadmap. We’ve built Cuatro Mamás by trusting our instincts, leaning on each other, and learning as we go. That, in itself, is success.
It’s also about staying rooted in our cultures while creating something new. It’s building a business with heart, showing up for each other as partners and as friends, and still making space for motherhood, work, and real life.
If we can keep growing while staying true to who we are — and paving our own way while doing it — that’s what success looks like to us.
Pricing:
- $15.00
- $17.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cuatromamas.com
- Instagram: @cuatromamas
- Facebook: Cuatro Mamas
- LinkedIn: Cuatro Mamas
- Other: TikTok: Cuatro Mamas
Image Credits
All food styling photos
Pilar Valtierra
Olivia Poli
Women’s group photo
Katherine Sheehan
