Community Highlights: Meet Erica Gillespie of Feisty Spices

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Gillespie

Hi Erica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born into a legacy of innovation and creativity, the Gillespie and Coleman families have a rich history of entrepreneurship. Our bloodline carries the spirit of jazz greats and visionary inventors, embodying a tradition of talent, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements.

My journey has always been deeply rooted in the entertainment and business worlds. I spent years managing some of the most well-known artists from the ’90s, scouting independent talent in Atlanta and Nashville, and helping comedians secure major TV appearances, including on Netflix and OWN. My experience in talent management taught me the power of storytelling, branding, and understanding what makes something—or someone—stand out.

That same entrepreneurial spirit led me to create Feisty Spices, a brand that brings Afro-Caribbean flavors to the forefront in a way that’s both convenient and flavorful. My love for bold, authentic flavors comes from my heritage and travels, and I saw a gap in the market for high-quality, easy-to-use spice blends that could transform everyday meals.

Feisty Spices was inspired by the cherished moments of watching my grandmother craft family meals in the kitchen, blending flavors with love, tradition, and mastery.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No successful journey is ever a completely smooth road, and building Feisty Spices has definitely come with its challenges. Coming from the entertainment industry, I had to navigate a completely different world when stepping into the food business. Understanding supply chain logistics, food regulations, and retail distribution was a learning curve, but my background in business helped me adapt quickly.

One of the biggest challenges has been breaking into MORE major retail. While Feisty Spices has seen great success, getting on BIGGER store shelves requires more than just a great product—it’s about positioning, storytelling, and meeting the expectations of big-box retailers. My recent meeting with a grocery category buyer from Target was a perfect example. While they saw potential in our brand, they also gave me valuable feedback on refining our value proposition. They encouraged us to reposition our products from just spice blends to complete meal solutions, which led to our development of Oxtail and Curry Chicken Meal Kits.

Another challenge has been balancing growth while maintaining quality. We’ve sold over a million bottles, but scaling up while ensuring every bottle maintains the same bold, authentic flavors takes careful planning and sourcing. We also work with Black farmers for some of our ingredients, and supporting them while meeting demand has been both rewarding and complex.

Despite these challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every obstacle has been a learning opportunity, and those moments of struggle have helped shape Feisty Spices into the strong, growing brand it is today.

As you know, we’re big fans of Feisty Spices. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We’re more than just a spice brand, we’re a celebration of bold Afro-Caribbean flavors, designed to make cooking effortless while delivering restaurant-quality taste at home. We specialize in high-quality, all-natural spice blends that elevate everyday meals with authentic, vibrant flavors.

What sets us apart is our focus on convenience without compromising on taste. We create blends that take the guesswork out of seasoning, so whether you’re making jerk chicken, curry, or a flavorful seafood dish, you can achieve authentic flavors with ease.

We’re proud to have secured placement in nine retailers, a testament to the love and demand for our flavors. Five of our seven SKUs are bestsellers, proving that people aren’t just buying our products; they’re making them a staple in their kitchens.

Right now, we’re evolving our offerings based on retail insights that align with our mission to simplify cooking while keeping flavors bold and authentic.

At its core, Feisty Spices isn’t just about seasoning—it’s about bringing people together through food, culture, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, our blends and upcoming meal kits make it easy to create delicious dishes with confidence.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We recently ended an 8 week mentorship with Target and won 2nd place in their 2024 Forward Founders Pitch Competition.

This journey is just getting started. To everyone who has supported Feisty Spices—thank you. And to those who haven’t yet tried us, get ready, because we’re coming to a store near you! Stay tuned—we’re just getting started on taking over the grocery aisles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://FeistySpices.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/FeistySpices
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Feisty Spices
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/FeistySpices
• Other: https://Amazon.com/FeistySpices