Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Apolinar, owner of Salsas Chingona .
Brenda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I immigrated to the US at a very young age. Raised by a single mother and a family of five is as hard as it sounds. Life was not easy and learning to cook and clean at a very young age was normal. I started working at the age of 16 to help my mother and siblings while still attending school. There I met my husband at the age of 17 through a mutual friend and fell in love. That same year my mother returned to her home in Mexico and I decided to rent an apartment with my brother. Soon after I moved in with my husband and never left his side. We got married at the age of 19 and soon after had my firstborn. After realizing we were young parents and the reality of adult struggles, we decided to wait for our second child. Eight years later, my second child was born. Fast forward to January 2022 and at the peak of the struggles from COVID-19, the restaurant I had been managing decided to close its doors. I had found myself without a job for the first time in years and it was an unfamiliar feeling. With the support of my husband and kids, they gave me time to find my way back from feeling down. We threw my son a birthday party and I always cook the food. One of my good friends offered to buy some salsas at the party. After talking with my husband and a few mistakes, learning curves and a lot of trial and error, I found my rythem. After meeting new friends and a huge support from my hometown of San Pedro led me to where I’m at today.
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?
Being faced with a lot of uncertainty is the main struggle. The not knowing if your product will sell, finding a right spot or customer base. The struggles of keeping yourself together and being there with your family is always hard. Welcoming criticism and finding the best deals on jars, finding the right branding and label to use. But with the support of my family, it has made all the struggles a little easier. When I’m overwhelmed, they step in and help. My son helps sell at certain pop-ups to ease the load. I call my husband my branding manager Hahahah because he helped design my labels and create my stickers. Finding what works with the product you are selling takes time; we are still learning.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Some of the experiences I gained while working in the restaurant industry has made it a little easier. I began my path in this career choice by making salsas. I have created some of my own recipes along with some recipes given to me that were passed down from family. I have created seven different homemade salsas, four different hot sauces, three different pickled vegetables and three different meal sauces. What sets me apart from others is the ability to adapt and see what changes can be made to create a new sauce or salsa. I stepped into unfamiliar territory making my own hot sauces which had received a lot of attention, which I got the idea while on vacation. I also began creating my own mole and enchilada sauce which is ready to be poured on your choice of meat, just to expand my customer base. I love to cook and always challenge myself to make a better dish. I’m most proud of the accomplishments and support I received in such a short time. The way I inspire my daughter, sister and friends to do their own thing is always a blessing. I love to support others even when I’m not doing well myself because I can relate to their experiences.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories were coming home from school and seeing my mother in the kitchen making us a fresh meal to eat. That wonderful smell of food that would surround our apartment were always expected. Anticipating something different and patiently waiting on the day my mom makes my favorite dish are things to remember. Thinking back and knowing that even with the very little we had, my mom has given me so much and knowing that one day I can pass this on to my own kids always makes me smile.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/salsaschingon
- Instagram: Chingona_en_la_cocina
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsaschingona
