Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
WEST VALLEY CITY — With only $3,000 to her name, SalsaQueen Zapata embarked on a what to her felt like a crazy adventure.
She wanted to provide for her family while also mixing her love of cooking. With the help of her husband and seven kids, a dream was soon born. And that dream — making delicious salsas for the world — has since become a fast-growing business in the Salt Lake Valley.
"I always loved cooking," SalsaQueen said. "In my early years in Mexico, I remember cooking some beans and my aunt said, 'How do you do this? You're making beans but they taste delicious.' So after that, it just became even more of a passion for me."
The solution to supporting her family began by selling salsas on Facebook before moving onto local farmer's markets. And soon, a burgeoning business was developed.
Now 11 years later, Salsa Queen is sold in nearly 1,000 stores — including Costco — in 30 states.
"I think it's really boosted her self confidence," said husband Jim Birch, who also serves as the company's CEO. "Before, she was a little unsure, even going to the first farmer's market — 'Am I going to sell out?' — and now her confidence is totally different. She believes in herself, and very passionately so. It's boosted her self esteem and confidence a lot."
To hear SalsaQueen's story and how she got started, as well as why her product is loved by so many people, watch the video above.
Check out more Beyond Business videos, such as the one about how local ski manufacturer DPS Skis has created "the best powder skis in the world," or how a love of baking turned into a popular bakery called Dough Lady.
You can also check out our Beyond The Game videos that highlight various athletes and their stories outside of the games they play.
