Our next artist spotlight is a new vendor with a yummy offering. Say hello to Jessica of Nava’s Salsa who makes a variety of salsa verdes that are full of flavor. Taco 'bout tasty! 🌮🤤
Tell us about the products you make.
I make a variety of Salsa Verdes. Medium, Habanero, and Hot.
What is your favorite product that you create?
I enjoy creating them all. They have no added preservatives or sugar. I use avocado instead of oil. It's full of flavor and healthy!
What does your art-making process look like?
Making my Salsas is quite the process. I get my produce from my family's warehouse in Deep Ellum. I usually hunker down for a couple of days to make a couple hundred. The Salsas get canned so you don't have to refrigerate it until after opening.
Is your shop offering anything new/special/different at the Bash?
Yes! We will be offering a Salsa Christmas Gift Duo. It makes the perfect gift for family and friends! You will be able to pre-order it and it will get shipped out in December. This will make your holiday shopping even easier. A unique and tasty gift that everyone will love. All you have to do is order it and I will do all the work for you so you can enjoy more time with family.
What led you to start your business? How did you get started and how the journey has been so far?
I made Salsa last year around the holidays to share with family and friends. Shortly afterwards, I had a couple friends reach out asking when I was making more because they would like to buy it. I was definitely surprised by this. I decided to do a sample sale and sold over 20 jars! That is how Nava's Salsa was born.
How did you get to where you are today? How long did it take?
I launched my Etsy shop in March. I have been doing this for about a year and I am truly blessed with how much my company has grown. I wouldn't be here without my incredible customers.
Is there a story behind your shop/business name?
Yes. Nava is the name of my Mexican side of the family. I wanted to name my company something that meant a lot to me. My family is the reason why I am able to cook delicious Latin meals. The reason who I am today. My Salsa is a reflection of that.
What was first item you ever made/sold?
It was the Nava's Salsa Verde Hot! That is the Salsa that I shared around the holidays last year that everyone loved.
What makes your pieces special?
I put my heart and soul into every single jar. I make it all myself. I have shared my recipe with friends and they say they cannot make it as good as me. I think it's all the love that I put into it. It's like when your parents make your favorite meal but when you make it yourself it just doesn't taste as good as theirs.
It is a lot of work but I love every minute of it.
How do you recommend using/styling your pieces?
I put my salsa on everything! I do have recipes on my Instagram. You can put it on your breakfast tacos, mac and cheese, Chicken crockpot dishes. You can put it on just about anything and it will make your dish even more delicious.
What do you love most about running your business?
I am very passionate about cooking. I grew up cooking with my daddy, my Tias, my Primas. I have amazing memories in the kitchen with the ones I love. I love that I am able to share a little part of me with my Salsa.
What inspires you and how do you stay inspired?
Some people eat to live. I live to eat! I travel the world trying foods from different cultures. I am also always trying new recipes and then changing them up a little bit to make it more fun.
When you aren't running you business or creating, what do you spend your time doing?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Trying new restaurants. Traveling the world and experiencing new things.
What are challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The imposter syndrome. Those doubt you have in the back of your head that try to keep you from accomplishing your goals and dreams. That has been the biggest challenge for me but I just keep pushing forward one step at a time.
Why do you think people are drawn to your style?
My Salsa is full of flavor! it is healthy and vegan. i think people are surprised with how much flavor it has without all the junk. You can eat healthy and still have it taste good. That is what my Salsa is all about.
Which of your pieces do you think make for a meaningful gift?
Honestly, they're all so delicious they all make for a meaningful gift. It's quite hard to just choose one. I will have a Salsa Christmas Gift Duo for people to pre order that can be shipped directly to family and friends for the Holidays.
If you had a superpower, what would it be?
I wish I had more arms like an Octopus. It would make my process a lot easier.