Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheetal Bhagat.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sheetal. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I came from an East Indian home filled with the scent of spice. We grew up eating home cooked, fresh, healthy food. I learned how to cook from watching my mom and then eventually helping her out. My approach to cooking has always been to learn methods and techniques, so I can then take base recipes and adjust it to my own tastes and likes. I have a large spice drawer and it’s always open when I’m cooking. One day, I thought to myself, “why can’t I approach my cocktails the way I approach cooking: with my spice drawer open?”. I toasted up some cumin seeds, added them to my margarita and never looked back.
The origins of my business started in the summer of 2010, making my cumin infused margaritas for teammates after we played beach volleyball. Friends and family kept telling me, I should launch a business with this idea, so, in 2014 I decided to try and develop the idea. Over the course of three years, I tested 11 spices and eventually picked and formulated eight spices for the Spice Note line. We proudly launched Spice Note Tequila in August 2017 with two spice infusions: cumin and cinnamon. I selected these two for specific reasons. Between the two, I felt I could reach a wide net of people that would enjoy my product. Spice Note Cumin is the first-to-market offering while Spice Note Cinnamon offers a familiar, warm flavor that everyone knows.
In less than a year that we have been on the market, Spice Note tequila can be purchased at Chicagoland area Whole Foods Markets, Binny’s Beverage Depots, many gourmet grocers and independent retailers. We can be found in various bars and restaurants as well. And, we are so excited that just last month, Spice Note Tequila entered into a partnership with The Liquor Barn and can now be sold both at their Wheeling location as well as direct to consumers in 35 states!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s never a smooth road. That, in part, is what drives me. I can’t say there has been anything really surprising as I was told repeatedly how difficult a business this is to be in, so knowing to expect bumps, big or small, is all part of the process.
I so enjoy the naturally creative aspect of this endeavor, but I’ve learned the most from the things that are not so natural to me: reading spreadsheets, hiring and managing people, accounting, formulations, manufacturing and distribution. It wasn’t the easiest going through the startup of this company while pregnant, but I often joke that while I birthed both a business and a baby in 2017, the baby was so much easier! It’s been an amazing journey that has been far from smooth, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Spice Note Tequila – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Simply put, Spice Note is the very first line of all natural spice-infused tequila to market, yet there is nothing simple about its taste. Using our proprietary infusion method, the depth and versatility of natural spices complement the inherent earthiness of the agave spirit for a more enjoyable tequila experience. We proudly offer savvy spirits consumers a one-of-a-kind spirit which can be enjoyed on the rocks, used to elevate standard bar-cart cocktails or to create unique cocktails, sophisticated in taste yet simple to make.
There are two things that are so rewarding about launching my own brand in the spirits’ industry. First, I truly love seeing reactions at the tasting tables, particularly when the person trying my product breaks out in a huge grin. Makes my day, every time. And the second rewarding thing is how much I’ve learned and continue to learn, every single day. My constant curiosity keeps me learning and drives my passion for the culinary arts.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I don’t have a big picture view of what “success” looks like. Each morning, as I look at my day, I look for ways to be successful in my day. I find that if I set small goals and accomplish them, I have been successful in my day. Mind you, not all goals are accomplished, and some days are just tough. But, when I look at the week’s accomplishments, the month’s, the year’s achievements, I see the overall movement forward and I feel successful. A handful of baby steps can get you from here to there and that’s what I focus on.
I don’t have a big picture view of what “success” looks like. Each morning, as I look at my day, I look for ways to be successful in my day. I find that if I set small goals and accomplish them, then I feel as though I have been successful in my day. Mind you, not all goals are accomplished, and some days absolutely none at all. But, when I look at this week’s accomplishments, the month’s productivity, the overall year’s achievements, I see the momentum of my vision and its creation moving forward and I feel successful. It’s the handful of thoughtful and purposeful baby steps I take each day, which connects every small win we have that defines my overall success. And that’s what I stay focused on.
Pricing:
- Spice Note Cumin: $29.99
- Spice Note Cinnamon: $29.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.spicenotetequila.com
- Phone: (312) 561-3150
- Email: sheetal@spicenotetequila.com
- Instagram: spicenotetequila
- Facebook: spicenotetequila
- Twitter: spicenotequila
Image Credit:
Clayton Hauck, Kelly Allison
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