Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Schlichter.
Hi Ali, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started cooking very early on in my career. I got my first job by lying about my age and sneaking into my first kitchen at 14 years old and from there, the rest is history. I told my parents I wanted to go to culinary school and they told me I had to get a 4-year degree first and then they’d think about it. Well, I graduated from CU, Boulder with a degree in Media Studies and photojournalism all while working in kitchens to support myself.
After I graduated, I got a job with a boutique gourmet catering company where I honed in on my pastry and fine dining skills. I owe a lot to that company because I learned to become a strong leader in those four years and quickly learned what it was like to manage companies and problem-solve. For years after that, I went on to run multiple restaurants in Denver. When covid hit, things became really difficult, with half the staff and roles becoming harder and harder to fill, I began to lose the passion for what I was doing.
I was talking to my friend late one night and told her I wasn’t sure that owning my restaurant is something I saw in my future. She and I kept talking and she told me to start a sauce company. The idea radiated through my mind, like a lightbulb going off. The next day I dove straight in. From there, Chin Dribblin’ was born. At first, I was producing on the side while still running the current restaurant I was at. Then, in July of 2021, I went full-time, and boy what a wild ride it has been since. Chin Dribblin’ was built simply on an idea and a whole lot of passion, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next!
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?
I don’t think anyone who starts a business considers themselves driving on perfectly paved roads. There are ALWAYS going to be unavoidable potholes, but it’s how you maneuver them that matters. Starting a business is HARD and there are so many variables in running a successful one. I learned how to problem solve very early in my career because that’s what chefs do, they pivot, and working in such an industry is always unpredictable.
As a business owner, every day is what I call a beautiful struggle. You deal with imposters syndrome, supply chain issues, burnout, expensive mistakes, cash flow, and a whole lot of self-doubt. What’s beautiful about all of those struggles though, is what comes out of them. Selling my product to people at markets and across the US warms my heart unlike anything else. Watching people’s reactions when they try my sauces, turns every struggle into success.
There’s no better feeling and I’m sure all of my small business owners can agree! Another challenge (which I see as an advantage personally) is that I am a Woman/LGBTQ-owned business. It makes it harder to reach some social groups due to prior notions about myself and many other badass companies I know. Our goal is to be part of the change in that notion and we do that by supporting one another.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Chin Dribblin’ Specialty Sauces is a Denver-based gourmet sauce company. It is also Woman/LGBTQ Owned as well! These sauces are truly magic… All of them have a special place in my heart. My goal was to take my favorite flavors and fuse them with something you wouldn’t expect. A wow factor if you will. I wanted people to think “Hmm I wouldn’t expect that to be good!” or “Weird, I would have never thought to do that!”
As a chef, my brain works like a recipe book and I am always thinking and creating new and exciting flavors. These sauces truly leave you in flavor heaven and it is my greatest joy for all of you to try them! Most of the sauces are gluten-free and low sodium but that doesn’t change how much flavor they are packed with! We currently have four sauces in our lineup! We have a Spicy Pineapple Peanut, Curried Beer Mustard, Tamarind Steak, and our Kung Wow Asian dipping sauce which you can use for literally everything, and it’s drinkable (I swear).
Chin Dribblin’ is known for its bold and balanced flavor and fusion-style sauces. Brand-wise, we are proud of everything and all of it. From our logo to our sleek, unique look, Chin Dribblin’ sets itself apart by small batching all of our sauces and hand labeling every single bottle. Our branding is very “extra” which allows us to play up the ritzy marketing. It allows us to make beautiful gift sets for the holidays and other special occasions. Our holiday season is always the most exciting because we offer easy, affordable gift sets for everyone!
You can order on the website and we wrap, and fill out your cards for you, and send them directly to your desired location, meaning you don’t even have to think about holiday shopping, we do it for you! We will also be offering up exciting holiday discounts and many Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, so look out for those! If you would like to pick it up locally we are located in The COOP Co-op and at FlyteCo Brewery off Tennyson street!
Any big plans?
After the hustle and bustle of the crazy holiday season, I am mostly looking forward to getting the rest of the filing Chin Dribblin’ needs to be done for FDA approval, so we can sell in grocery stores and even more boutique locations! I am looking forward to growing and creating a lot more exposure for Chin Dribblin’ and other small businesses we support! Our main focus is expanding and building even more amazing connections within the small business community. I am so grateful for everyone I’ve met thus far and being able to support and watch everyone grow is such a special thing to witness.
Pricing:
- Curried beer mustard $10.00
- Kung Wow, Steak, Peanut $12.00
- Bundles from 2 to 4 range from $22-40
- Small Gift Set $35.00
- Large Gift Set $45.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chindribblin.com
- Instagram: @chindribblinllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071936059259
Image Credits
Meg McDonald
