Story & Lesson Highlights with Ali Schlichter of Denver

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ali Schlichter. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Ali, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
Honestly, I’m learning from myself every single day. I’ve realized that my energy, my strengths, and even my downfalls all teach me something valuable. The challenges I’ve faced force me to adapt and grow, and the wins remind me what I’m capable of. I really believe in reflecting on my own experiences—good and bad—as lessons that help me move forward stronger and with more clarity.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Ali, the founder of Chin Dribblin, an Asian-fusion sauce company built on bold flavors and a whole lot of love. I started cooking young and worked my way up through kitchens, eventually becoming a chef and later creating Chin Dribblin as a way to bring restaurant-quality flavors to people at home. All of our sauces are gluten-free, vegan, allergen-friendly, and inspired by my deep love and respect for Asian cuisine—with my own playful twist.

Last year I was runner-up on Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Season 2, which was an incredible experience and gave me the confidence to push the brand further. Right now we’re expanding into more retailers, building out creative recipe content, and working on my first cookbook. Everything I do is about making cooking exciting and approachable while honoring the flavors that shaped me.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad definitely taught me the most about work. He’s the hardest worker I know, and I grew up watching his drive, consistency, and dedication. That work ethic stuck with me—I learned that you don’t cut corners, you show up even when it’s hard, and you take pride in what you do. I know I got that mindset from him, and it’s shaped how I approach everything in my business and life.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience and perspective in a way success never could. Losing my mom and going through some of the hardest moments of my life showed me that I can survive things I never imagined I could. It made me appreciate the small wins, the people I love, and the journey itself instead of just the outcome. Success is amazing, but it doesn’t build you the way pain does—it’s the challenges and heartbreaks that gave me strength, empathy, and a deeper connection to what I do and why I do it.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie my industry tells itself is that distribution is the key to success. In reality, for many small companies, it can actually be their downfall. You’re forced to sell at wholesale prices, pay distributor fees, and spend countless hours doing in-store samplings just to get people aware of your product. Then, if it doesn’t sell quickly enough, you’re often expected to ‘buy it back’ at full market price. For a small business, those margins and risks can be devastating. Building direct relationships with customers and retail partners has been far more sustainable and impactful for us than chasing mass distribution too early.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I was brave—that I took chances and wasn’t afraid to do things differently, even when I knew it would be challenging. I want them to remember that I didn’t let fear or outside opinions dictate how I lived or built my business. I carved my own path, even when it wasn’t the easy one, and I kept showing up for the things and people I loved.

I hope they say I led with heart and passion, that I created something that brought people together, and that I left behind work I was proud of. More than anything, I want to be remembered for inspiring others to trust themselves and go after their big, scary dreams too—even when it feels impossible. If my story helps someone else find their own courage, then I’ll feel like I left a legacy that mattered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chindribblin.com
• Instagram: @chindribblinllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chin-dribblin-llc-0a7b9a210/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Chin-Dribblin-Specialty-Sauces-Marinades/100080395869180/

Image Credits
John Robson, Meg Macdonald