Meet Nick Sandoval of Sunnyside Salsa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Sandoval.

Nick, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in the Sunnyside of Denver. To locals, We call it the Northside. Growing up, The neighborhood was full of Mexican restaurants and Chicano culture that really made me proud of my heritage and family. The food was packed with flavor, the sense of community was strong, and it was a great time whenever family and friends were able to be together in that environment.

Salsa and chili have always been a part of our meals, as we as a way to bring the family together. Purchasing baskets of fire-roasted chili along Federal, and preparing meals with all of us together, really stuck out in my childhood and brings back a sense of nostalgia. To me, this is what Sunnyside Salsa represents. It stands for all of the things that are important: heritage, community, family and of course, FLAVOR.

The birth of Sunnyside Salsa was organic, making salsa for holiday parties, work events and friendly gatherings were something I always did. Over time, I started getting requests for it, people asking if it was available for purchase, and pestering me for my recipe. I looked at the opportunity as a way of sharing my salsa with the world, as well as a great way to learn and grow with my family. Every time I make salsa, it brings me back to those moments in my childhood, and my hope is to create those moments for my children in the process.

I have an amazing wife and two daughters that help me with Sunnyside Salsa regularly. From promoting to finding ingredients, selling at local markets, to tasters for quality assurance, my family has my back. I love being able to share these experiences with them, if not only to spend time together. I want them to learn that through vision, planning, and resilience, they can achieve anything they want.

The slogan on the label reads “Live life on the Sunnyside”. Not only this is a shout out to where I grew up in Colorado, but it also reminds people to enjoy themselves, lives life to the fullest, and to do what makes them happiest. The “Sunnyside/Northside” of Denver will always mean a lot to me. It is where I learned to be who I am and it is where I grew up with my family. I will always be proud of it. Welcome to the Sunnyside!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
All roads have bumps and distractions. Our journey so far has been slow and steady but always pushing forward. We are learning all the time about how to maneuver in the food product industry. Large box stores have lengthy processes and the smaller stores love to support local vendors. We face our challenges and plan with action to reach our goals.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Sunnyside Salsa – what should we know?
At Sunnyside, we get to have fun experimenting with making salsa! We get to try different blends of products to make sure our final product is quality. I am also a graphic designer, this helps me stay creative with our marketing for our company.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Credit goes out to all those that support and believe in me and our company. From family and friends that support by spreading the word to their networks, To mentors that hold me accountable and encourage me to leap!

Pricing:

• 16oz jar $7.00 Retail price

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sunnysidesalsa.com
• Email: orders@sunnysidesalsa.com
• Instagram: sunnysidesalsa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnysidesalsa/

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