We had the good fortune of connecting with Shauna Sankey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shauna, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’m a tail end GenX er, there was no IG FB or Twitter when I was in high school, everything that I aspired for was based upon old fashion ideals. I was taught to go to school, get a degree (no matter what it was in) and get a job to provide for yourself and family. So I did just that. I’m a Graduate from UCCS, and work for the State of Colorado. I’ve always played it safe, no risk, AT ALL! Where as Mininialls are more prone to try to make money from their passions, I was taught to play it safe. I feel that there was always a business inside of me, before bringing out my salsas, I had thoughts about and opening a beauty supply store, a beauty supply vending machine and a family business of a barber shop. But honestly Black Girl Salsa was something that was right in front of me, I just had to bring it out. This has been an ongoing risk, a daily decision to keep going. Because I am a wife, a mother, and work a regular 40 hour per week job, there are some days where I don’t want to make salsa, bag orders, or check online stats, but something inside pushes me on. It may be that I have a greater fear of regret if I didn’t push BGS forward, than if it fails. I don’t ever want to have to say “I wish I would have done…”.
This is different type of risk, its more pressure that I’ve put on myself than anything. I’m reassured when people recognize the name, the logo, and of course that smooth consistent texture with every dip of your chip! That keep me going.
In the future, we are planning to bring out more flavors, continue to support our community, and build a legacy for my family.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m not sure what sets Black Girl Salas apart from the plethora of other salsas, but what I do know is that this salsa, is GF, Keto friendly, Vegan and non-GMO. Compared to some of the the other shelf stable salsas, Black Girl Salsa has NO preservatives, and it is non shelf stable meaning that it must remain refrigerated. I checked the labels of some of the shelf stable salsas, and the shelf life is 6 months. That blew my mind! And made me question what do they put in there to make a decomposable fruits last 6 months! What ever it is I don’t want that in my body. We pride our business on the salsas on the short shelf life, food is meant to expire, and we aim to keep that true. I am just trying to bring a farm fresh food to your table. The heat also is a great, I love the fact that people say “You can actually have heat and flavor!”.

Things haven’t been easy, I don’t think starting a business from the ground up is. But I love all of it, I’m here for the good and the bad. There have been many negative comments regarding the name of the business, and I have learned that I cannot respond to all of them. My message remains that his product is made by me, and I want it to be a reflection of me, so we called it what it is. I am proud of my culture, and where I’m from, I’ve learned from the the culture I grew up in and Iove creating new flavors to bring out to y’all! I’m learning that I have to keep pushing keep going not to take things personal, because I know what is for me is for me!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this questions, only because My family and I are still new to the Colorado Springs and we love trying new places and seeing new things! First things first, Coffee! I cannot start a day of sight seeing without coffee, we would run down to the Wild Goose Meeting House to have a perfect cuppa joe, a breakfast burrito with a side of Black Girl Salsa! Next we would have to visit Garden of the Gods, this is an OG spot to take out of state family and friends. They come to Colorado to see Mountain and these rocks give them all the feels. Next we would head out for lunch and hit up the COATI on Tejon street. I just love the vibe there, its an adult food court! There they will be able to get a taste local brews, soulful seafood, and on most days there is live music or a DJ spinning. I love shopping local and shopping black so we would hit up local spots such as HauseCollective, where you can grab a vintage fit, and also check out local vendors such as Tree Pose Cooperative, and of course Black Girl Salsa. I would end the day with a drink and comedy show at 3 E’s Comedy. This is a great place to unwind, and release tension with a good laugh.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Best Friend, my biggest supporter and the one who allows me to load up our free time with Salsa, the shoutout goes to Steve Sankey my husband!

Website: http://blackgirlsalsa.company.site

Instagram: @blackgirlsalsa

Twitter: @blackgirlsalsa

Facebook: @blackgirlsalsa

Other: Tictok @blackgirlsalsa email: blackgirlsalsallc@gmail.com

Image Credits
Zion Simpson-Sankey, Yev Tsyganok, Sheldon Reynolds, Natilia Sibert, and Russ Ware.

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