Meet Ali Schlichter | Owner Of Chin Dribblin’ Specialty Sauces

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

Hi Ali, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always preferred the creative career path. Working in the restaurant industry my entire life has allowed a ton of creativity, but it has also come with being completely over worked on a salary pay, stressful decisions about money and chef burnout. So pursuing a career of my own has allowed me to balance out my time and focus on building something of my own!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the end of 2021 I started a specialty sauce company called Chin Dribblin’. My unique approach to sauce making sets me apart from other companies. I’m not afraid of flavor and I think that it show through in all of my products. I love taking the mundane and making it magic. I have worked my ass off in kitchen for as long as I have been able to work. It was most definitely not easy. From working extremely long hours cooking, making tough decisions in leading roles and profiting through covid, kitchen life became a jail for me. I didn’t feel inspired anymore and I knew the my next step was most definitely not to own a Restaurant so my friend decided I start a sauce company and that is precisely what I did! I have learned along the way that starting a business is not for the faint of heart. It is terrifying and you have to be ok with not knowing where your next paycheck is coming from. Luckily I have hustled all my life to make money so side businesses have been a god send for me, especially in the off months of market season. I guess I’d like the world to know that my brand and myself go hand in hand. I think it is so important for your brand to have Identity and I am absolutely apart of that. My cooky personality and fearlessness totally shows through in. my product and I am super proud of that!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh gosh that’s a hard one, I would absolutely take her to all you can eat brunch at Safta because its incredible. Would see if Yuan Wonton was doing a pop-up and take her there. We would probably go to park and grab some goodies from Leevers Locavore. Don’t really drink much anymore but if we did I’d take her to get frozen at Señor Bear. I’d probably take her to the Gay bars on Colfax so we could go dancing! Maybe see a comedy show or go workout and do the stairs at Red Rocks (because ain’t nobody that is from Colorado, are paying those insane ticket prices this year.) I live in the Highlands so we could literally walk down the street and find something to do, Denver is quite literally a massive playground!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wonderful girlfriend Brie, She is my biggest fan, biggest supporter and is always keeping me on track when it comes to running my business. Her love and belief in my has catapulted me forward and I owe so much to her! On days where I feel lost or like I’m not doing enough she is always there to talk me out of it. Her brilliance and her positive outlook on life inspires me and teaches me to be the best person and business owner I can be!

Website: www.chindribblin.com

Instagram: @chindribblinllc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071936059259

Image Credits
Meg MacDonald