Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice “Mo” Engrum.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started making my own seasoning because I couldn’t find the type of seasonings in Texas that I used to get back home in Louisiana. I started grinding peppers such as ghost peppers and mixing it with other spices to come up with unique spice blends. I would keep it in my lunch bag and sprinkle it on my food. One day a couple of people asked to try the seasoning on their food while at work and they liked it so much they asked if I would sell them some. After the word got around that I was selling seasoning. Others were asking to buy some.
After a few months of grinding my own peppers and mixing the blend, it became overwhelming with work and family obligations that my wife mentioned that we should find someone who could blend and bottle the seasoning. I quickly learned that at the time, you needed to have a license to sell online and find co-packers that blend in small batches. Once setting up with the co-packers, I started out with a spicy seasoning, which it’s the Pepper Mojo and is very spicy. Soon after that, I created a seasoning for seafood and BBQ. I love to cook and we currently offer 12 different seasonings.
Great, 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?
No, the road has not been smooth. My wife and I run and fund the business without any bank loans, investors, or business partners. I do still work a full-time job and have to rely on my wife and daughter, to help with managing the daily operations of the business, such as social media, customer service, shipping, and receiving. Some of the current challenges have been keeping up with the demand, while supplies are scarce due to COVID-19. There are personnel and plastic shortages that have slowed down production as well.
Mo’ Cajun Spice – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Spice Manufacturer that produces Cajun seasoning. Mo’ Cajun Spice is known for its variety. We offer 12 different spice blends. We offer seafood, BBQ, gumbo, and many more seasonings, which is what sets us apart from other spice companies. I am most proud that we are a small black-owned business and we are able to offer so many different seasonings. I am also proud of the fact that home-cooks and distinguished chefs alike enjoy our products and continue to come back for Mo’.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
There have been several moments that have made me proud. The most current is when the owners of Kultured Catering reached out to me to help facilitate their first custom seasoning blend. It made me proud to know that they trusted me with such an important part of growing their business. Other proud moments have been the support of loyal repeat customers and recognition from online and local food enthusiasts such as Tabitha Brown, Chef Joya of Cooking with Joya, and Chef Vino of Chef Vino Services. It feels good to know that all of my hard work is paying off.
Pricing:
- Always FREE Shipping
- Buy 2 for $15
- Buy 4 for $25
- Sign-up to become a member and receive additional discounts
Contact Info:
- Website: MoCajunSpice.com
- Phone: (469)270-8231
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Sweetography
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