Today we’d like to introduce you to Jermaine Lanos.
Hi Jermaine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always wanted to be a chef. I graduated from college with an associate degree in culinary arts and food service management and have been perfecting my craft since. My late grandfather introduced me to gardening as a way of life. It summons the artistry and reverence of our ancestors. I began gardening seriously during the pandemic. My love for fresh ingredients and flavorful food led me to create a line of gourmet sauces that are perfect on their own and as a complement to any dish. Elliott’s Gourmet Sauce speaks to my heritage, my process, my struggle, and my passion. It’s more than just a sauce. It’s a dream come to life. I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams, and I pay homage to that through the cultivation of fresh veggies that are bottled in every sauce. My brand is a quality sauce that stands out from the gimmicks; it represents a lifestyle of ease and luxury. My skills as a chef are diverse and varied, and I created a sauce that reflects that vibe.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The hot sauce business is a billion-dollar industry. There is stiff competition in this arena. Part of the challenge is cutting through the noise and allowing people the opportunity to experience it for themselves without gimmicks; In addition to that, the costs associated with a start-up with no traditional funding. Many hot sauces are marketed as condiments. My sauce is not just a basic condiment; it’s more than that. It’s a meal enhancer. It’s a lifestyle. Getting that message across to the target audience in 120 characters or less is a challenge, especially considering that the average attention span is only eight seconds.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a published author. I designed a journal for my wife for her note taking and recipe writing. It’s called Black Girl Love by J. Elliott. I am also working on a cookbook that I hope to have out before the end of the year. I recently created a new sauce, Mango Garlic Habanero and it’s been a hit. It’s so interesting because in New York, Flamin’ Pineapple was my bestseller, but here in Texas Mango Garlic Habanero is the fan favorite. I’m always looking for new markets to vend and share my product and meet people.
I like all kinds of music. People look at me and assume that I will like a certain genre of music when the truth is I like all genres. My favorite bands are Steely Dan, Coldplay, and The O’Jays. I like dancing and experimenting with different flavors in the kitchen. I’m a self-proclaimed nerd, but you could never tell that at first glance. My favorite pastime is hanging with my wife. I dislike rude people. I strongly dislike flavorless food. It’s sinful. Lastly, I hate spiders. I really hate spiders, I really, really hate spiders, but I love Spiderman.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
As crazy as it sounds, I like the heat because compared to upstate NY winters it feels like paradise, and I’ve gotten an amazing tan. LOL! It’s a mixed bag though because as much as I prefer the heat, I also don’t like the heat. Houston heat is thick and sticky which has taken some getting used to. I love the fact that this is a food city. There are many amazing restaurants of all ethnicities to try. It reminds me of New York in that way. I am also pleased with the opportunities that being in the nation’s 4th largest city provide for my business. Other than, traffic is a beast. They build more bridges than a little bit. Every time I turn around they’re building bridges and the streets here are bumpy. But I guess it’s a small price to pay for the excitement and exposure that comes with living here. Gotta take the good with the bad.
Pricing:
- 10
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elliottsgourmetsauce.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliotts_gourmet_sauce
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliottsgourmetsauce1
