Today we’d like to introduce you to Susannah Locketti.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My career in food got its jumpstart after appearing in the pilot season of Next Food Network Star. After placing in the top 4, I went on to work in food television for the next 15 years appearing in food segments on the nationally syndicated Better Show out of NYC as well as representing brands including Kraft, Ragu, Publix, General Mills and Benefiber to name a few. It was in 2005 that a colleague gave me garlic salt as a holiday gift that changed the course of my career. When I ran out of the salt I decided to make my own. Like my colleague I gave it as holiday gifts and before long friends and family nagged me for refills and urged me to sell it. So in November of 2013 Hippy Pilgrim was born. Within weeks of launching the company, I had an opportunity to cook with my salt alongside Queen Latifah in a segment on her talk show. This exposure truly launched us as our segment ran mid-December right before the holidays so we really lucked out! What makes our garlic salt so special is we make it by hand with fresh locally sourced garlic and herbs. It is so FRESH and with ten mouthwatering varieties there is a flavor for everyone. We also combine the three most popular culinary flavors in one convenient jar: garlic, kosher salt and black pepper so it saves you time in the kitchen. Our flavors are: Original, Lemon, Rosemary, Thanksgiving (smells like stuffing), Shallot, Basil, Jalapeno, Chipotle Lime, Ginger Turmeric and Cranberry Orange. We also make a Dipping Oil Starter Base which is a seasoned cheese blend that makes restaurant quality dipping oil at home in seconds. This summer we are releasing a new Coffee Rub featuring organic fair trade and locally sourced Mexican coffee. Our online store is www.hippypilgrim.com
This summer we will launch a new cooking show called Hippy Pilgrim Cooks which will shoot at PACTV in Plymouth and air monthly locally and online. The show will feature easy recipes made with our line of garlic salts.
Summer Farmers Markets include Plymouth, Braintree, Scituate, Kingston, Hyannis and Attleboro.
Summer Festivals Include: Hyannis Car Show Father’s Day Weekend, Heritage Days in Scituate, Gloucester Waterfront Festival and the Plymouth Waterfront Festival.
Queen Latifah Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqHAnI7SkLM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ISLa9shZpg
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I started Hippy Pilgrim as a single mom working a full time job while nurturing a part-time career in television. I finally had to make a decision on where to focus my energies and Hippy Pilgrim won. It allows me to work from home and going from an office setting to a grassy farmers market field selling salt in the sun is a welcome change of pace for me. My struggles involve wearing every hat in my company from jarring and labeling to social media and marketing efforts. It can get overwhelming at times but I thrive on the pressure.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hippy Pilgrim – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our garlic salt is made from fresh garlic and herbs that are sourced locally which helps support local farmers and growers in my community. We make our salt in small custom batches to maximize freshness. Our salt also adds sophisticated flavor to any food with zero effort. Lousy cooks are our best customers because all they need is our garlic salt to be a hero in the kitchen. Local chefs also rave about our salt for its versatility and depth of flavor. Hippy Pilgrim is also a strong supporter of charitable organizations including DOVE and Relay for Life, We feel strongly about giving back to our local community.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
This summer we are launching a new all-purpose Coffee Rub that is insanely delicious on any grilled meats. It gives a great charred crust and the flavor is smoky and rich. Our cooking show Hippy Pilgrim Cooks will also debut this summer which is exciting for us!
Pricing:
- Large Jars of Garlic Salt Retail for $10 plus shipping
- 10 Pack Mini Salt Sampler $50 plus shipping
- Dipping Oil Starter Base $12 plus shipping
Contact Info:
- Address: 32 Forest Street
Plympton, MA 02367 - Website: www.hippypilgrim.com
- Email: hippypilgrim@gmail.com
- Instagram: hippypilgrimgarlicsalt
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/HippyPilgrim
- Twitter: @HippyPilgrim
Image Credit:
Brian Malloy (Photo in Blue Top)
Warner Bros. (QLPhoto)
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