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Let’s get ready to celebrate flavor on June 10th, for National Herbs and Spices Day, which recognizes the diversity and quality offered by using herbs and spices in your cooking.
 
Daminique Washington is the Founder of Spiced Up by Daminique, a Low Sodium Gluten Free Seasoning Brand. Her desire is to create a household name, that promotes service and a healthy lifestyle.
 
 

Tell us something interesting about yourself that isn’t in your bio.

Daminique: I love to cook, garden, and travel as much as possible. I want to have access to my own fruits and vegetables from my backyard. As well as learn about different cultures from foods, music, and art in different countries.

 

What do you define as success?

Daminique: Success to me is being able to create opportunities for others and not just your family. Leading by example to create positive change in the world is how I define success.

 

What was the inspiration behind your brand?

Daminique: The inspiration behind my brand was my love for Healthcare & Cooking with a focus of lowering Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) predominantly in African American Households. Advising that you can still enjoy a well-flavored meal while lowering the salt intake.

 

What do you feel makes your business unique?

Daminique: My business is unique by the quality flavored spices we have, using real fruit extracts. Our sodium percentage is under five percent and gluten-free. Having a business that really focuses on benefiting the community first is our priority.

 

Do you believe in work- life balance? If so, how do you maintain it?

Daminique: I do believe in a work-life balance! I’ve maintained that balance by setting boundaries in my time management. I worked two jobs while running my business and needed to make sure I made time for self-care as well as running the day-to-day business aspects. I wanted to eliminate the possibility of burnout. Creating a realistic schedule that fits my lifestyle.

 

What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Daminique: My best advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs would be to “Believe in your brand. Don’t give up on yourself. Move with intent to keep striving for results”.

 

Who is your business role model? Why?

Daminique: My business role model is Pinky Cole! She has the vision for service, knowledge, and growth as an entrepreneur that I have for my small business. She’s big on giving back, increasing awareness, and providing avenues for youth and those looking for a fresh start. That’s what I aspire to continuously work towards as I grow my business.

 

What is your best-selling product?

Daminique: My “All Purpose” seasoning is my best-selling product due to its Low Sodium, amazing flavor, and versatility to be used for multiple meal ideas. It’s great for meats, snacks, veggies, desserts, and cocktails.

 

What was it like to get your product to Walmart?

Daminique: It was a great learning experience as a small business owner. I’m a generalist in all aspects, and to have the opportunity to step into a new field and scale up in terms of learning the ins and outs of a large brand was amazing. It definitely increased my visibility as a small Black-owned business.

 

If you could have anyone in the world, try your seasoning, who would it be?

Daminique: Tyler Perry! I believe he would take a liking to my seasonings. I appreciate his view on living a healthy lifestyle but still enjoying great meals.  I also appreciate the fact that his company consistently creates food drives for the community.

 

What is your proudest business accomplishment?

Daminique: My proudest business accomplishment is seeing everything I wrote down come to fruition. I wanted to partner with a well-known grocery brand and work with Nonprofit Organizations to educate on a healthy lifestyle. These accomplishments became attainable sooner than I expected and I’m very grateful for the opportunities.

 

How can readers connect with you online?

Daminique: You can contact me via social media Instagram https://instagram.com/spicedupbydaminique?igshid=ZWQyN2ExYTkwZQ==

 
 

Photo Credits: Daminique Washington