The late American poet Maya Angelou wrote, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
Christina and Tyler Merrin are trained chefs who have found a recipe for their success.
The couple have developed a spice blend — not too spicy or too hot — that gives a variety of foods such as salmon, chicken, beef, turkey, and even roasted pumpkin seeds a bit of pizzazz.
The product is called The Spice is Right.
"It's also amazing as a Caesar rimmer, popcorn or French fry topper," Christina said. "It pairs well sprinkled on fresh or cooked vegetable or in sour cream as a dip.
"We use it on everything we cook. It truly enhances the flavour of whatever it is you are cooking. Foodies love it and chefs can’t cook without it. It’s also gluten-free and keto friendly."
The spice mixture has a shelf life of three years, but Christina said customers usually go through a package fairly quickly.
"It won't last three years" before it is all used up, she said. "Once you try it, it makes cooking so simple because it is all you need."
Previously, the Merrins — who met when they were taking the culinary course at Canadore College in North Bay — owned Grill Mark's Bistro and Golf and Country Club in Val Caron.
By trial and error over a couple of months, the Merrins developed a unique spice mixture that their customers loved.
"Family and friends were always asking for spice packages," Christina said.
Two years ago, after getting approval from the health department and designing the packaging, The Spice is Right was launched.
Word-of-mouth and a Facebook page has helped to spread the news about this home-based business. Christina posts pictures and recipes on Facebook on a regular basis.
The Spice is Right is available at shops from Manitoulin Island to Muskoka. Ninteen speciality stores in Greater Sudbury stock the blend, including Ramakko's Source for Adventure, Rusty Cellars, McGrows Farms & Gardens, Kitchen Bits and Gourmet World. It can also be purchased at weekend farmer's markets.
The Merrins hope to grow their distribution to 50 stores over the next year.
"Every store is having great success with sales," said Christina, a mother of two children. She is enjoying working from home after years of working long demanding hours at restaurants and running a business.
Christina shares her "recipe" for a starting and running a successful business.
"Do a lot of research. Ask questions. Take baby steps,” she advised. "It will not be easy, but it is wonderful to do something you love. It won't feel like work."
Vicki Gilhula is a freelance writer. Success is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
