Living the Saucy Life: Meet Michele Northrup

How would you describe yourself, and your business, to those who are meeting you for the first time?
I’m a proud Mom of three sixteen year old boys. I’d say I’m also currently creating flavors to make the world a saucier place to live, one bottle at a time. As far as Intensity Academy I’d talk about the layers of flavors in our line, and that sauces are more than just spice. Maybe talk about some of the fun personalities we’ve met over the years by being in the Fiery Food Industry.

Who or what inspired you to start your business? 
I really feel like this Saucy Life found me. I was not looking for a business. I was working in the garden at my children’s school and the vegetable of the week was carrots. We all brought a basket of them home to come up with something that the student’s had not tried before. I thought the natural sweetness of the carrots would balance the heat of the peppers. I made a few varieties of a carrot based hot sauce with nachos & dips. The feedback from the students, staff, friends & family was amazing! I went to the local grocery store looking up & down the shelves & saw there was not anything similar to this sauce. I literally had enough money to just do a single batch, it was either going to work or WORST-case scenario everyone I knew would get hot sauce for Christmas! Now, 5 years later, I am so grateful for my Saucy Life.

How does a new product come to life?
When creating the flavors for our products, I find inspiration from the ingredients & personality of the sauce/spices for our labels. I draw, in pen & ink style the art for each label. From peacocks to gypsy wagons, the sauce really comes to life with the art and story on the side of the bottle.

Do you create all of your own labels? 
I draw the icon in the middle & have it digitized. My favorite is the peacock on Chai Sweet Chili. I always add hidden meanings within the design. On the Saucy Everything design, I added my children’s initials on the butterfly & a fleur di lis on the wings to represent New Orleans where Tom & I were married.

Do you have a favorite product?
That’s like asking who your favorite child is, lol. (I love them all equally for their own Saucy qualities & spice!)

What’s your most requested product? 
It really depends on the show we are at, but on a regular basis Chai Thai Teriyaki & Chai Chipotle Chup’ both have a cult like following for reorders.

What’s something you wish you would have known when you started? 
That mistakes are just part of the process and it’s ok.

What does the future hold for Michele and Intensity Academy?
We are currently working on a line of dips. Wanna hint? How’s Sundried Tomato Horseradish sound?

Do you have any words of advice for others who want to turn their passion into a business?
Figure out what makes you unique & highlight that. Also, it is important to become your brand.

How do you relax when you’re NOT working? (Are you ever not working!?)
Our favorite getaway is at our cabin in the North Carolina Mountains. No internet, phones, just family time & nature at its best!