Lorisha Rankins, founder and CEO of Sauce Boss, shares her journey from creating her first sauce at age 10 to building a successful brand with 11 unique sauces. Inspired by family and life changes, including her daughter's autism diagnosis and the pandemic, she transitioned from military and corporate life to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the unique skills veterans bring to business.
In the first episode of season three of Net Builders 360 Tacoma edition, host RJ welcomed a special guest, Lorisha Rankins, the CEO, founder, and creator of Sauce Boss. Lorisha is known for her unique line of sauces that range from mild to hot, all with sweet and savory flavors designed to complement any dish.
Lorisha Rankins has developed 11 different multi-purpose sauces under the Sauce Boss brand. These sauces are versatile and can be used on a variety of foods. Among the flavors, the garlic sauce stands out as the top seller, praised for its ability to enhance everything from steaks to everyday meals.
Lorisha's journey began at a young age. At just 10 years old, she created her first sauce called Southern Chill. She was inspired by a desire to break away from the monotony of eating the same foods repeatedly. Encouraged by her mother, she started making this sauce for family gatherings, where it became a staple.
Her background includes growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, serving in the military, and working in the corporate world. The military eventually brought her and her husband to Washington state.
A pivotal moment in her life was when her daughter was diagnosed with autism. This led Lorisha to prioritize being at home to provide the necessary care. During this time, her family and friends encouraged her to expand her sauce-making hobby into a business. The onset of the pandemic also provided an opportunity to focus on this venture.
Within a year, Lorisha created 10 additional sauces, expanding her product line significantly and officially launching Sauce Boss.
Lorisha's military background has been a significant asset in her entrepreneurial journey. She and RJ discussed how veterans often possess unique qualities that give them an advantage in business, such as discipline, leadership, and resilience.
Lorisha embraces the identity of a veteran entrepreneur, highlighting how her experiences have shaped her approach to building and managing her brand.
During the conversation, RJ referenced the book The E-Myth by Michael Gerber, which discusses common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when starting a business based solely on their skills without understanding the business side. Although Lorisha had not read the book, the discussion underscored the importance of balancing product creation with business management.
Lorisha Rankins' story is one of passion, resilience, and adaptability. From crafting her first sauce as a child to building a successful brand while managing family responsibilities and leveraging her military experience, she exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship. Sauce Boss continues to grow, delighting customers with its diverse and flavorful sauces.
Her journey encourages aspiring entrepreneurs, especially veterans and parents, to pursue their passions and turn them into thriving businesses.
