Seven years ago, I stepped into a Chef role at a corporate office, responsible for crafting daily homemade lunches. Soon, Tuesdays evolved into "Taco Tuesday," featuring my sought-after hot sauce, served weekly. It became a hit—people craved it daily, even asking for any leftover to accompany their wraps and sandwiches.

To keep up with demand, I began making extra batches on weekends, mastering the art of jarring and preservation. Sanitizing bottles, blending the sauce, and sealing jars became a therapeutic routine I cherished. As word spread, I started selling small batches, kickstarting a side business.

In search of a name that reflected my personality and stood out, I delved into Yiddish, a language close to my heart from my grandparents' home. There, I found "Zaftig"—a term translating to "a juicy, bodacious woman," perfectly capturing the sauce's vibe. Later, collaborating with my partner, Jay Himat, and design expert Whitney Hughes @whatwhittersdoes, the brand was born. Zaftig—a sassy, tangy, and downright sexy sauce.

Predominantly on Instagram, we built a community showcasing our products and everyday foods provocatively, allowing me to explore food photography, creative direction, and styling.

After a year of incredible feedback, we're now ready for the next phase. Our new label meets Canada's retail standards, priming Zaftig for shelves in local Toronto businesses.

It's time to spread the Zaftig love!

Written by Carly Schwartz, co-founder of Zaftig