W.Va. Home to Start-Up Salsa Company
Food is not usually discussed on this site, but today is an exception, as the story of Maggie’s Salsa demonstrates how an entrepreneurial spirit and the right opportunity can lead to business success in West Virginia.
Growing up in Mexico, Magdalena De La Cruz Cook-Garcia (a.k.a. “Maggie”) learned to prepare meals for a large family, but she never anticipated her salsa recipe would someday emerge into a business. A passion for basketball led her to the U.S. in 1998, where she played for the University of Charleston. After graduating she remained in West Virginia to work as an interior designer.
With encouragement from friends, Maggie entered and won Capitol Market’s 2004 Summer Salsa Contest on a whim. Given that most salsas are cooked, she recognized that her blend of fresh vegetables was unique. So she designed her own packaging, found local stores to stock the product, and eventually left her day job to pursue the venture full time. Since October 2007, Maggie’s Salsa has been distributed regionally by Whole Foods Market, which has 194 U.S. stores.
This requires production of over 10,000 pounds of salsa per week, and the below video provides a look into the process. If you’ve never tried Maggie’s Salsa, check out the following locations and let us know what you think.
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Congrats to Maggie on her success! West Virginia now has two successful female entrepreneurial salsa makers!
Congrats also to Robin Hildebrand & Blue Smoke Salsa on receiving an “Expect the Best” award from the Charleston Area Alliance for 2008!
Comment by Jennifer Wood — March 21, 2008 @ 9:45 am
Thank you for bringing more light to this great story. Truly, Maggie’s is a story of determination, perseverance, and a lot of hard work. What a beautful thing to see such an inspiring example of the American Dream happening right here in West Virginia.
Comment by Jesse Corlis — March 21, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
Maggie’s Salsa, a great example of a Vision / MIssion in a real life, Dream come true.
YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY, TRY MAGGIE’S SALSA FOR YOUR TUMMY.
Remember to buy “Scoops” as “Maggie’s Salsa” is very hearty and original. Not for the average wimpy chip.
Comment by SK — March 30, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
Nice for the rest of the world to see the diversity found in WV– two great salsa makers in the state!
Comment by Janis — April 1, 2008 @ 6:41 am
hey maggie que chido felicidades, eres la persona mas chingona que conozco. tqm
Comment by Mariana — April 2, 2008 @ 12:39 am