“I found a need, and I have the skillset to provide something people wanted.”
Everyone on the East Coast knows about the local treasure that is the Donair. That delicious sweet and meaty wrap that melts our hearts and blows our minds. While we do not sell actual Donairs (sorry!), we did find the next best thing.
Rub That Rubs, from Bedford Nova Scotia, makes a Donair Spice that will knock your socks off. Combining authentic Halifax Donair flavor with Greek inspiration, the spice is full of green herbs without large amounts of salt and complements many meats (not just the Donair!)
All of their rubs are carefully hand blended and packaged with the greatest care and attention to detail. Rub That Rubs line of spice blends are gluten, soy, and dairy free and contain no added chemicals or oils. They believe that you should know what is in your food and where it comes from; convenience shouldn't be bad for you.
I recently spoke with Lori Ahrens, owner of Rub That Rubs, and asked her to enlighten us on her business.
What inspired you to start your business? I always wanted to own a business. I have a background in culinary so I thought one day I would open a restaurant. I had a number of clients come to me with dietary restrictions, yet wanted the ability to season their food without wheat, soy, Maltodextrin or other harmful ingredients. I started making my own spices, and it kind of took off. It seems I found a need, and I have the skillset to provide something people wanted.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting their own business? Be original. If you want to start a business, you have to set yourself apart from what others are doing and make it yours. In Nova Scotia we have so many wonderful start-ups that have great ideas and are original. There are also many businesses that seem to mimic others; but I truly believe that in order to be successful, you have to put your own spin on it. Your business should represent who you are and not someone else’s idea or vision.
What is the one thing you want everyone to know about your business? The recipes I use come from 20 years of experience both from my career and use with my own family and friends. A big part of the company is bringing diverse flavors into the home. People often travel somewhere and come back and say “remember that dish in Mexico? I wish I could make that!” I want to create spices to help recreate those flavors in meals that are fresh and not filled with artificial ingredients.
Speaking to Lori, I could tell she is passionate about her business and her love for sharing quality food. She truly believes in the value of simple ingredients that are healthy and delicious. Lori also mentioned how grateful she was to local businesses like Made in the Maritimes, who supported her vision well before all the pieces were in place. Another great example of why it is so great to do business in Atlantic Canada!