Hot Chilli Mama: Sue Porter
“The Surf Coast hinterland is a bit of a hidden gem. Everyone always just thinks of the beaches but once you get over the hill there are an amazing group of people who are passionately doing their own thing, whether it is chillies, wine, olives, walnuts - you name it. It’s great to be part of a group that encourages and supports you too whilst having a real commitment to the local community, giving back and the environment, such as the Otway Harvest Trail”
Hot Chilli Mama was established 3 years ago by Sue Porter, along with her now teenage children Matt and Kate, as a way to combine the family’s love for chillies, with a small business that would allow her kids to earn pocket money. Since then, the business has grown and the product offer expanded but at its heart, remains a small family affair with the Hot Chilli kid’s still an integral part.
Sue is a chilli lover, mother and now entrepreneur, who lives by the mantra that life is too short to do something that no longer makes you happy. She left the corporate world, dissatisfied with a career that spanned 34 years and decided she needed to change her life and follow her passions.
She has combined her love of growing things, helping her kids learn some key life lessons and of course chillies, to create Hot Chilli Mama. Sue is humble about their success “we don’t profess to be experts in everything, we are just getting out there and giving it a go.”
The chillies are grown on the family farm in Deans Marsh, where they also run Angus cattle. They use organic farming methods, with the commitment to keeping it real, with no additives, preservatives or colours, so customers can be assured they are getting the highest quality products.
“Here we have one mission, simply to produce the finest quality chilli products possible. We use a wide range of chillies from around the world to create our award-winning sauces, jams, oils, pickles, salts and even confectionery. For us, it is all about the chillies. Our products are intended to introduce you to a wide variety of chillies and to showcase the uniqueness of each, both in terms of heat and flavour.”
Most popular products
Their most popular products are their award-winning sauces Carolina Reaper Sauce, Jalapeno Coriander Lime & Tequila, Roasted Jalapeno, Fatalii Mango, as well as their Serrano & Apricot Jam.
What are the advantages of doing business on the Surf Coast?
The possibilities of leveraging off the tourism trade in the summer is a great benefit. I also love the Surf Coast Shire’s commitment to small business, I have found them to be so supportive and proactive of local communities and businesses.”
Tell me one thing that might surprise people about your business.
“That you can actually grow chillies in this area, including the World’s Hottest chilli.”
SHOP Hot Chilli Mama
Visit their online store www.hotchillimama.com.au
Visit the farm shop at 105 Parkers Road, Deans Marsh where you can see where they grow the chillies and make their produce. Check their facebook page for opening days and times, as this changes throughout the seasons.
Find them at local stockists in the Surf Coast and Otways area:
“I have been increasingly collaborating with other businesses and selling my products directly through them, including Deans Marsh Corner Store, Forrest General Store, Anglesea Fruitz Provedore and I’m looking to expand this.” Sue says.
