About Us

darn spice
 
Who Are We? And How Did It All Start?
Well, my name is Shawn Haddaway, founder of Darn Spice. Being of Caribbean origin - my mother was born in Trinidad, my father in St Vincent - I was brought up in a traditional family environment which instilled in me discipline, respect for God and man, and a very healthy interest in food - both eating and cooking! The key to Caribbean food lies in the preparation and generous seasoning, yet still no meal is served without a bottle of hot pepper sauce on the table!
For many years I worked in IT and Sales Support for a large company, where certain colleagues while on their holiday travels would seek out the hottest chilli sauce they could find for all to try. Whilst they were hot, I felt that they often lacked flavour, and having ventured to suggest this on more than one occasion, eventually I had to take up the challenge of making my own!
After perfecting the recipe in my kitchen at home, 'Fiendishly Fiery Chilli Sauce' was born. It won the immediate approval of the 'chilli heads' at work, all acknowledging the presence of flavour, not just heat.
I began to get regular 'orders' from colleagues and friends - some as far afield as Chicago - and on request made larger jars for the catering manager so he could spice up the menu!
With such a swift and dedicated following and further interest from a couple of local retailers, I felt encouraged to consult the necessary authorities and set up my own business. The name, Darn Spice, was derived from the rather quaint expletive used by one of the first people to taste the product. Rather fortunate, really!
Things have moved on since then. Having turned down one opportunity to leave my well-salaried employment, when, unexpectedly, I had a second opportunity only months later, I felt someone (Someone?) must be trying to tell me something - so I took the plunge! That was back in September 2004, and I have no regrets. I have gradually sourced a selection of delicious products to complement my Fiendishly Fiery Chilli Sauce, which as you will have seen on the Home Page, won a Bronze Award in the Great Taste Awards 2005!
I now do several markets a week as well as some annual weekend events - local steam rallies and festivals (see Forthcoming Markets/Events). I get out and about in the fresh air, meeting new and interesting people, which I enjoy. Hopefully I will meet many more of you via this web site.

Shawn

Bronze Certificate