Spice Witch Is a Semi-Finalist in the UPS Store Small Biz Challenge

Spice Witch Is a Semi-Finalist in the UPS Store Small Biz Challenge

Running a small business is equal parts magic, chaos, and stubborn belief that what you’re building matters.

When I started Spice Witch, I never imagined I’d be sharing our story on a national stage. But today, I’m incredibly honored to say that Spice Witch has been selected as a semifinalist in the UPS Store Small Biz Challenge, one of just 9 businesses chosen out of more than 6,000 applicants.

And yes. We need your votes.

What Is the UPS Store Small Biz Challenge?

The UPS Store Small Biz Challenge is a nationwide competition created by The UPS Store and Inc. Magazine to spotlight small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them. Each year, business owners from across the country compete in a series of challenges designed to test creativity, strategy, and resilience.

Finalists receive mentorship, national exposure, and the opportunity to compete for a share of $35,000 in prizes and a feature in Inc. Magazine.

It’s a big deal for any small business and it’s incredibly exciting for a chili oil company that started with a few jars and a lot of late nights.

How Spice Witch Started

Spice Witch began the way many small food businesses do: in my kitchen in Los Angeles during COVID, making chili oil late at night and experimenting with flavors.

I wanted to create something bold and flavorful that felt different from the overly processed condiments on the shelf. Something made with real ingredients, no seed oils, and a little bit of magic.

What started as a small batch experiment quickly turned into something bigger. Farmers markets turned into wholesale orders. A handful of customers turned into a community of people who love spicy, flavorful food as much as I do.

Every jar we make is still rooted in that original idea:

good ingredients
strong flavor
and food that makes people excited to cook again.

Why This Challenge Matters for Small Businesses

Running a small business isn’t glamorous most days.

It’s early mornings packing orders, late nights labeling jars, and learning things like logistics, inventory, and marketing on the fly. It’s figuring things out as you go and hoping you’re making the right decisions.

Competitions like the UPS Store Small Biz Challenge exist to highlight entrepreneurs who are building something from the ground up and to help give them the resources to keep growing.

For a business like Spice Witch, the visibility and support from this challenge could make a huge difference.

How You Can Help Spice Witch Win

This is where you come in.

The challenge includes a public voting phase that helps determine which businesses move forward in the competition.

You can vote once per day from March 15 through April 5.

If Spice Witch has ever added a little magic to your kitchen, I would be incredibly grateful for your support.

Vote for Spice Witch here
https://www.inc.com/theupsstore/small-biz-challenge

Every vote helps.

And if you feel like sharing it with friends, family, or anyone who loves small businesses and good food, that helps even more.

From the Bottom of My Heart Thank You

Whether you have been here since the very beginning or just discovered Spice Witch recently, thank you for supporting small businesses like mine.

Building this brand has been one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done.

Getting to share this moment with our community makes it even more special.

Now let’s see if a little spice can win this thing.

Sabrina
Founder, Spice Witch