Entrepreneurs Create A New Dawn in Mexican.

Soltoro Mexican Kitchen. The Mexican word "Soltoro" translates to "Sunbull", a very appropriate name for Founders: Jenny Devine and Cameron Procter. I refer to the "Bull" part given they have operated like bulls at a gate for the last 18 months and have made some serious inroads.

Inroads made so fast that I never thought I would see myself suggesting to anyone to slow down, narrow the focus and take a breath.

This entrepreneur couple would have to be a 'fast 100' candidate with 250 stockists currently and about to hopefully launch into the chains. Export markets are another obvious opportunity, when the timing is right!

Soltoro Mexican Kitchen manufactures a range of "free from" Mexican spices, sauces and much more for both the retail and food service industries.

As we all know Mexican cuisine has been very popular for many years and continues to grow in popularity assisted by some of the Mexican restaurants like Fonda.

Quite simply, I would say Cameron and Jenny are in the process of filling a market gap!

The Soltoro brand essence is healthy, authentic, quality products made with all natural ingredients with a focus on the fabulous flavours rather than the heat of the spices.

The pipeline of new products is also very exciting with traditional Mexican cuisine about to be tipped on its head!

Of course their range is easy to use and can make consumers feel like they are legends in their own kitchen! This is aided with their own recipe step by step video set up at home.

Cameron and Jenny's journey hasn't been without setbacks. Jenny was diagnosed with cancer 7 years ago and when on the road to recovery suffered another setback with a stroke.

If that wasn't enough, their daughter Amelia was taken ill and was in the critical ward of the Royal Children’s Hospital with a rare auto immune disease. It was at this point of our conversation that I realised that I have nothing to complain about!

During that challenging time Cameron was the proprietor of a Mexican restaurant on the Torquay coast, however with all this going on needed to sell out, but clearly taking the passion for Mexican cuisine with him.

Cameron is a chef by trade, so is the brains of new product development and Jenny has a diverse project management background hence the rapid progress.

Cameron's quote of the day was "people kept telling us that we won't be able to do it and that just made us go harder."

This is such an inspirational story and one that made me realise that these entrepreneur stories are what helps keeps us motivated and inspired.

Jenny and Cameron have been assisted with small levels of investment for small equity and more importantly have surrounded themselves with great people. These guys are networking maniacs which as I have said before is one of the key ingredients of successful entrepreneurship. You won't win if you choose to be an island universe!

One of the key next steps is to establish a small board to assist with the governance and risk of the business so Jenny and Cameron can tighten their grip on this horses reins.

Watch this space!

• Published on LinkedIn October 25, 2016 by David Burns.

David works with entrepreneurs and organisations to optimise growth, reduce risk and unlock human potential. David can be contacted on +61 427 034 412, email david.burns@y7mail.com