Meet Maddy Kelman

We recently connected with Maddy Kelman and have shared our conversation below.

Maddy, so glad you were able to set aside some time for us today. We’ve always admired not just your journey and success, but also the seemingly high levels of self-discipline that you seem to have mastered and so maybe we can start by chatting about how you developed it or where it comes from?

My self discipline comes from a deep desire to succeed in my craft. Growing up in the theatre, the lesson of never giving up got ingrained into my personality. I learned it was okay to fail, but to keep going. Those lessons stayed with me and they have been invaluable to my startup.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At Homestead’s Hot Sauce, we’re all about real ingredients, bold flavors, and a commitment to doing things the right way. I’m Maddy Kelman, also known as The Hot Sauce Girl, and I started this company because I was frustrated with the food industry—so many products are packed with fillers and preservatives. I wanted something better, so I made it myself.

What makes us special? It’s simple: we keep it real. Our sauces are made with fresh, all-natural ingredients, no shortcuts. We stand firmly against processed sugar and promote diet inclusivity. Beyond the sauce, this business is about something bigger—changing the way food is made and supporting the community along the way. Whether that means collaborating with local restaurants or donating to NYC firefighters, we believe in using our success to give back.

This year is shaping up to be an exciting one. We’ll be at the NYC Small Business Expo, kicking off Farmer’s Market Season, and—while I can’t share too much yet—there’s something big coming in July that I think you’re going to love. Stay tuned.

At the end of the day, Homestead’s Hot Sauce isn’t just about spice—it’s about quality, integrity, and bringing people together over great food.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, my theatre background has been the single most valuable asset in my business journey. People don’t always see the connection between performing arts and entrepreneurship, but for me, it’s been everything.

First, public speaking—the ability to communicate clearly, confidently, and with intention—has been a game-changer. Theatre trained me to command a room, whether I’m pitching my brand, speaking at an event, or simply sharing my story. The skills I developed in projection, diction, and stage presence have made every sales pitch feel like second nature.

Second, handling rejection and criticism. Theatre is full of “no’s,” but it teaches you that rejection isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. I learned early on how to take feedback, adjust, and keep going without losing confidence in myself. That resilience has carried me through the toughest moments in business.

Lastly, creativity. Theatre taught me how to think outside the box, embrace storytelling, and connect with people on an emotional level. That’s been the foundation of my branding, marketing, and product development. Creativity is what makes a business stand out—it’s how you turn a simple bottle of hot sauce into an experience people want to be part of.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I turn to my problem-solving triangle—a method I use to break challenges down into manageable steps. The three points of the triangle are urgency, time, and cost—I assess what needs immediate attention, how much time I have, and what it will take financially.

From there, I create a list based on those variables. Overwhelm and anxiety often come from feeling unprepared, so writing things down gives me clarity and control. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I take it one step at a time, focusing only on what’s in front of me.

I also remind myself that progress is progress, no matter how small. Business—like life—is a long game, and the key is to keep moving forward, even when it feels like there’s too much to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Shophomesteadshotsauce.com
• Instagram: @Maddythehotsaucegirl @homesteadshotsauce
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddy-kelman-899054324/
• Youtube: @MaddyTheHotSauceGirl