Meet Davanh Phayarath

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Davanh Phayarath. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Davanh below.

Hi Davanh, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose was a journey deeply rooted in my love for food and my heritage. Growing up, I always felt a strong connection to my Lao culture, which celebrates bold and vibrant flavors. Lao people don’t have many products that represent us in the mainstream market. In fact, we are often considered the underdogs of Southeast Asia. This realization inspired me to create something that could embody our rich culinary traditions.

In Lao households, hot sauces and dips are a staple. Our love for spicy and umami flavors is so deep we have a common saying, “baw phet baw sap,” meaning “if it’s not spicy, it’s not good.” This passion for heat and depth of flavor led me to create hot sauces that are Lao inspired. I wanted to introduce a popular Southeast Asian hot sauce, but with a Lao twist, to the world.

My first creation was Lao Sriracha. People often ask me, “What makes it Lao?” The answer lies in its unique blend: it’s spicier and has a savory umami touch that is a symbol of Lao cuisine. This sauce is a true representation of the flavors Lao people love and cherish.

Ginger Sriracha is my second hot sauce, inspired by a popular Lao dip called jeow keeng, which translates to ginger dip. Ginger Sriracha combines the essence of jeow keeng with the familiar kick of sriracha, resulting in a sauce that is both comforting and exhilarating.

Through these creations, I hope to shine a spotlight on Lao culture and flavors. My journey with Southeast Spice is more than just a business venture; it’s a heartfelt celebration of my heritage. I am incredibly proud of my culture and hope that, through my love for food, Lao cuisine will finally gain the recognition it deserves.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Growing up in Broussard, Louisiana, our small Lao community was initially a mystery to the locals. Many had never heard of Laos or understood our culture. We had a modest temple and a tight-knit group of Lao families that formed a small three-block village. My family was known for growing vegetables and fruits for sale, and we were also the neighborhood food vendors. People would walk over to our house and ask what we were serving that day. Over the years, our community grew, and friendships with the locals blossomed. Through these bonds, we shared our food and culture, gradually making our mark. Today, Broussard proudly hosts one of the largest Lao New Year’s Festivals in the country.

The journey was not easy. Adapting to a new language and culture while holding onto our own was a significant challenge. I often found myself torn between being Lao and being American. How could I blend these two worlds? Lao people are inherently generous, and it was through sharing our food that we bridged the cultural gap. As our neighbors grew to love our cuisine, they became curious about our traditions and heritage.

Laos, a landlocked country, faces economic challenges due to its lack of access to the sea. However, being surrounded by every Southeast Asian country makes us incredibly diverse. Despite being the underdogs of Southeast Asia, we have a rich culture that deserves recognition.

I embarked on this journey in 2022. After two years of research and development, drawing from a background in plant nursery and home cooking, I created Southeast Spice. Our Lao Sriracha embodies the heat and savory notes beloved by Lao people. Our Ginger Sriracha is inspired by a traditional Lao dip called Jeow Keeng, which means ginger dip in our language. Spicy sauces are a staple in every Lao household, and by creating Lao-inspired Srirachas, I pay homage to my heritage and love for traditional flavors.

Southeast Spice is a kind and eco-friendly company. We care deeply about what we offer our customers and strive to present something wholesome. We choose to be organic because farmers adhere to strict guidelines that ensure our products are safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. This approach benefits our customers and helps protect the planet.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Southeast Spice launched in April of 2024. Currently, our products are available in local markets and restaurants in Fresno, CA. We also have an online store and will be hosting pop-ups throughout Southern California. We are actively working on getting our products into more grocery stores nationwide.

Food is a universal language, and through it, we can share our story. In addition to creating Southeast Spice, I have dedicated countless hours to working and volunteering at many Lao festivals to uplift our culture. Leading festivals and conducting food demos has been my way of contributing to the challenging journey of gaining recognition for Lao culture. Just as Lao communities across America have won over their neighbors with delicious dishes, I am determined to introduce Lao culture to the nation through our cuisine. Our sauces are not just condiments; they are a celebration of our heritage, a testament to our resilience, and a bridge connecting two worlds.

Through Southeast Spice, I aim to share the richness of Lao culture with the world. By embracing our roots and sharing our flavors, we hope to inspire others to appreciate and enjoy the diverse tapestry of Lao cuisine.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Being raised in a family that grows its own food instilled in me the importance of caring for the soil, a practice that directly influences my commitment to organic ingredients. This background not only nurtured my kindness but also laid the foundation for my culinary skills in authentic Lao cuisine. Leveraging this knowledge, I founded Southeast Spice.

In 2022, I volunteered at several major Lao food festivals, driven by a desire to connect with my roots and support the Lao cultural movement. This experience propelled me into a leadership role, where I learned that true leadership involves being a proactive problem solver. Transforming chaos into part of the plan is a skill honed through experience and determination.

My unwavering love for Lao food and culture fuels my passion and perseverance. This internal flame ensures that my commitment to preserving and promoting Lao culinary traditions will never waver.

For those aspiring to enter the sauce business, here’s my heartfelt advice: be prepared for a journey filled with learning and persistence. You’ll need to do a lot of homework, make countless phone calls, and send numerous emails. The logistics alone can be complex and demanding.

But remember, every great venture starts with a single step. Embrace the challenges and opportunities to grow and learn. The road may be long and winding, but with unwavering determination, you can turn your dreams into reality. Stay focused, stay passionate, and believe in your vision. Your hard work and dedication will pay off, and you’ll create something truly special. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll make anything happen.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

When asked who has been most helpful in overcoming challenges or building and developing my skills, I find it impossible to single out just one person. The truth is, my journey has been supported by countless kind and generous individuals who contributed in various ways, from financial assistance to mental stability.

However, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents for their unwavering guidance. My mother, in particular, stands out as a true entrepreneur and a selfless mother. Her dedication to our family was exemplified by her tireless work ethic. To feed her family of young children, she would wake up at 3 AM to make fresh vermicelli noodles to sell and would not return home until nightfall. Her strength and determination have been a profound source of inspiration for me.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all Lao immigrant parents. Leaving their homeland and bravely venturing into an unfamiliar country required immense courage. Their resilience and perseverance have paved the way for future generations, including myself, to pursue our dreams.

Another pillar of support in my life has been my loving husband. He has stood by my side through thick and thin, believing in his “crazy” wife’s ideas. His unwavering faith in me and his substantial investment in Southeast Spice have been crucial to our success.

These are just a few of the remarkable people who have inspired and supported me along the way. My journey has been a collective effort, and I am profoundly grateful for each person who has contributed to my growth and the success of Southeast Spice.

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