Hot Boots Started as a Joke. Now It’s Heating Up

The Story Behind “Hot Boots”

I wanted to create a pepper sauce that reminded me of home—St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with its bold flavors and fresh island ingredients—but also gave a nod to my second home, where I grew up: Flatbush, Brooklyn, where Caribbean culture lives on every corner.

Now living in Los Angeles, I quickly realized that the Caribbean community isn’t as big out here—and neither is access to the ingredients I grew up with. That didn’t stop me, though. I got creative. I started experimenting, substituting where I had to, blending flavors from the island with what was available to me, and adding a little twist inspired by all the places that shaped me.

I didn’t want to just copy the sauces I grew up on—I wanted to honor them while coloring outside the lines. That’s how Hot Boots was born. It’s full of heat, depth, and flavor, but also heart, memory, and the kind of creativity that comes from making something you miss feel close again.

Where the Name “Hot Boots” Comes From

The name Hot Boots comes from the word “boots,” a term used in the ballroom community to describe something at its absolute extreme. I say “boots” all the time at work—so much so that people started calling me Boots as a nickname. One day, I mentioned to my coworkers that I was thinking of creating my own pepper sauce. Someone jokingly said, “You should call it Boots,” and everyone started laughing—except me. I paused for a second and said, Hot Boots. By the end of that day, I registered it as a business. Two days later, I was in the kitchen making my first batches of pepper sauce.

The Reviews

I made my very first batch on May 9. That same day, I had 30 pre-orders. In just a few weeks, I’ve sold over 100 bottles—far beyond what I expected. I’m so grateful for the support, the love, and the honest reviews. You’ve made this real.

Safety

I’m getting a head start on this process because I want to do things the right way from the beginning. Without things like FDA approval, working with a food scientist, shelf life testing, and meeting other important requirements, there are only so many ways I can currently share my pepper sauce with others—whether that’s at farmers markets, in stores, or online.

Not only do I want my pepper sauce to be enjoyable, taste amazing, and look beautiful—the most important thing to me is the safety of all of my customers.

How You Play a Major Role

Right now, I can’t do this alone. I need the support of my friends, family, colleagues, and all of the amazing new people I’ve met through sharing Hot Boots. Whether you’ve been there from the first test batch or just discovered the flavor, your encouragement has meant everything to me.

Every single contribution—no matter the amount—helps move this dream forward. It brings me closer to the goal of getting Hot Boots out into the world the right way. I’m beyond grateful for your time, your support, and even just taking a moment to read this.

To everyone who’s taste-tested every version, some versions, or just the final one—thank you. You’ve helped shape this. Now, let’s bring it to life together.

Let’s let the heat build.

Thank you so much,

Jason

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