Made by Mom Gift Guide: Meet the local mom behind Mama's Salsa, maker of fresh salsa, chips

Harris, who moved to the Triangle from Los Angeles eight years ago with her husband, now has a popular line of salsa, tortillas and more. Mama's Salsa is a featured business in Go Ask Mom's annual Made by Mom Gift Guide. Find out more about the business in my Q&A with Harris, who homeschools her three boys, below. And stay tuned for more Q&As of the mom-owned businesses featured in the 2019 guide!

Go Ask Mom: How did Mama's Salsa get its start? What's the back story? You started making authentic Mexican meals for friends?

Crystal Harris: My friends and I would have play dates and they would pay me to make authentic Mexican meals. I would do a full spread — chips, salsa and homemade tortillas, etc. When I made the salsa, it was always in big batches and I would send them home with jars. It was just a fun time for our kids to play and for us to catch up and eat yummy food. But I figured if they would pay me for salsa, other people would too. I started taking orders from friends and family locally, and each week the orders grew larger and larger.

GAM: You had postpartum depression after the birth of your third child and say that the business was a blessing. How did it help?

CH: I was never diagnosed, but I knew something was off. I would just start crying out of nowhere and became very anxious. The transition from two boys to three boys was overwhelming at first and still is at times. The summer after Evan was born was when I launched Mama’s Salsa, and it gave me something to focus on that was for me. It brought me joy and a sense of purpose. I thoroughly enjoy cooking and food, and I love to make people happy through my cooking. As the months went on, my anxiety calmed down, and I’ve been very busy with this business. I’m so thankful for it now. It took my mind off of feeling like I had nothing for myself. I was able to find a piece of me again.

GAM: What all do you offer and where can people find your salsa?

CH: I make my chips and salsa fresh every week I also make the most amazing guacamole (special orders) and fresh flour tortillas on occasion. I’m also available to teach salsa making classes! To keep up with me you can follow me on Instagram and Facebook. It’s also sold at Raleigh Provisions in downtown Raleigh

GAM: What do you love about what you do? A career in food had been a dream of yours for a long time!

CH: I love that I get to meet so many people I wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to meet. Food is my love language and to be able to have the opportunity to share it with others fills my heart with so much joy. Another plus is I’m able to have some me time which is hard to come by with three boys. It also provides extra income for our family which is such a blessing.

GAM: What are your hopes for the future of Mama's Salsa

CH: I would love for Mama’s Salsa to be a household name! I want to also pair up with local nonprofits and be able to make monthly donations to those that are in need. I want to grow our business so we can be at several farmers markets and stores throughout the Triangle. I also want to start teaching more Salsa making classes & Mexican food.  Maybe one day open up a restaurant. 😉