Texas-made and Texas-tested, LEANING R® Salsa began in a Dallas home kitchen on Kara's family ranch, rooted in a culture of casual camaraderie and a deep connection to the land. Wanting to honor the flavors and traditions that shaped her, she crafted each batch with fresh ingredients and a signature balance of savory, sweet, and heat. An instant hit with friends and family, a (Lone) star was born.
Ripe tomatoes, bright tomatillos, fresh herbs, and vibrant chiles form the foundation of every variety. Tropical fruits like pineapple and mango lend natural sweetness, while careful roasting and charring add depth and smokiness to each jar.
Kara’s process is intentionally hands-on. Produce is locally sourced, vegetables are hand-chopped, cook times are closely monitored, and every jar is hand-poured and sealed in small batches. The result is five distinct, full-bodied salsas with a tropical edge that remain vegan, low-sodium, and gluten- and fat-free, crafted with care you can taste.
Recently, we caught up with Kara to learn more about her journey and hear her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start LEANING R® Salsa?
I grew up in Texas, where good food means love, laughter, and long afternoons around the table. My mama taught me that every great meal starts with fresh, real ingredients—never shortcuts. Years later, in my kitchen on our ranch, I’d spend weekends chasing the salsa I’d always wanted: bold, bright, and full of life. One day, I roasted the veggies a little longer, added a touch of tropical fruit, and there it was—the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and heat. That spark became LEANING R® Salsa, born right here on our ranch and made to share that same joy with others.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
When I started, I knew absolutely nothing about the CPG world—just that I believed in my product. What changed everything was finding the right people who believed in me too. Through my membership with Go Texan, I attended my first Central Market Showcase. A few years later, my co-packer and mentor advocated for LEANING R® Salsa to participate in Central Market’s Annual Texas Event, introducing new and innovative Texas brands. That experience didn’t just put LEANING R® Salsa on the map—it gave me the confidence and knowledge to keep growing while staying true to my roots.
Finding the right people to learn from, the right co-packer, and partners who were willing to take a chance on me wasn’t easy. It took patience, persistence, and a lot of trial and error. I had to navigate regulations, build relationships, and learn what it really means to scale a business.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Know your product, your market, and your numbers—because focus is everything. It’s tempting to chase every opportunity, but I’ve learned that smart growth—targeted and deep—is what lasts. Surround yourself with people who have experience, be humble enough to learn from your mistakes, and don’t lose sight of why you started. Entrepreneurship isn’t about luck; it’s about resilience, wisdom, and a willingness to keep moving forward, even when things get messy.
4. What’s on the horizon for LEANING R® Salsa?
I’m always thinking of the next flavor. However, I want LEANING R® Salsa to be the #1 premium salsa across the country—not just in sales, but in how people feel about it. When someone opens a jar, I want them to taste the care, the craft, and a bit of Texas warmth. We’re growing from Texas to California and beyond, but every jar still starts with that same kitchen spark—real ingredients, bold flavor, and heart...plus our signature savory, sweet, and heat.
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
Balance takes effort and intention. I’ve learned to protect time for myself and my family, because creativity and clarity come when I’m grounded. I love what I do—and that love keeps me inspired—but I’ve also learned that rest is part of growth. The ranch is my reset button; it’s where I find peace, perspective, and gratitude. At the end of the day, I’m driven by the same thing that started this journey: creating something real, something good, and sharing it with others.