Today we’d like to introduce you to Ed And Ysante McDowell.
Hi Ed and Ysante, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ed’s All Purpose began in the home of the McDowells in the summer of 2015. Ed has a passion for cooking and making the taste of the foods he prepares to be unique and different from all others. Not knowing that his passion would lead him to creating his own line of seasonings. Ed sat in their kitchen one day and created a blend out of the blue. He then called his wife Ysante into the kitchen with him for her to taste what he had done. Ysante immediately said we must get this out to the public and into stores. Ed never wanted his name on the seasoning. His wife and he prayed about it and it came back to at that time Ed’s All Purpose Seasoning. They began to put the seasoning into small plastic trial size bags and give out to church members and people in their community to try. The people began to fall in love with it and started asking for more. They found out that the seasoning was also being used as a rub which led Ed to becoming the first to create a seasoning and rub in one jar. They went into their first store in September 2015 and grew to multiple stores and customers in and out of the USA. They also grew into a college and university campus and restaurants. We got to where we are by our faith in God. We believed in what the Lord had put into Ed’s hands and the drive his wife had to see his vision come to pass. Ed and Ysante took several classes in entrepreneurship and leadership years after starting the business to enhance their wisdom and knowledge of running a business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. The most challenging has been inventory and keeping shelves stocked in the stores which could be a good thing, but you don’t want the shelves empty too long. Finances also played a major part and obtaining capital.
We’ve been impressed with Ed’s All Purpose Seasoning and Rub LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ed’s All Purpose Seasoning and Rub LLC is going into its 10th year of being in business this year (2025). Everything that Ed creates balances out so well without one spice overpowering the other. We specialize in seasonings and rubs that are flavor enhancers, not seasoning salts. Ed’s seasoning brands are low sodium, no msg, and gluten free which sets us apart from our competitors. We are so proud to know that something that was created at our kitchen table is now sold on several store shelves and we are elated that God chose us in this way to be a blessing to others. Ed’s now has a fish batter which will soon offer a variety of flavors along with the right different spices on store shelves.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
All investments are risky. It’s a risk that you must be willing to take. You must believe and be passionate about what you have. Never let the experience of others deter you from taking a chance on yourself. Every risk that we have taken in business has worked out for our good. Take the risk of going past the idea stage and make the idea become a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://edsallpurposeseasoningandrubllc.wordpress.com
- Instagram: edsallpurposeseasoningandrubllc
- Facebook: Ed’s All Purpose Seasoning and Rub LLC
