“Everything moves better here:” Multicultural condiment company finds its perfect fit in Cambria County

Yasmeen Hasan and Margaret Brabham work together as “The Spice Sisters.” Photo: Provided.

What happens when two women from diverse backgrounds start to collaborate? They find common ground at the kitchen table, magic happens, and a company is started.  And when it was time to find a kitchen to grow their condiment business? Cambria County brought solutions — and provided a better quality of life at the same time.

Margaret Brabham and Yasmeen Hasan first met at The Volunteer Center of Arlington Heights in Chicago and became fast friends. Brabham studied Meetings, Conventions and Events in college and had a lifelong interest in Anthropology.  Hasan earned a master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences and had a lifelong talent for cooking and hospitality. “We found we had so much in common; sharing lunches and table talk is how we bonded,” said Hasan.

Margaret Brabham is Jewish, and Yasmeen Hasan is Muslim. Brabham’s ancestors are also Italian, while Hasan is from India and immigrated to Chicago at 4 years old with her parents. Both love traditional home recipes with a vast array of herbs and spices to keep things interesting.  “There was so much magic happening at that table,” agreed Yasmeen and Margaret.  “We both truly believe that when people share a meal it makes the world a smaller, more connected place. One of our core goals is to share the food and flavors of many countries and cultures that can be used to easily prepare healthy food bursting with fresh, whole ingredients and exciting flavors.” Brabham said.

Margaret Brabham is Jewish, and Yasmeen Hasan is Muslim. Brabham’s ancestors are also Italian, while Hasan is from India and immigrated to Chicago at 4 years old with her parents. Both love traditional home recipes with a vast array of herbs and spices to keep things interesting. 

As the pair’s friendship deepened, they began brainstorming on various collaborations. “We thought about event planning, a café, even a food truck before settling on Spice Sisters Craft Condiments,” Brabham added.

Hasan felt like it was just the right business for the two, adding that some of her inspiration came from insipid dorm food and the common staple consumed often by nearly every college student—inexpensive ramen. “My friend would pitch the flavor packet that comes with the noodles and instead use the chutney that my parents would send to school with me,” she said.

One of the first creations the Spice Sisters developed was a rendition of Hasan’s father’s tomato chutney. Brabham described Twisted Tomato as “very versatile with a nice kick.”   “It can be used as a base for chili, or a sandwich spread. You can put it atop a starch, or just have it on the side,” said Hasan.

A selection of Spice Sisters’ products. Photo: Provided.

Next came “Sassy Sesame” hummus, and Mediterranean-inspired “Outrageous Onion” tapenade which appeals to those who prefer lots of flavor with little to no heat.  For others who prefer to really get the endorphins popping, there’s a Chinese Pepper Sauce called “POW! POW!”  Margaret recalls, “a woman from Szechuan graciously helped me develop that one.”  True to Szechuan cooking, it’s hot, sweet and full of freshly roasted and ground spices.

Those looking for something unique to jazz up pork and fish might do well to pick up a jar of “Awesome Apple,” made with green apple, mint, lime juice and jalapenos. “What we want to do is bring global flavors to home cooks and offer something for everyone’s heat preference,” said Brabham.  This determination to create a spectrum of flavor and heat profiles extends to their line of freshly roasted and ground spice blends which can be explored at their website: www.SpiceSisters.com.

The Sisters are also adamant about using fresh fruits and vegetables and fair-trade spices in all their products.  “We are proud to be able to say that we don’t use processed foods or preservatives,” said Brabham.  “Our products are plant based, with no gluten, dairy, or soy and almost no sugar,” said Hasan.

“What we want to do is bring global flavors to home cooks and offer something for everyone’s heat preference,” said Brabham. 

Hasan resides in New Jersey and Brabham relocated to Johnstown, where they began making their products at the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center’s “Field-to-Fork” Agricultural Incubator. Their current arrangement works well, according to Brabham. “The reason I moved to this area is that it is less congested with more room to grow and expand our business.  We can produce at a much higher volume in Johnstown’s Field to Fork Kitchen.  Yasmeen will continue overseeing growth in the NJ, NY and Philadelphia area and make regular visits to Johnstown because it is only a few hours’ drive.

Startup Alleghenies helped the Spice Sisters find a fit for their unique business needs

Brabham credits coach Matt Fox at Startup Alleghenies for understanding the team’s unique needs. “We are committed to working with fresh vegetables which means we need to produce things ourselves,” said Brabham.  Fox recommended Johnstown’s Field to Fork Agricultural Incubator. “They have a phenomenal kitchen, with students who are looking for experience, so there is always someone on hand to help you,” said Brabham.

“It allowed us to develop a better quality of life,” she said, mentioning art galleries, theater, even a symphony in close proximity, as well as the beauty of the Alleghenies. “Everything moves better here; there’s plenty of room to breathe and create.”

Brabham said that Fox teamed up with Cambria County’s Startup Alleghenies coach Blake Fleegle. Fleegle pointed them to resources at Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI), and also connected them with Jose Otero from Ben Franklin Technology Partners. “Otero has tremendous experience in the fields of entrepreneurship, manufacturing and business development,” said Brabham. Greater Johnstown Career and Technical Center kitchen manager Cheryl Fisher also helped to provide a wealth of information and support with many contacts in the food industry. “Everything is so convenient now–we cook in the kitchen and warehouse our products at the JARI Center, only about two miles away,” said Brabham.

Fleegle said that he was pleased to be a resource for the ladies. “They knew where they wanted to go, all they needed was additional information and resources to take their business to the next level,” he said.

And taking it to the next level is what’s in the cards according to Hasan and Brabham. “The kitchen is allowing us to ramp up our production,” said Brabham, adding that she and her family are delighted with the decision to relocate to the Johnstown area. “It allowed us to develop a better quality of life,” she said, mentioning art galleries, theater, even a symphony in close proximity, as well as the beauty of the Alleghenies. “Everything moves better here; there’s plenty of room to breathe and create.”

Other plans for the future include a ribbon cutting for their business in mid-February, a YouTube channel and expanding online sales. “We appreciate the warm welcome we’ve received and are excited to pursue all the opportunities we are finding in our new home,” said Brabham. The Spice Sisters finished their interview with their customary salutation, “Be well and keep it SPICY!”

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.