I grew up in a small rural village in the South Island of New Zealand. My parents were trying to live a post hippy, self sufficient life. They grew most of our food and made lots of the things we owned and used in our lives.

I started pretty young! At the age of 10 I was busy in the kitchen concocting chili mash to try out on my mates. I pursued a career as a chef in my early days and continued to perfect my recipes with rigorous critique from my mates.

About a year ago I made too much Hot Sauce on my night off and decided to give it away on a local Facebook trading site. Next thing I knew I had people asking for more and more and more.

I have always like spicy food, but it wasn’t until 2012 I considered growing my own chillies. After a friend got me into growing superhots and experimenting in hydroponics, I was addicted!