Community Highlights: Meet Tahvio Gratton of Tahvio’s

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tahvio Gratton.

Hi Tahvio, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My curiosity for cooking began when I was a child. My father is my biggest inspiration and encourager.

One moment that still sits with me today was when I was admiring him cooking one night, he made tacos, tacos that were the most delicious tacos I had ever tasted. I asked him what he did that made them so delicious. He laughed and said, “It’s all in the flavor in the seasonings.”

My father recognized as I looked at him, that this question meant more to me. He leaned in, coming closer to me, looking directly into my eyes, and said, “You can make Tahvio’s seasonings.” That moment hit me deep and has stayed with me as I have grown into a man. A man that has deemed cooking as a way to bond with people.

The enjoyment and delight I felt when I witnessed people savoring my food were immeasurable. I truly loved being in the kitchen cooking and creating works of art with my food. But life hit me and cooking became a hobby that I was seldom able to do. My life had been consumed by working nonstop hours and spending less time with my family. My passions, hobbies, and joyous moments were overtaken with fatigue.

Honestly, having my own business and cooking seemed less and less real for me, However, GOD was unwavering. He spoke to my wife about his plans for me. She came to me and said, you need to use the gifts GOD has given you. She had never seemed so certain before. I silenced myself and all the noise of the pandemic and prayed, asking God to guide me where he wanted me to go.

He didn’t immediately answer but weeks into the pandemic, he said, “Cook.” I was obedient and began cooking and creating again. I had never felt so alive and with purpose. My business has grown from me having people sample my items to me having my own online store, a steady income to provide for my family, and having the opportunity to be in multiple stores as a whole seller.

I do everything independently, including, labeling, branding, creating, and producing my products. I am a small business with the steadfast dream of my products being in kitchens, grills, and smoke stations all over the world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been pretty smooth since I have been blessed with being able to do what I love to do and grow my business.

If I had to speak of challenges it would be, since I am self-made. I had to teach myself the culture of business, through networking with other successful business owners to whom I’m grateful that they took the time to give me pointers in this entrepreneurial journey. I cultivated myself for the ins and out’s and I really had to go all-in, for my growing business.

Meaning, that I had to end my relationship with my regular employment so I could dedicate 100% of myself to my growing business. I did so and stepped out in faith. I’m so glad I did. It has worked out for me so far.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have built my business from the ground up. From all the components it takes to successfully run a business, I have had my hand and heart in it. My business has grown from a dream to being able to be physically in 10 stores and having my own online store. I masterly create and Hand make All-Purpose Sauces and Seasoning Blends with a touch of love in every bottle.

This is what sets me apart, I truly believe what I’m saying about the love I put into each bottle. I put my heart and soul into every spice and every ingredient. I fall in love with the process and treasure the product. I appreciate every review and every comment. It provides me with the will to keep going and to improve in my craft where needed. I was given a gift by GOD, and anything that is given by him is the reason I have been able to be so successful in such a short period of time.

I’m most proud that my life experiences and my exposures to so many different flavors in my life have allowed me to reach all kinds of cultures and people from different backgrounds. I bring them all together with their love of my sauces and rubs. My prices are competitive. My goal is for everyone in the world to have my sauces and rubs in their kitchens, grill, and smoke stations.

At this time I have also had the opportunity to provide local catering and am in the process of beginning to teach others how to prepare perfect meats, salads, and other dishes, being that my sauces and rubs are so versatile.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
You have to lead by faith, prayer, determination, genuineness, and a mindset of focus on your goals.

You have to be able to take risks, knowing that God has your back. You have to have integrity and be steadfast and unmoving in your journey.

Pricing:

• Sauces- $14.99
• Rubs- $10.00-$15.00
• Samples- $3.99
• Kits and Gift Ideas- vary in selection.
• (local) Catering- varies on selection.

Contact Info:

• Website: tahviosbbq.com
• Instagram: @Tahviosbbq

Image Credits
Tahvio Gratton, Erica Gratton, and Alexis Lizotte