Meet Khaula Kai | Actor/ Director/ Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Khaula Kai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Khaula, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business was a combination of my passion for hot sauces and my love for cats. I wanted to create something unique that reflects my interests and gives back to the community. The idea of combining these passions into a business that donates a percentage of profits to animal shelters felt like a natural fit. I envisioned a luxury hot sauce brand that not only offers exceptional taste but also makes a positive impact on animal welfare. This thought process drove me to develop unique flavors and a brand that stands out in both quality and purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The journey to where I am today has been blessed. Transitioning from tech to the creative world of filmmaking and to entrepreneurship came with its set of challenges. I had to learn and adapt quickly, often stepping out of my comfort zone. The key to overcoming these obstacles was perseverance and a willingness to continually learn and grow.

Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and the value of surrounding oneself with a supportive community. Each setback taught me a lesson and made the successes even more rewarding.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that we are more than just a hot sauce company. We are a brand with a heart, dedicated to making a difference. Our story is one of passion, innovation, and compassion. We believe in creating products that not only delight your taste buds but also contribute to a greater cause.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d want to give them a week full of memorable experiences, blending my passions for food, culture, and community. Here’s what our itinerary would look like:

We’d start the days with a hearty breakfast at a local cafés that sources its ingredients from nearby farms. I love supporting businesses that emphasize fresh, local produce.

Visit to farmer’s market to pick up some fresh ingredients and get a sense of the local food culture. We’d also visit a specialty hot sauce shop to sample and get inspired by different flavors.

Enjoy some gourmet sandwiches at a popular deli known for its artisanal approach.

Dinners at a trendy farm-to-table restaurants where we can enjoy innovative dishes paired with unique hot sauces.

Embracing the Arts at the Getty.

Attend a local film screening or an independent theater production. As a filmmaker, I love supporting and enjoying local talent.

A rooftop restaurant with a view of the city’s skyline, where we can relax and enjoy some fine dining.

A spa day to relax and rejuvenate.

Throughout the week, we’d also make sure to include some spontaneous adventures, whether it’s discovering a hidden gem of a restaurant, attending a local festival, or just enjoying the vibe of the city. The goal is to create a blend of culinary delights, cultural experiences, and meaningful connections, ensuring my friend has the best time ever.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout would be to the BestFriends Shelter. Their unwavering commitment to animal care and their tireless efforts to provide a loving environment for animals truly inspire me. They embody the kind of passion and dedication that motivated me to start my hot sauce company, with a mission to give back to animal shelters.

Instagram: Strangeandshadow & Khaulakai

Linkedin: StrangeandShadow

Image Credits
zachariah_shoots