key takeaways
- Mancasola used Kickstarter to help launch his Calabrian chili hot sauce brand Moto in February this year.
- He sees growth differently because of his music background – and is eyeing $180,000 in revenue next year.
This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features San Francisco, California-based entrepreneur Colby Mancasola, 54. Mancasola used Kickstarter to launch its Calabrian chili hot sauce brand. moto As an additional effort earlier this year. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
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What was your day job or primary occupation when you started your job?
I was the senior director of digital strategy and insights at a luxury home goods brand when I launched Moto as a side venture. I have since gone and am CONSULTING Part-time, while I’m developing the brand. I’m also in an indie rock band from the 90s called Knapsack, which still tours sporadically and plays festivals.
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When did you start your side and where did you get the inspiration from?
I launched a Kickstarter campaign in February 2025 and then went live to the public in June.
I always loved the unique characteristics of Calabrian peppers and how they enhance Italian food. But it seemed outdated that they came in a jar and required a spoon, which also caused me to destroy countless tablecloths and shirts.
I wondered why this flavor bomb was stuck in an inconvenient jar and why America’s favorite food (pizza) did not have its own hot sauce while other dishes had a variety. It seemed like creating a squeeze-bottle version was no easy task given the popularity of Sriracha. But no one had done this till now.
As I started testing recipes, I realized that moto works much better with Italian food. For example, it tastes great on egg dishes, avocado toast, and sandwiches. It’s actually more of a flavor enhancer than a mouth-numbing hot sauce. Calabrian peppers have a deep, hot heat that is new and exciting to many people. And MOTO delivers it in an easy-squeeze bottle.
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What were the first steps you took to get your cause off the ground? How much money/investment did it take to launch?
I spent about a year refining the recipe and researching ingredient sourcing, packaging, legal requirements, and bottling. During the same time, I was refining the brand positioning into a deck that I would share with friends and family. Then, I raised about $12,000 through Kickstarter. Although this may not seem like a lot of money, the response was truly overwhelming and empowering. The assurance that I was not crazy was as important as the capital.
Are there any free or paid resources that have been particularly helpful to you in getting this business up and running?
Wholesale platforms like Faire and Airgoods allowed me to get into specialty retail stores across the country right out of the gate. And now MOTO is run in more than 30 states. The margins are certainly much lower than direct-to-consumer, but I think of it as a branding opportunity as much as I think of it as a revenue source. It has connected me with like-minded independent business owners that I feel camaraderie with and want to support.
Most days, something good happens that makes me feel like I’m creating something special.
When it comes to this specific business, what is something that you have found particularly challenging and/or surprising that people who get into this type of work should be prepared for, but perhaps aren’t?
As a one-man band, switching modes can make my head spin. I’m constantly juggling between designer, marketer, accountant, salesperson, customer service representative, and someone pulling boxes. Some days I feel like I’m doing them all relatively poorly. But most days, something good happens that makes me feel like I’m creating something special.
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How long did it take you to see consistent monthly revenue? What do growth and revenues look like now?
My goal for the first year has always been to build the brand, find my people, and learn as much as possible. Although all the revenue has been reinvested so far, I would say that it started to pick up as the holiday crowds increased in the early fall.
My goals for 2026 are to pick up some regional distributors on the west coast, grow DTC through marketplaces and collaborations, set up some type of event or physical presence in San Francisco, get Moto HQ out of my home, and achieve $120,000 to $180,000 in revenue for the year. I’m also working with my co-packer to reduce costs and establish a more consistent cadence.
I think I look at growth differently because of my background in independent music. I want to build an audience organically with Moto. One who is passionate about the product and will stick with it for the long term. In that analogy, national chains are like major record labels. I’m not opposed to working with them ultimately. But I want to come to them with some leverage and work together in ways I’m comfortable with.
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Trust your conscience, do things your way and treat people well.
How much time do you spend on your business on a daily, weekly or monthly basis?
In the age of phones, social media, and constant connectivity, I don’t really know how to answer this question. But this is different because MOTO is a passion project. I’m always thinking about it because it’s a creative outlet and extension of me. It’s a very different feeling than getting an angry message from your corporate boss at 3 in the morning
What do you enjoy most about running this business?
My two favorite things about MOTO are complete opposites. On the one hand, I like the creative aspects: design, brand building, etc. On the other hand, I love the day-to-day routine: packing boxes, delivering to local stores and playfully chatting with the postman. Norman Rockwell stuff.
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What is your best specific, actionable business advice?
I am no expert. I toured in an indie rock band for most of my 20s, then worked for other people for decades before going solo with Moto this year. That said, my advice about anything is usually to trust your instincts, do things your way, and be nice to people.
key takeaways
- Mancasola used Kickstarter to help launch his Calabrian chili hot sauce brand Moto in February this year.
- He sees growth differently because of his music background – and is eyeing $180,000 in revenue next year.
This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features San Francisco, California-based entrepreneur Colby Mancasola, 54. Mancasola used Kickstarter to launch its Calabrian chili hot sauce brand. moto As an additional effort earlier this year. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Want to read more stories like this? agree money makers, Our free newsletter is full of creative side hustle ideas and successful strategies. Sign up here.
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