Founder Focus: Twisted Lizard Mercantile

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The Journey of Twisted Lizard Mercantile & Mary and Jim Thompson

A Passion for Flavor Sparks a New Business

Jim and Mary Thompson’s entrepreneurial journey began in the most unexpected of places: a chili competition. For two years, Jim cooked up his award-winning chili for the Terlingua Chili Cook Off, even making it to the finals twice. This experience, combined with their shared passion for hospitality, helped shape the direction of the couple’s business endeavors. Their first venture took root in Fredericksburg, Texas, where they opened a charming bed and breakfast in 2004. As they grew more comfortable in the hospitality business, they expanded into conducting winery tours, operating 4 buses and offering a unique experience for visitors.

Twisted Lizard Mercantile: Bringing Big Flavor to Texas

While these ventures were successful, Jim and Mary felt a pull toward something new—something that blended their love of cooking, hospitality, and community. That passion led them to create Twisted Lizard Mercantile, a specialty spice company that has become their full-time focus. Their unique blends, developed from years of perfecting flavors, quickly gained traction at farmers markets, where they loved engaging with customers and hearing firsthand how their spices transformed everyday meals.

“The farmers market is an incredible place to test new products and get direct feedback,” they say. “Every day is different, and we love meeting new people and sharing our passion.” What started as a side business has now grown into a thriving brand, with Twisted Lizard Mercantile spices receiving rave reviews from customers across the Texas Hill Country. Jim and Mary take pride in using high-quality ingredients, carefully crafting each blend to enhance the flavors of home-cooked meals.

Finding Community and Support at Das GreenHaus

Running a business—especially as a husband-and-wife team—comes with a unique set of challenges, from managing stress to navigating big decisions together. Jim and Mary have found immense support through their membership at Das GreenHaus, where they’ve been active participants since last year. They credit the incubator program with helping them stay motivated and inspired, especially during mentorship sessions that offer fresh perspectives and renewed energy for their business.

Beyond mentorship, Jim and Mary take full advantage of the networking events at Das GreenHaus, always eager to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and explore beneficial collaborations. One of their most exciting opportunities came when they participated in a micro pitch for the Boerne Kendall County Angel Network (BKCAN). The event not only allowed them to practice pitching their business but also gave investors a chance to sample their spices through a chili tasting—making it a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Overcoming Challenges and Scaling Up

However, the entrepreneurial road has not always been smooth. One of the biggest hurdles they faced was marketing and funding. Transitioning from providing a service to offering a product posed its own set of challenges. They had to learn how to effectively promote their spices in a digital world where social media is essential. 

Another major challenge was building a professional website that could effectively showcase their products and reach a broader audience. While they had found success at farmers markets, they knew that to grow, they needed an online presence that was both functional and engaging. Developing their Twisted Lizard Mercantile website was a learning curve, but it became a game-changer—allowing them to sell directly to customers beyond the Texas Hill Country and establish their brand on a larger scale.

Finding the right co-packing team to handle their products at scale was another major milestone. Despite these challenges though, their commitment to learning and adapting has allowed them to persevere. One of the most valuable lessons they’ve learned is the importance of communication. Jim and Mary emphasize that understanding how to communicate effectively with everyone involved—be it customers, suppliers, or employees—is crucial. Every person brings their unique perspective, and being compassionate and open-minded helps maintain strong, successful relationships.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Twisted Lizard Mercantile

Looking forward, their favorite thing about Twisted Lizard Mercantile is seeing how far they’ve come—from a simple idea to a growing, sought-after product. They are excited about the future, especially now that they have a reliable packaging partner lined up. Their goal is to implement a drop shipping system to scale even further, making their spice blends more accessible to customers across the country.

Jim and Mary’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and adaptability. They’ve built Twisted Lizard Mercantile from the ground up, proving that with determination and the right mindset, you can turn a love for cooking into a thriving business. To explore their handcrafted spice blends and learn more about their journey, visit Twisted Lizard Mercantile and bring bold new flavors to your kitchen!

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Jim and Mary Thompson’s entrepreneurial journey began in the most unexpected of places: a chili competition. For two years, Jim cooked up his award-winning chili for the Terlingua Chili Cook Off, even making it to the finals twice. This experience, combined with their shared passion for hospitality, helped shape the direction of the couple’s business endeavors.

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Published on: Boerne Lifestyle
Published on: Boerne Business Monthly