Meet Corina Montes | Co Owner of Off The Hook Essentials

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

Hi Corina, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
There is definitely some stagnant times while on your business journey! Motivation sometimes comes to a stand still, creative thought process is usually fueled by some of other life obstacles. Personally for me quitting just isn’t an option. My lovely business wife Sara has taught me it is ok to take some time. Don’t get burnt out. Fall back. We have to trust that our product is amazing. The demand will always be there. She is right. We have supporters that need our stuff! That is what keeps me going. Knowing what we have is special , and people needing it !

What should our readers know about your business?
Our business Off The Hook Essentials was made out of love and creativity! Recognizing what we have come up with is something special. A one of one type of product. That everyone who can smell and taste just loves! I would say our proudest moment would be getting ourselves into 9 local Safeways just by someone from corporate walking past our Farmers Market Booth and NEEDING our product in the store. It most certainly has gotten us to where we are today by forcing us to get out there , get our UPC number (bar code) , tighten up our packaging. Making sure everything was eco friendly. It wasn’t easy, however it wasn’t very difficult either. Taught me about the importance of research. Taking your time to make sure something is perfect if it has your name attached to it. My Business partner Sara is amazing at that. She has taught me a lot herself. I’m so grateful for her. Our product is a concoction of all these different mineral replenishing salts , infused with the essential oils of herbs and citrus. Making your meals, fruit , cocktail rims , not only smell amazing, but taste outstanding!! With health benefits to add !

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend come visit we would most definitely go for dinner at the 19th Hole! It is home to the best Steak I’ve ever had in my opinion! This town Hollister California is filled with many places to Eat , Drink and be Merry! There are many hiking areas. We have a national park here called the Pinnacles. It’s absolutely stunning. We have a motocross recreational center called Hollister Hills. It provides a large area in the hills to ride dirt bikes , camp and hike. Another place I love to go is historical San Juan Bautista ca. just 10 minutes south of where I live , San Juan is packed with Local Native American History. Lovely artwork and antiques in these beautiful shops! It is very much Mission era , Wild West vibe to it. I have such a strong connection to that place. Many wonderful places to eat and shop!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I come from a community and county filled with Women in business! I’d say the majority of the local small and large businesses are owned by some pretty Bad A** ladies!! They fuel me! I feed off of their energy, creative ideas, support and resources. I love to see a woman succeed in her venture! Makes me proud. I’d love to shout-out Fran Fitzgerald owner of Brewery 25 in San Juan Bautista. Becky Herbert from Farmhouse Cafe. Erika Bueno of Howell and Bloom floral arrangements (such a vibe) Brenda Horder For her local Insurance office (most knowledgeable woman I know in the Insurance Industry. These ladies all provide some type of importance in support and resources. Always willing to help out.

Website: Www.offthehookessentials.com

Instagram: @offthehookessentials