A graduate of Flagler College’s Theatre Arts program, Kelman has combined the creativity she honed on stage with a sharp entrepreneurial mindset to found Homestead’s Hot Sauce, a Brooklyn-based company that celebrates bold flavor and authentic storytelling.
Kelman’s entrepreneurial journey began in her kitchen, where she experimented with sauces that celebrated farm-to-table eating and vibrant, clean ingredients. Since then, her venture has grown into a full-fledged brand, recently earning Kosher Certification and securing two brick-and-mortar retail locations, further solidifying its presence in the market.
But her story doesn’t stop there. Affectionately dubbed “The Hot Sauce Girl,” she’s also set to appear on Season 17 of The Blox, an entrepreneurial reality TV show that showcases rising business leaders, premiering Sunday, June 22 at 8 p.m. The opportunity marks another milestone for the Flagler alumna, who brings her passion and problem-solving spirit to every endeavor.
During a recent return to campus, Kelman, wearing her signature red boots, shared with students how her theater training empowered her to be a fearless problem-solver and helped her face every twist and turn of launching a business. She also shared how those same skills helped her master branding in the digital age.
“Stop thinking about Instagram as something just for friends and family,” Kelman told students. “Start thinking about it as your business platform—your storefront.”
She emphasized the power of building a professional online presence, including:
- Posting regularly (even if it feels “cringe” at first),
- Creating a clear and engaging Instagram bio with a title and three career-focused bullet points,
- Leveraging UGC (user-generated content) to pitch to brands, and
- Collaborating with others to grow your audience and go viral.
“You don’t need thousands of followers to start,” Kelman said. “You need to post, you need to show your face, and you need to tell your story. I got cast for a project because someone saw a reel of me talking directly to the camera.”
She encouraged students to experiment with platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and even LinkedIn to cultivate their professional personas—and to never underestimate the value of their current connections. “Some of the classmates I met 10 years ago are now business partners, collaborators, and friends who recommend me for gigs,” Kelman said.
Maddy Kelman is proof that creative roots can lead to entrepreneurial heights. With hot sauce, hustle, and heart, she’s carving her own path—and showing Flagler students how to do the same.
How to Watch Maddie on The Blox:
1. Stream for FREE on Facebook
2. Download the app “The Blox” to stream for free and have access to free educational tools.
