Molly Fienning

The Co-Founder & CEO of Red Clay, a chef-driven, Southern foods brand talks to us about her business and career highlights, living in Charleston, her personal style, and tips for juggling motherhood, business, and a social life.

What has been the proudest moment for you in your career?

I'd have to say my proudest moment so far has been the past 4 months of Red Clay, which have also (coincidentally or not?) been the toughest moments of my career. As the food & bev CPG landscape was changing as the cost of capital increased over these past few years, we had to make some very hard decisions to strip the business down to the studs to build it back up in a healthier, stronger, and more sustainable way.

Tell us about Red Clay Hot Sauce! Why did you start your business?

I co-founded Red Clay because I genuinely thought that my partner Chef Geoff's Original Hot Sauce was the most delicious hot sauce I had ever tasted...and it still is. I didn't even really like hot sauce at the time, but I was a loyal customer at The Ordinary when he was Executive Chef (still a favorite restaurant in Charleston).

If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

White, the color of all colors in the spectrum coming together at once. More and more, I'm seeing that the human experience is embracing ALL of life and not labeling anything good or bad – even if it hurts, even if it's hard. All of it can and will teach us and make us better if we don't resist it or numb ourselves through it. Folding in every opportunity, challenge, emotion, laugh, tear, time together into one beautiful, wild, magical life. If we do this, we find the deep, true knowing, the peace that shows up as a bright white light of love.

What are your tips for juggling motherhood, business, and a social life?

For me, true happiness comes from embracing it all and staying present in the present moment. Multitasking is ineffective and erodes happiness and fulfillment. Instead, I believe that we need to lean into being wholly present with one thing in front of us (being with our kids, checking off that next work to-do, or enjoying time with our partner or girlfriends).