Story & Lesson Highlights with Ryan Alarie of Tempe

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ryan Alarie. Check out our conversation below.

Ryan, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
As the owner of RA Seasonings, my day starts by printing online orders and packaging each one with care. I update inventory, reorder key ingredients to keep production moving, and double-check we’re stocked for the weekend markets. From the label machine to the shipping table, it’s all about keeping fresh, clean flavor headed your way.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Ryan Alarie, the founder and owner of RA Seasonings. Our brand is built on the idea that healthy eating should never mean sacrificing flavor. We create bold, chef-inspired blends that are low sodium, sugar-free, gluten-free, and made with 100% herbs and spices—all blended, bottled, and labeled in-house to guarantee freshness. What makes us unique is that we don’t rely on fillers or shortcuts; instead, we craft seasonings that are both clean and full of flavor, designed to elevate everyday cooking.

Since launching, RA Seasonings has been honored as a 4-time winner of Phoenix Magazine’s “Best Local Food Product” and has grown into a trusted staple across Arizona farmers markets, butcher shops, local farms, and even restaurants. Right now, we’re focused on expanding our reach into new retail locations and continuing to innovate with new blends that keep our customers excited. At the end of the day, our mission is simple: to show people that when healthy meets flavor, everyone wins.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I was taught the value of hard work early on by my parents, who always instilled discipline and perseverance in me. That foundation, paired with my own drive and determination, pushed me to chase my dream of building a successful business.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. When I faced setbacks—long nights bottling product, running out of ingredients before a big market, or pushing through financial strain—it forced me to dig deeper, get creative, and stay relentless. Those tough moments built the resilience and grit that laid the foundation for RA Seasonings’ success. Success celebrates the outcome, but struggle shapes the person who gets there.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in the seasoning industry is that you need heavy amounts of salt, sugar, or preservatives to make food taste good. In reality, true flavor comes from high-quality herbs and spices, not fillers. Another overlooked fact is that most store-bought seasonings are already a year old or more before they even reach your kitchen shelves, which means the flavor and freshness are already fading. At RA Seasonings, we focus on educating people that seasonings can be both healthy and bold—made fresh weekly, with nothing but clean ingredients.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do. No one told me to start a spice company—I built RA Seasonings out of passion, drive, and a belief that people deserve fresh, healthy flavor without compromise. It’s not the easy path, but it’s the one that fuels me every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: www. RAseasonings.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ra_seasonings