Meet Lolita Guillory | Security Dispatcher and Spiceologist

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

Hi Lolita, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Prior to Covid pandemic I had several odd jobs in the service and entertainment industry. Without that extra income some things got behind. On a family Zoom call for my birthday someone suggested I market my spice. The spice has been a part of me for approximately 20 years or more with my small catering business in New Orleans. Over the years I just gave it away to all who asked. We voted on a name and that started the ball rolling. My research consisted of Youtube, S.C.O.R.E. Houston. Houston Community College , and The urban League of Houston.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a security dispatcher at NASA Johnson Space Center by day. My evenings are devoted to Tee Lo’s Spice Up LLC. I have dispatched since I was about 20 years old. I started out as a dispatcher for the New Orleans Fire Department. I was there from March of 1989 until October 2005. I came following Hurricane Katrina. My daughter was about 8 years old at the time and she needed me. Houston became my home with the help of my retired friends on the Houston Fire Department. The transition to the Houston life was very lonely for me. I worked in the corporate field at Reliant Energy for 10 years until I could get back into dispatch. Doing the right thing for my daughter, Samina was my motivation. The major lesson I have learned is you can learn from anybody. The takeaway from me about my business is that I create the product with love and quality products. I am literally hand washing the containers, applying labels and mixing the spices to share with you and your family.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, my visitor would have to visit NASA to include Johnson Space Center, Sonny Carter Training Center and Ellington Field. There are lots of cool things to see and do. The Davenport Clearlake has the best cocktails!! My favorite place to eat is Abe’s Cajun Market Baybrook Mall would be another stop as I love the entertainment area with all the restaurants and stores. I randomly select a restaurant or eatery to visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Mark Praigg
Business Consultant
Houston Area Urban League
(713) 208-4346 – cell

Website: www.teelospiceupllc.com

Instagram: teelosspiceup

Facebook: Tee Lo’s Spice Up