I am Tharathip Soulisak the founder of Kohk & Sahk. Kohk & Sahk is a Laotian food company. Our goal is to have these amazing Laotian food products available for purchase at farmer’s market, festivals, fairs and online purchases. We hope that in the near future we will be the first Laotian food product available nationwide in retail stores. Kohk & Sahk will produce Laotian food products using authentic ingredients that are familiar and beloved. Be prepared for a nostalgic taste of home cooking. Currently Laotian food is not as easily accessible for those people who do not live amongst a Laotian community but is increasing in popularity and demand.

I have spent a great amount of time researching and trying to figure out what it will take to get the food from where it is now to where it needs to be. Due to budget constraints I have decided to start out small and test out the most popular items which are Laotian style beef jerky also known as “seen savan” which means heavenly beef. Within an hour of the jerky being put out it was gone with so many asking “who made this jerky” and commenting that it was the best Laotian jerky that they had ever tasted.

It’s only been a few months but since that day the request for Kohk & Sahk’s Laotian jerky has been growing every week with every batch selling out sometimes even before they can be made. As a result of this high demand, I realize that I needed to be able to have a large amount of supply handy. Due to the lack of funding and proper equipment, meeting the high demand became problematic. Ergo, I realize that in order to successful fulfill my dream of sustaining my company I needed funding.

Why:
Although we have been blessed with a growing fan base we have many obstacles to overcome which requires funding in order to solve it. Currently we are still in the testing phase where all production takes place at home and given to friends and family to try it. We know we have a good product but we need monetary assistance in order for us to get our company, Kohk & Sahk off its' feet. Help us bring the joy of Laotian cuisine into your home.

What will the money be used for:
In order for us to get our company off its' feet, we need to have the proper equipment such as meat slicers, dehydrators and staff. We also would like to keep cost down so that we can continue to provide quality food to everyone at a lower price with bigger quantity for the consumer which means being able to buy things in bulk. We are also working hard to meet the standards and compliance regulation so that we can start taking orders and making it available for everyone to buy which would require us to either look for an approved facility and partners that can get us there. Funds will also go towards development of an E-commerce website that will not only make it easy and convenient for anyone to order from anywhere. Also it will be a great resource vehicle about our company and all Laotian cuisine. Additional funding will also go towards the purchase of appropriate packaging for better quality control. In the next few months we also plan on launching a marketing plan as well as joining different food festivals and farmers market to share our product with everyone. Should there be enough available funding we will put it towards purchasing such items as tents, tables, banners, signage and handouts to ensure every event is a successful one.

Challenges:
-Regulations
When it comes to food safety, we have to meet USDA standards and regulations in order for our products to be deem safe for public consumption. Our goal is to be able to bring our tested and proven recipes to manufacturers who have experience in this arena. This requires money.

-Production
Our beef jerky will be made at an approved USDA facility. Your funds will be used to pay the facility who will produce our products. We are taking the time to carefully look through many production facilities that will help us safely produce quality products.

-Distribution
Shipping can be pricey. Therefore it is important that we find the most economical way to transport our products to you, our valued customer. We promise that we will do our best to keep the cost low.

Deadline goals:
It is our goal to to achieve everything we have listed for what we want to do with the money raised by this campaign by Laotian New Year of this year which is April 13, 2015 and we will do our best to make that happen. With your support and generosity we believe we will be able to make it there.

Flavors:
The texture, taste and flavor of Laotian jerky is uniquely different from any other jerky making it a whole different product that you just must taste. Currently with so many demands and request we are offering 3 different flavors of Laotian Jerky:

-Original
Thinly sliced beef, marinated overnight in sugar, spices and a delicious secret blend of flavoring sauces. The marinated beef is then slowly dehydrated, sprinkled with sesame seeds and given a quick flash fry to give it that unique taste of home.

-Spicy
The same as the original flavor but with added hot sauce, chili paste and dusted with chili powder for a generous and satisfying hot kick.

-Original pork
Much like the original beef but made of pork for all you pork lovers. It has an added flavor component that gives it a nice red hue and a hint of a char sui taste.

Testimonials:

Rewards:
To show you our appreciation for your contribution we have a list of exciting rewards for you. Should we meet our goal we will do a stretch goal with even more exciting rewards and freebies for those of you who have supported us. We know that getting your rewards is the most exciting part but because of increase demands please allow us some time before receiving your reward, we will do our best to keep you up to date. Perks and rewards include shipping for US residences only. If you live outside of the US you may have to pay for additional shipping to for your country.

Lao message video for my Laotian people