Empresarios Spotlight: We Must Mustard
Courtney Yones is the founder of We Must Mustard, a small-batch condiment brand reimagining how mustard shows up on the table—not just as a spread, but as a flavorful, versatile dip.
With support from Hacienda CDC’s Empresarios program, Courtney is able to turn a passion for food into a growing business rooted in creativity, community, and bold flavor.
What started as an experiment in the kitchen quickly became something more, but Courtney’s connection to food began much earlier. Growing up in a family where her parents owned restaurants, she developed a deep respect for pure, natural ingredients and the role food plays in bringing people together. That foundation continues to shape We Must Mustard today. Courtney began exploring how mustard could be elevated beyond its traditional uses—crafted with thoughtful ingredients and designed to pair with everything from meats and cheeses to vegetables and snacks.
As interest in her products grew, Courtney faced the realities that come with launching a food business—navigating regulations, production requirements, and building a brand from the ground up. That’s when she connected with the Empresarios program.
Through Empresarios, Courtney received a micro grant that helped cover essential early-stage costs, including her Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) business registration and support for building her website. The program also supported a professional photo shoot, helping Courtney bring the We Must Mustard brand to life visually and elevate how it shows up to consumers. These foundational steps were critical in turning her product into a market-ready business.
Equally impactful has been the ongoing mentorship she receives. Courtney meets monthly with Empresarios Program Manager, Melina Romero, who has helped guide her through the culinary industry—an entirely new space for Courtney.
“Melina has been instrumental in helping me think through how to grow the business the right way,” Courtney shared. “She challenges me, supports me, and pushes me to expand thoughtfully while staying true to the brand.”
With this support, Courtney has continued to refine her products and grow her presence in the local food community. We Must Mustard is now carried by respected regional grocers, including New Seasons Market and Market of Choice, as well as beloved specialty retailers such as Classic Foods Outlet, Elephants Delicatessen, Tender Loving Empire, and The Meadow—marking an exciting step forward in bringing her unique “dipping mustard” concept to a broader audience.
Courtney’s connection to the Empresarios community extends beyond business support. In partnership with Hacienda, she donated nearly 250 jars of mustard to support its youth and family services programs, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community that has helped her grow.
As the business evolves, Courtney remains focused on building something sustainable and meaningful. From expanding her flavor offerings to deepening her retail partnerships, she is committed to growing intentionally while maintaining the quality and creativity that define the brand.
“The support from Empresarios has been incredibly meaningful—not just financially, but in giving me the confidence and guidance to keep going,”
Looking ahead, Courtney is excited to continue introducing We Must Mustard to new audiences, experimenting with new flavor profiles, and building a brand that brings people together around food in a fresh and unexpected way.
These business success stories are made possible thanks to our Empresarios team. Thank you for helping our entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses!