Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Isabelle Lam, Co-Founder of Remix Snacks, located in Markham, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Remix Snacks is an AAPI female dietitian-led company creating snacks that are good for you and the environment by reducing food waste and using beans. We currently have 2 product lines: Bean Bark, vegan chocolate bark with black beans for added nutrition, and upcycled fruits.
Beanies are a savory snack puff made with mung beans, sorghum, and upcycled carrots - like Cheetos but healthier. Our customers are snack lovers looking for healthier, plant-based alternatives that are good for them and the environment.
Tell us about yourself
Jamie, my co-founder, and I were both born and raised in Markham but started Remix Snacks during the last year of our undergraduate degree at McGill University in Montreal. Our snack idea won two innovation prizes from McGill’s Flagship Start-Up Competition (Dobson Cup), which led to the official launch of the company.
As registered dietitians, we know there is a lack of healthy, satisfying snacks available out there in the market, and we wanted to recreate something that people already love: chocolate snacks. We discovered that there was a community that started to connect with the same vision, mission, and love for snacking.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Within the first few months of creating the concept, we auditioned for CBC’s Dragons’ Den and were selected to air on Season 13, Episode 12, receiving two offers on the show. Throughout the pandemic, we launched the local programs at Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys, and Whole Foods- and we're now sold in over 380 retailers across Canada.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
There's no magical formula or blueprint to follow when building a business. Sure, there's a general framework that people follow, but at the end of the day, what works for someone else may not work for you. There's a lot of trial and error, which can be disheartening and demotivating when something doesn't work out, despite giving it your all.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Keep an open mind and persevere- every challenge, obstacle, and the person telling you ‘no’ is just another step to you becoming a stronger entrepreneur and building a better business.
- Don’t let imposter syndrome stop you. Nobody has the art of business perfected.
- Work towards something meaningful for you, proudly talk about your business everywhere you go, and network with other business owners, both new and experienced.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://remixsnacks.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/remixsnacksinc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remixsnacks/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/remixed-snacks/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.