Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Seena Chriti, Owner of Paktli Foods LLC., located in Blue Ash, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My name is Seena, and I'm the proud owner and founder of Paktli – a delightful and delicious snack made from amaranth. Paktli means JOY in Nahuatl – the language of the Aztecs.
I'm from Cincinnati, Ohio, but I was born and raised in Mexico, where I grew up eating ALEGRIAS (which also means JOY! In Spanish), a snack dating back to the 16th century made from puffed amaranth and honey or chocolate. PAKTLI IS my own version of the ancient Mexican alegrias using the same handcrafted methods. I use puffed amaranth plus puffed quinoa and millet, highly nutritious ancient grains that are also considered superfoods. I mix the grains with high-quality, all-natural organic ingredients that include chocolates and whole dried fruits and nuts. The packaging is inspired by colorful fabrics and textiles from Oaxaca, Mexico.
All our paktli are gluten-free. We have some vegan and soy-free options as well and never use any additives or preservatives. Paktli is the perfect snack on the go or as a better for your wholesome dessert. It satisfies the chocolate and sweet tooth without the big empty calories with a unique texture provided by the puffed ancient grains and the silky chocolate. Our customers tell us all the time that they are addicted to them.
Tell us about yourself
I have been wanting to develop a food business for years and have had this snack in the back of my mind since I left Mexico 20 years ago. After experimenting with different ideas that were never specific enough, it all finally fell into place during the pandemic with my kids at home during one of the hardest times of everybody's life. In one of those critical moments, I was able to find the specificity I needed and to gather my recourses. I started this business with an unstoppable energy; once my purpose was clear, the whole concept, the recipes, the branding, the name, the story…they all came together to form the most delicious yet simple and clean treat that brings only JOY to people just like its name implies, and they keep coming for more.
Conceived during the pandemic in May of 2020, and 6 months later, after doing lots of research and development, and sourcing, we were able to launch to the market out of a commercial incubator kitchen. We took the market by storm, and five months later, we were already in 20 retail locations. By the summer of 2021, we reached 40 retail locations, and we were selling in 4 to 7 markets a week.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My business represents my lifetime business achievement; I am incredibly proud of having a product that looks so retail-ready that it can grow and evolve and transform as needed. This entrepreneurial road has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am proud that we have been featured in several magazines, podcasts, and numerous TV interviews.
One of my biggest passions throughout my life has been the meaning of food… and the relationship of food to culture. I have been involved in food and media projects with TV, magazines, and newspapers all my life. Paktli is the culmination of all those years of hard work and dedication. IT'S MY EXPRESSION OF THE MARRIAGE OF FOOD AND CULTURE. And it's my chance to share healthy and delicious food—and my favorite childhood snack—with everyone else.
The most significant feedback I received was given by a culinary arts instructor from Cincinnati State University; she said: Seena, one of the coffee shop owners, told me your story and showed me your product and packaging, and it made total sense to me, but when I tried the product, I could feel the love you put into it…I hope you enjoy it and that your days are filled with PAKTLI.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
My biggest challenge so far has been understanding the ropes of knowing how to grow my business; I have surrounded myself with mentors and advisors to help me find the right answers. The entrepreneur's life feels a bit lonely to me, but when I talk to fellow entrepreneurs, and I hear about their journeys and their struggles, it helps me realize that I am not alone.
I started the business with just 7000 dollars, and I have reinvested almost everything I have sold to date. It's been totally bootstrapped, but I received a 30,000-dollar grant for Main Street ventures that allowed me to change all my packaging and increase my equipment and double my production capabilities.
Considering that our business has been totally bootstrapped, the only way for us to grow it and gain product recognition and proof of concept was to go on the streets and sell directly to the CUSTOMER In farmer's markets and in local stores. The farmer's market model HAS BEEN MY INCUBATOR. It is incredibly satisfying… data-driven…and feedback-enriching. But it is exhausting…and the markets limit how much WE can grow.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Follow your instincts, let your dreams guide you, don't give up, seek help, and fight really hard for what you want.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://paktlifoods.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paktlifoods/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paktlifoods/
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.
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