Passion Profile: Meredith Gray, founder of Kiinoa Snacks and her A-HA Moment

Tina Tang
Tina Tang
Aug 24, 2017 · 3 min read

When I met Meredith, I was so curious to find out why she wanted to create her own brand of snacks. What inspired that? Was she scared? Did it take a long time to get it going? What challenges does she face? Watch or read on for my Passion Profile interview with Meredith Grey, Founder of Kiinoa Snacks. She’s a 34 year old inspiration who hails from Edina, Minnesota who calls Brooklyn, NY home.

Video watch time: 11 minutes
Transcibed by Danielle Abadies

https://youtu.be/QI3QhRMfAlw

When did you make the decision to start your own business?

About 4 years ago. I was sitting at my desk in my corporate job and I realized I had just eaten a whole bag of the family size Pirate’s Booty. From that experience, I wanted to make a healthy and heartier snack that would be able to sustain you.

Why Kiinoa snacks? What inspired that?

I became inspired through my travels in South America, Middle East, and Asia by their unusual snacks. I initially wanted to make a quinoa popcorn because I was eating a lot of it. Kiinoa is like a cheesy quinoa popped snack. The consistency is like a healthy cheeto so it’s light and fluffy but also has the heartiness of the quinoa. The protein and fiber can keep you energized, while it’s also a fun snack to eat.

What were you doing before?

I was doing International Sales for a startup tech company. I really liked that piece of it but I wanted to go into a different industry.

What has your greatest challenge been?

Doing it on your own and trying to find a partner to bounce ideas off of. I would recommend finding like-minded individuals in the same industry. Funding is also another challenge but you can find ways to get funding.

What has your greatest triumph been thus far?

I think it’s the execution of the product so getting the product put to life and seeing it in stores. From there, building a model on how you can grow.

Who is your greatest supporter and how do they make you feel supported?

My family, especially my dad and my friends have all been supportive. I seek advice from friends with design backgrounds and financial modeling backgrounds.

What gives you courage to continue?

Well I’ve come this far, so I can’t stop now but what’s exciting for me is seeing people’s reactions, such as “This is quinoa? I never envisioned that as quinoa.” or “That’s really cool and tasty. I can give it to my kids.”

What in your life makes you feel strong?

Reminding myself of previously frustrating days that it puts stress and pressure on myself that I need to take a step back and breathe for a little bit. So I need to make more time for the decision making process. I also seek advice from people that I trust when I need it.

Find Meredith at:
Facebook
Instagram
KiinoaSnacks.com

Women like Meredith fuel the reason behind the Iron Strong “She believed she could, so she did” Necklace

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Tina Tang

Written by

Tina Tang

Jewelry designer and personal trainer. I design personalized jewelry for badass women with muscles. IronStrongJewelry.com

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