We chat to the Chief Roaster..
Every month, we put a food brand that’s on our radar on the grill. This month, we talk to Hiromi Stone from Kinomi Nuts. The ‘Willy Wonka of Nuts’, Hiromi’s sustainably sourced speciality nuts are roasted with a one-of-a-kind flavour that reflects her Japanese heritage and a passionate philosophy of こだわり — Kodawari — to refuse to compromise (on quality, etc.); to be fastidious about doing things the right way.
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Click here to watch the video interview.
What’s your name, what’s your role, & when did you start your company?
My name is Hiromi Stone, I’m the founder of Kinomi Nuts and i started 3 years ago.
What inspired you to start Kinomi Nuts?
6 years ago, I stopped eating wheat and needed something to keep me going until I got home and started doing my own roasted nuts. And then I started teaching Japanese home cooking and served the nuts as a snack. People started asking to buy them, so it turned into a product.
What were you doing prior to starting your business?
I was a full-time mum and teaching Japanese home cooking.
What was your 1st deal?
Soo.. I’m still waiting for my first big deal. Building slowly, mostly through online sales. So hopefully soon, I’ll have a big deal.
Any mistakes that you’re glad you made?
My first baru nut supplier. I had everything all ready and a big order to fill, everything was going to plan. And then ultimately he could not deliver. I was in a total panic and found somebody through Instagram and he is now my supplier. He’s got all the sustainability, traceability.. that was missing from the first guy. So I’m really happy that it happened.
3 words of wisdom for anyone starting their own business?
- Do your research.
2. Talk to people — get lots and lots of feedback.
3. Make sure that you know what you’re doing before you commit any money.
What brands do you have your eye on at the moment?
I love Rude Health for what they stand for and how they’re kinda fearless. It’s not any specific niche — just healthy and good for you.
Name one thing coming up that you’re excited about?
Right now I’m taking a critical look at the brand and the product — to see what works and what doesn’t work so that i move it forward to the next step .
— — — — — — — — QUICK FIRE ROUND — — — — — — —
What’s always in your pantry?
Manilife Peanut Butter.
Go-to recipe?
Kimchi Fried Rice.
Guilty pleasure?
Prawn Crackers.
What’s a book you think everybody should read?
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee.
Favourite emoji?
The laughing one with tears. 😂
Best way to de-stress?
Jiu Jitsu.
Sweet or savoury?
Sweet.
Favourite food?
Japanese of course.
Name a fun Instagram account.
@hawaiisbestkitchens
Favourite song?
San Francisco — by The Village People.
Favourite smell?
Osmanthus.
Favourite food movie or TV show?
Chef — I’ve even seen the Indian remake.
Twitter or Instagram?
Instagram.
Vegan, veggie or meat eater?
Meat eater.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
It’s never too late.
