We recently connected with Renee Sorgi and have shared our conversation below.

Renee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

This entire THE REAL RENEE journey has been all about taking risks. I took a leap because I know my products are amazing and that there are so many people that need them, but I had no idea how to start a business.

When I was in high school, I had this burning desire to be a fashion designer, but I also had a passion for being a hairstylist. Whatever I was going to be, I knew it wasn’t going to be a career where I sat behind a desk at a computer all day. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a career like that, but it just wasn’t me. I started beauty school as a junior in high school in a co-op program, and by the time I graduated high school, I was licensed and ready to work in a salon. My plan was to work as a stylist while I was in design school to pay for my education. Quickly I realized that I wouldn’t be successful if I was doing both at the same time and I needed to focus on just one. Fast forward to the present. I have been a stylist for 20+ years, I didn’t go to college, and I have no business experience, but I had the idea.

I did not take any business classes, I didn’t know the first thing about starting a business, and I didn’t have the money needed to get a business going, but I went for it and took the risk. During lockdown. I dialed into free classes online that taught me how to create an Instagram business account, and how to take my own professional photos, and I googled what I needed to do in order to make my business official. I joined the FOUNDERS Organization led by Candy Valentino which was a business mastermind group and continued to put myself in rooms of people smarter than me so I could continue to learn and expand my company.

I continue to take risks because I feel it’s the only way to grow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Renee Sorgi, the Founder and Owner of THE REAL RENEE Allergy Friendly Snacks. THE REAL RENEE™ is a 100% woman-owned business that creates snacks specifically for families afflicted with food allergies. I founded my company after spending three years learning about my own autoimmune issues. I was always frustrated with the limited amount of snacks I could purchase in a store. Eventually, I realized I was not alone and that it was hard for kids with food allergies to find snacks they enjoyed too. So, I decided to create my own granola and crackers, which are free from all nine main food allergens plus coconut. My goal is to reach as many families with food allergies as I can to help provide them with healthy snacks they enjoy.

I am super proud of the fact that I have created these amazingly delicious snacks out of ingredients that are not only clean, but safe for children and adults who cannot enjoy most products they see in the store.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting has become second nature to me! Just when I feel that I am on the right track with something, a curve ball gets thrown and I am back to the drawing board for a quick pivot.

This has been the truest for my journey in finding a commercial kitchen. I think I am up to number 8. 8 kitchens that almost happened or were possibilities and for one reason or another, they didn’t work out. It’s been an extremely frustrating journey, but when you look at what I am trying to accomplish as a whole, it’s no wonder why it’s taking so long.

Why is it so challenging? Well, I have been looking for a commercial kitchen space for about 3 years. I am looking for a space that I can keep free from all of the allergens my products are free from so that there is no risk of cross-contamination, and that I can comfortably afford. To build out a space could cost up to $100,000 and that is not in my start-up budget. It also needs to be in a location that is convenient for my family. I have 2 kids that are 7 and 11 and I need to be close to them. I’ve thought about co-packers but decided against it.

The right one will come along, and I am excited for that next chapter.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

So far, the best source for new clients has been the farmer’s markets. I have traveled around to a handful, some were better for me than others, but I love the interaction with the customers at all of them. I love it when my customers read the labels and ask questions about the ingredients. I love to see people of all ages get excited when they can actually try a sample because at most places like Costco for instance, they can’t. I love to see my regulars every week and hear their stories of how they brought crackers to a party, and they were a huge hit. I especially love it when people stop by my table because they may not have allergies themselves, but they have a loved one, friend, or neighbor who does and they want to treat them. Customers also aren’t shy when they don’t like something, and that feedback helps me make my products better. You can’t get that experience when you are not interacting in person.

Contact Info:

• Website: therealrenee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealrenee.snacks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealreneesnacks
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealrenee/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+real+renee+allergy+friendly+snacks

Image Credits
Olivia Stouffer- Liv in the Moment Photography Jenna Joann Photos