Join us for an evening filled with inspiring stories from four West Michigan food entrepreneurs!
Starting at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 22 at the Downtown Market, guests will hear from a dynamic lineup of successful West Michigan food business owners, each with their own compelling story. From the initial spark of inspiration to overcoming obstacles in production, distribution, and marketing, these entrepreneurs will provide valuable insights into what it takes to thrive in a competitive market.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply passionate about food, this event is designed to provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. Don't miss this chance to gain firsthand knowledge from those who have successfully made their mark in the food business.
Joining us for the evening will be:
Reyna Masko, Aurora International Foods/Reyna's Michelada Mix
Reyna Masko is the Founder & CEO of Aurora International Foods whose mission is to be a robust and viable company committed to producing authentic, high quality, flavorful, and wholesome products. In June of 2023 she launched Reyna's Michelada Mix which is currently being sold at 20 Meijer stores and several breweries along the lakeshore and Grand Rapids area. Reyna has work includes the Ottawa County Friend of the Court for 25 years, chair of the County’s Cultural Intelligence Committee (CIC), assisted in the establishment of the Department of Ottawa County Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Co-founded the Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta, established the non-profit Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative (TCPI).
Olivia Gargett, OG's Bakery
Olivia Gargett is the owner of OG's Bakery, a custom sugar cookie and cake pop shop. She discovered her passion for baking at 12 and turned it into a full-time business after graduating in spring 2024. OG's Bakery offers unique treats tailored to each customer. Olivia specializes in handling small orders for parties and has recently started learning high-volume production after successfully selling a custom cookie to a coffee shop chain.
Nate Mehren, Fat Baby Hot Sauce
We’re a small batch, farm to bottle hot sauce company. We grow, care for and love the chilis that we use to make our sauces. Whether it’s one of our smoky flavors or tangy fresh offerings, we make hot sauce for people who use hot sauce – like “use it as a condiment” use it – not a dash or spritz from a lonely bottle that sits in their fridge for the next 2 years. (That should be a crime!)
Claudilane Nascimento, Nani Girl Snacks
Claudilane, aka 'Nani', a native of Brazil, moved to America in 2000. In 2017, her family moved to West Michigan, and that is where “Nani Girl Snacks” came to life. Growing up, she used to eat a variety of products made from cassava that were very memorable to me and my childhood. Since moving to America, she's noticed that there are very few cassava-based products on the market and decided that she wanted to change that, while also sharing a part of her story with the world!
By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.
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The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.