At the Snack Society not only does founder Kamilla Omarzay deliver some of the most delicious, “free-from” and healthy treats, but also shares some of her best recipes so that you can make them yourself!
Having always been a lover of all kinds of delicious food, Kamilla found for the most of her entire adult life that she suffered from all sorts of digestive problems ranging from bloating, heartburn and stomach cramps. It was back In May 2015 that Kamilla was diagnosed with a long list of food intolerances, including wheat, dairy, and sugar. We are sure many of you can relate to just how extremely challenging it became to have been forced to bring about a complete change in her diet.
It was actually during her usual morning scroll through Facebook, Kamilla came across a recipe for delicious-looking coconut, date and almond balls made with all natural ingredients. Attempting to make them herself at home, an epiphany was born from the first bite. Kamilla started experimenting with different flavours, creating her own recipes and sharing the results with her family, friends, and colleagues.
It wasn’t until January 2016 that Kamilla felt she was ready to share the good news: Eating clean does not mean missing out on the best things in life. This is when The Snack Society was born. The Snack Society is a great platform where Kamilla now shares her love for healthy eating and show us that it can be made simple, delicious and doesn’t have to break the bank.
The Snack Society recipes promise to be free from gluten, dairy, soy, refined sugar, additives, and preservatives. Using only coconut, buckwheat, tapioca, arrowroot, almond and oat as flour substitutes; maple syrup, honey, dates, date syrup and coconut sugar in place of refined sugar and coconut oil instead of butter, margarine, and other oils. We have managed to pull away from her glossy website to give our eyes and dribbling mouths a break to pen a few questions with Kamilla about her background prior to The Snack Society and the journey behind how she got to where she is now.
Can you share a typical 24 hours with us Kamilla?
I start my day with a 15-minute meditation followed by a nutritious breakfast. Then I go to work, for lunch, I usually have a salad with a protein or some rice or pasta with veggies. By 5pm I head to the gym for strength workout followed by a warm bath, dinner and read a book and sleep by 10pm.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background prior to The Snack Society?
I was born in Kabul Afghanistan, then I moved to Dubai when I was 3. I’ve lived in Dubai ever since and I went to school here. I went on to start my career in advertising and media when I was just 20. I gave my up corporate career in 2016 to start The Snack society, as I suffered from a lot of health issues.
Can you tell us about The Snack Society products you sell?
At the moment I am working on launching my first ever product to the market in the next few months. It is called energy bites, it is made with all natural and organic ingredients.
Back in 2015, you were diagnosed with a long list of foods intolerances including wheat, dairy, and sugar. As the founder yourself, can you identify how difficult it was to bring a complete change in your diet?
it was very difficult to eliminate practically everything you have been used to eating and grew up eating. But there are so many replacement options, it’s all about bringing the right ingredients together and mixing them up to create delicious and nutritious foods.
We know that you made a visit to the local supermarket and strolled through their “Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Organic” aisle, only to find that products were full of refined sugar, artificial preservatives, and additives. So how much additional research did you undertake prior to launching to understand what you intended to bring to the market?
I visited all the supermarkets in Dubai where I live and I couldn’t find a product that was free from gluten dairy eggs and sugar and was tasty at the same time. So I decided to create that product.
How have you funded the company? Is it bootstrapped or have your received investments?
So far I’ve been funding it myself.
What is your most seminal moment for you so far?
The last 10 months working on launching my first product.
Any challenging times you have had to overcome? When were they and how did you learn to overcome them?
Finding the right manufacturer is the most challenging thing to find. I got lucky to have found a good one.
Have you ever had to deal with any doubts of contention or lack of support from relatives or friends? If so how did you push through?
My friends and family have been very supportive so far.
Have you ever had a business mentor, and if so what have you learnt?
My father was a really good role model for me growing up. He’s been running a successful business ever since I was born.
Which methods are you using to build your audience and expand your network?
Mostly social media.
What is the best piece of advice you have received to date?
Not to take anything too personal, it’s not about you becuase it’s never about you.
What would you tell your 18-year-old-self?
Relax. Just relax.
Which other female pioneers do you also admire and why?
Oprah Winfrey! She is my ultimate role model. She went through so much and never gave up and look at where she is now.
What Youtube or online space channels are you watching currently?
None at the moment.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
The power of now by Eckhart Tolle, it changed my life
What does success look like in your eyes?
Success is when your happy doing what you do and you can monetise it at the same time.
What does #BEYOUROWN mean to you?
To be unapologetically yourself in your own unique way.
You hit the nail on the head there! Lastly, what is next for you and The Snack Society throughout 2018?
Launch my product and my cookbook.
Instagram: @thesnacksociety
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesnacksociety
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoP47ageF601nOuFWZ9AbhQ
Website: http://thesnacksociety.com
