Welcome to another Hot Seat Interview. The Hot Seat is our community spotlight! Are you a creative type? Want us to feature you? We’d love to learn about your creative business or hobby. Click here to get started!
We recently had the pleasure of working on logo design and branding as well as packaging for new food business Kiki’s Raw. Kiki’s Raw is Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free, yummy food products handcrafted in San Francisco. You can now find Kiki’s Raw in the cold case at Rainbow Grocery, San Francisco. Kiki wanted her brand to communicate simple earthy elegance. Heres what we came up with…
Kiki's Raw Logo Design by ARTdeezine
In February Kiki rolled out her first 3 products: Almond Sun-Dried Tomato Pate′, Smoky Chipotle Chili, and Not Yo Cheez Sauce. She has a whole line of new products she is currently working on that will also soon be available. And let me tell you, the perks of working closely with a client who is creating and testing recipes DAILY is awesome…especially when everything she creates is extremely healthy! I am learning so much about Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free food everyday thanks to Kiki. I wanted to share a little taste of what I’ve been learning so I sat down with Kiki to chat about this new culinary journey she is embarking on…
Introducing Kiki of Kiki’s Raw
1. Tell us about yourself / background:
I have a few years of prepping in a kitchen as a young lass under my belt as well as a lifetime of hosting fabulous and nourishing backyard barbeques to formal dinners. As a licensed massage therapist/yoga practitioner for almost 3 decades, I have developed close ties to communities focused on health, wellness and nutrition. Combining the two talents has led me to create this business.
2. In a nutshell, tell us about your business, art or craft:
The target of Kiki’s Raw is to allow people ready access to fresh, raw/vegan, gluten-free food that’s fantastically delicious and ready to eat. What if we could celebrate and nourish our bodies and minds through clean, sustainable, simple, cruelty-free, raw/vegan, gluten-free food? We can when we share the abundance, aliveness and just plain deliciousness that raw food gifts us.
3. How long have you been in business or doing this?
We officially started February 6, 2012 with our first delivery to Rainbow Grocery in San Francisco!
4. Tell us a little about your process?
Kiki’s Raw Food uses exquisite ingredients that are organic and locally sourced, if possible, to produce food that is so elegant it doesn’t taste like it’s “good for you.” Our food is handcrafted in small batches with impeccable care. We soak all seeds and nuts so the enzyme inhibitors are removed and the seeds are awakened and bursting with energy. Flavors and textures are patiently developed through soaking, marinating and dehydrating and are never cooked or heated above 108 degrees F. In so doing, the food’s enzymes are maintained. This allows an ease of digestion and a greater assimilation of nutrients. In other words, your body has to work less to get more vitality.
5. Is it true that most of your products are Probiotic? There seems to be a growing interest in Probiotics, can you give those of us who are curious a brief explanation?
Yes it is true! Probiotics are bacteria that are usually found in fermented foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha and kefir. They are the “good” bacteria that are beneficial to colon health, nutrient absorption and digestion, and they boost the immune system.
6. What or who inspires your work?
My inspiration comes from all the people who contributed time…tasting my recipes, giving me valuable feedback and cheering me on before I launched. Kids inspire me…I love to see them enjoy real, live food!
7. What do you love most about your work/art?
The most gratifying thing about Kiki’s Raw is the possibility of change in peoples’ lives. Even a small change in your eating habits to a more plant-based diet can bring noticeable health benefits immediately…weight loss, shinier hair, clearer skin, more energy and a glow from within!
8. What tool(s) can you not live without?
Ah, the tools I cannot live without are my super-sharp chef’s knife, high-speed blender and silicone spatula!
9. What is your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge we have right now is gaining more shelf space. We have many more products to roll out so are currently looking to expand to more stores, farmer’s markets and festivals. Oh, and always being two steps ahead of myself!!
10. Is there a question you wish we would ask?
What’s next?
What next Kiki? What I love about Kiki is that she is passionate about food and she is a risk taker who is ready to make a move! She is always experimenting and loves sharing her findings and therefore is an amazing teacher, coach, consultant… What’s next? You can check out Kiki’s upcoming workshop and get hands on experience with creating your own Raw, Vegan, GF recipes customized to your tastes. She will be conducting ongoing workshops so stay posted as we follow Kiki on her Culinary Journey!
Kiki's Raw products now available in the cold case at Rainbow Grocery, SF
KIKI’S UPCOMING WORKSHOP:
SPRING INTO NATURAL HEALTH: A hands-on workshop with Kiki!
Sunday March 18th, 3-6pm
Would you like to…have more energy, lose weight, detox your body and prevent disease? Then this 3 hour intro class may be what you’ve been looking for. This is a hands on class where you will learn to prepare super easy and delicious raw/vegan/gluten-free nut milks, various pates, zucchini alFREEdo, and chocolate pudding! We will feast on what we create and if we are lucky enough to have leftovers you may go home with something too!
Well-being through the power of food!
For more information and location contact Kiki: kiki@kikisraw.com
How long have you been in business or doing this?
I love to be able to create something that someone else can use to be creative themselves. I love to hear how people are going to use my stamps…for their business, their wedding, their son/daughter’s birthday invitations…It’s just great to know that my work will continue to have a life in another persons’ hands.
