Q & A with Renee Dunn

1. City of residence: Washington dc

2. Place of birth: Washington DC

3. In under five sentences, define your business:

Amäzi Foods is a mindful food company, on a mission to help you Snack on Purpose. Ethically sourced and sustainably produced in partnership with small businesses in Uganda, our line of vegan, healthy (and above all, tasty!) snacks support farming communities, job creation, and more connected supply chains.

4. What social or environmental impact is your business making?

Amäzi works to build supply chains that are inclusive of the economies at the source. We are focused not only on supporting ethical sourcing and organic farm practices, but also on strengthening local businesses and creating job opportunities. I aim to close the gap in our existing supply chains, that oftentimes leaves the resource countries at the resource level, instead of encouraging more local industry and value addition. As a result, many of these countries (particularly in Uganda) suffer from high unemployment, food waste, and crowded local markets with no connection to a market beyond their own. To date, we source from a network of over 300 farmers directly at prices that are 33-67% higher than market price, and we have created 30+ jobs and sustainable income for Ugandan youth through the production of our Jackfruit Chews and Plantain Chips.

5. What is the best part of the work you’re doing? Why?

I love fostering connection. From farmer to final product on the shelf, I love that we’re closing a gap through a product that is so tangible and accessible. And as an introvert, Amäzi often forces me out of my comfort zone to recognize that and realize once again that this is what energizes me!

6. Out of all the products you produce, which is your favorite? Chili lime jackfruit chews!

7. If you could share just one piece of wisdom with the world, what would it be? 

Let your fear of failure be far less than your fear of regret! And drop your expectations. They’re limiting.

8. What book(s) are you currently reading?

Reading Give Work; listening to You Are a Badass and Principles

9. Quote you (try to) live by?
“They may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”
“The beginning is always today.”

I try to reset often, and when I get caught up in what I’m doing or whether I’m doing enough, I try to think about the person I’m being instead.

10. Using one word, how would you describe yourself?
Dynamic… or perhaps impatient, insatiable, mobilizer, multifaceted, quirky…

11. What is one random fact most people don’t know about you?
I’m a fitness professional on the side! I’m a yoga teacher and a coach at MADabolic, where we offer form-focused strength and athletic training classes. I love it!