My Comments: I first found this company when perusing Amazon for products and was intrigued by it. Then I met some of the people from the company at Expo West in Anaheim and tried the product for the first time. It was, Yum at 1st Bite! The Tiger Nut is chewy on the outside and sweet, tasty and satisfying. I also tried the Raw Granola and Horchata – which incorporate the Tiger Nut into them and those where just as wonderful. I look forward to seeing more products made using this amazing tuber/small root vegetable from Spain. It has numerous health benefits as the #1 resistant starch/prebiotic. I also love that they do not use agave or cane sugar to sweeten their Horchata drink, but instead use dates. Thanks for bringing this great product to the USA!
I want to give thanks to Ludovica Vigliardi Paravia, PR Representative and Europe Sales Coordinator at Organic Gemini, for all her efforts and assistance.
For the twenty-fourth interview, I have the pleasure of introducing you to
Mariam Kinkladze, co-founder and CEO of Organic Gemini founded by Mariam Kinkladze and George Papanastasatos in 2013.
Question #1: Tell me briefly about yourself and why you decided to get involved in the “health” industry?
Healing myself from a cancerous cyst following a raw diet showed me how lost we are as a society and how much real-food diet relates into health. Learning and living with an awareness of proper health is empowering. I’ve spent a lot of time educating myself through books, travel and advice from fellow health ambassadors I’ve met along the way. When I realized how much confidence I had found from knowing what to put in my body, I started feeling better in more than just a physical sense.
That was one of my biggest reasons for getting involved in the foods industry. I want to remind people that you can contribute to a better tomorrow for ourselves. Treat your body well, take time in the day to clear your mind and your soul with feel satisfied.
Question #2: If you were stranded on a desert island and were allowed to take only 5 items with you (they can be food, books or specific products that are all health-related), what would they be and why?
1. Tigernuts
2. Water filter
3. Photos of my loved ones
4. Toothbrush
5.Yoga mat–Any time, any place..stop drop and yoga. This would definitely be on a top 5 necessity list for life. Also, I’m sure if I were on a desert island a yoga mat could comfortably double as a cushion for sleep. haha.
Question #3: What one message do you want to share with the people of this world that is crucial for their ultimate well-being and longevity?
We all live our own personal story. What we add and take out of it is up to us, so we have the power to close our own chapters and write our own introductions.. Keeping that in mind, look for things to smile about, remind yourself daily of what you have and live gratefully.
Question #4: If someone could afford to purchase only one product at this moment to start their journey towards better health (food or health-related), what would you recommend and why?
A nice blender goes a long way. I’ve been experimenting so much lately with my own fruit smoothies and TigerNuts, that I’ve been soaking at home. They’ve been turning out great and my son also enjoys the entertainment of the colors. Very versatile invention in the sense of what you can make in it. I also believe that having fun while you make food gives you the best recipes. Splurge on a nice blender, save so much in the long run!
Question #5: Tell me more about your business/company and/or products you offer to the public to help them achieve optimal health and well-being?
Organic Gemini is on a mission to share the beneficial beauty of earth’s ancient super root, the TigerNut. Our company is only 1 year young, but it’s been a constant cycle and mission to spread our love through Organic living. We’ve found multiple functionalities to incorporate Organic TigerNuts into your daily living, and the best part is how much fun we’ve had doing so. We offer Cold-Pressed Horchata, Flour, Oil and Granola, along with demonstrations and a verbal education on how to use our products in day to day cooking. To me, education is most important..especially when you set out to talk about a vegetable with such traditionally cheeky name.
Question #6: What are your hopes/aspirations/dreams for the future health of the people and the planet?
My dreams for the planet all come down to Proactive Awareness and Empowerment of the people through nutrient dense diet. Together, with those things we can start a movement in ourselves and in our community. Positivity spreads!
Question #7: Who is your greatest hero and why?
My greatest hero is my husband, who also happens to be my business partner. I find new inspiration through him daily and he reminds me why we’re on this journey to support something we truly believe in.
Question #8: Is there anything else you would like to share with the public?
I am already saying way more than I’d normally do.
Question #9: I know that there are variables as to how much food/calories each person consumes when eating raw vegan food (based on many lifestyle factors, etc), but is there a basic guideline you would recommend for everyone?
There is no such thing as the best diet – Follow your intuition like our ancestors did. Listen to your body, note how you feel after you eat certain foods.
As an added bonus, I have asked some questions of employees who work at the company: Robert Gleyberman, Assistant to Director of Operations; Chris, E-commerce and Demo Coordinator and Ludovica Vigliardi Paravia, PR Representative and Europe Sales Coordinator at Organic Gemini
Question #1: How did you come to work for this company?
Robert: I came to work for this company by odd chance. I was perusing Craigslist for an interesting job and stumbled upon Organic Gemini. I have a degree in biology and have always been interested in health, so I thought that this would be a natural fit- and it is!
Chris: I was at Whole Foods and the TigerNut Horchata packaging caught my eye, I beelined for it. A few days later I met someone who worked at Organic Gemini and she asked me if I would like to be a brand ambassador for them. It was more than just a coincidence! A month later, I asked her if my fiancee could come onboard too!
Ludovica: I met Mariam Kinkladze when we were both students at Columbia University. Mariam was looking for a PR representative to help increase media exposure for Organic Gemini and, since I truly believed in her company from day 1 and already had experience in PR, she offered me this incredible opportunity.
Question #2: What has been your own personal “health” journey and what do you
foresee for the future?
Robert: My personal health journey started last fall when I wanted to get fit for a vacation to Aruba. Long story short, almost 7 months later I still continue to work out everyday and make smarter food choices. Organic Gemini’s products have done nothing but accelerate my journey, as my immune system has seen an improvement thanks to all of the probiotics that I have been consuming. I foresee the future as being filled with even better choices regarding health and I cannot wait to continue my journey.
Chris: I am beyond excited about our new TigerNut Horchata+ Green. It’s a wonderful way to get in a healthy dose of powerful green veggies each day. I felt and looked my best when I was making green smoothies in the morning, but I had to add in a fruit to make it taste enjoyable. Our new green horchata is perfect for people like me who want to eat the most powerful green veggies but still be delicious!
Ludovica: I always loved to workout and eat healthy food. However, working for Organic Gemini, has made me more aware of the foods that have healing properties and the foods that we should avoid. When I first started working for Organic Gemini I did not know what a TigerNut was and where it was grown. Now, I can’t stop eating them and I am so happy to have found such a nutrient dense food rich in fiber!
For more information about this company and all the products they sell, go to: http://www.organicgemini.com
Also check out the video review of their products on my youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/TheRawsomeVeganGal