– Nelli, tell us about your work. How did you start your company? What was the hardest part?
I am a big fan of healthy food and dieting as well as natural products. As a cosmetologist, I have always recommended to my clients not just care products, but also a healthy nutrition to achieve the best result. After all, poor nutrition affects the way we look. At first, I wanted to launch my own line of Organic creams. It was a good idea, but the competition was insane. Someone prompted me to contact a non-profit that helps people with starting a business. During that time, I stopped following a healthy diet and started having health problems. My doctor recommended giving up gluten-containing foods. It was very, very difficult for me. But my love of cooking helped. I started trying gluten-free cookie recipes, and they turned out delicious. I let the manager from the non-profit try the food I cooked, and she really liked it. She introduced me to a healthy food store. They invited me to be their supplier. I gladly agreed. I was given only one month to organize the delivery process, but everything worked out for me. The non-profit helped me a lot. The cookies were a big hit too, but I didn’t have time to do both, because I also worked at a salon as an esthetician. My cookies were featured in a Richmond Magazine article in Virginia “The 50 Best Foods in Richmond Virginia.” Since I was about to move to Austin, I discontinued my cookie line. After moving to Austin, I decided to start a healthy food business. When I had people over, I offered various dishes from the Georgian cuisine. Among the guests was Tatiana, who had just opened a Russian store. She invited me to sell my products in her store, and I agreed. At some point, I stopped working with Tatiana. People began to recognize me. Many people missed their home country and the cuisine. They started ordering from me directly. This is how my business started. I still want to pursue my dream of making healthy food at some point.
– Where did you live before and how did you get to Austin?
I came to America 20 years ago. First, I lived in Buffalo, then Chicago, then Virginia. I was a in the beauty industry in Virginia and heard a lot of good things about Austin from my clients.
They said that there was work here and a good market. I really wanted my own healthy food business. Austin is a young and thriving city with many young people interested in healthy food. I came to see it twice and decided to move here.
– What do you like the most about Austin?
The people here are really nice and friendly. Austin offers many opportunities. It is a very green and beautiful city.
– How do you participate in the life of the Russian-speaking community?
I did sales of my food at the Russian school a few times. Unfortunately, I’m struggling to dedicate more time to the community as my business takes up most of my time. I spend all my time cooking so that the Russian-speaking people here can reconnect with and enjoy the food of their home country.
– What are your other interests and passions?
I love active sports. I garden whenever I get a free minute. I also like going to museums and exhibitions. Furthermore, I also like reading, but I chose sports over reading in my free time.
– How can the Austin Russian-speaking community support you?
Come to khachapuri. This is how they you support me. I am very grateful to the Russian-speaking people for their support and patience, if I get behind on something. Everyone is so understanding and I really appreciate it.
– What would you like to wish to the Russian-speaking community in Austin?
For children – to study their native language and culture. For Russian speakers in general – to be closer to each other.
– What would you like Americans to learn about the Russian culture, traditions, and holidays?
I would like them to learn more about Russian cuisine.
Contact information:
Nelli Mchalski
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nelli.mchalski
Interviewer: Olga Kravchenko
Editor: Olga Adler
Publisher: Russian Cultural Center