| Tell us about your company: |
| Marimix reimagines a nostalgic comfort-food with 100% clean ingredients and a fresh focus on inclusive nutrition: plant-based, gluten free, whole-grain and no artificial sugars, flavors or colors. We believe that wholesome food and whole-hearted fun deserve to go hand-in-hand, so we’re committed to making healthful everyday choices more accessible for all. |
| What inspired you to start your business? |
| Marimix, was founded in 1993 by Mari Fassett, a 4th-generation Japanese American who graduated from USC with a big bite from the entrepreneur bug. Inspired by the wildly addictive concoctions that Mari had been making since childhood, the original Marimix was a pioneer for specialty snacks. 30 years later, Crunch-Baked Snackmix made its renewed debut in 2023 leading a meaningful evolution for Marimix towards better-for-you innovation. For Mari, a proud mother of three brilliant daughters – all of whom attend or graduated from USC, the future of Marimix reflects her personal growth as a business leader and a grateful survivor of a brain aneurysm in 2017. “In the journey to recovery, and through the strength of my family,” says Mari, “I felt an opportunity…a responsibility…to champion everyday wellness for myself, and for our customers.” Marimix is proud to be: • Gluten free, plant based, whole grain, a good source of fiber with no artificial ingredients • A woman & minority-owned business • A 30-year member of the Orange, California business community • The exclusive manufacturer of all Marimix products |
| What are your proudest achievements so far? |
· Secured distribution in 500+ stores like Bristol Farms, Costco (Roadshows), Andronico’s, Select Safeway, Central Markets, Olivers, Draegers, Molly Stones, Vitamin Plus, United & Market Street & Albertson’s (Texas), Lunardi’s, Irvine Ranch, Pacific Ranch, Tokyo Central, Marukai and numerous independent stores. 2024 Highlights: · Good Housekeeping Best Snack Award Winner · Good Morning America, Feature – Best Snack Trends · Orange County Register Sunday Edition “Founder Decides to Mix It Up”, Nov. 24, 2024 · Mindful Awards – SnackMix Product of the Year · Startup CPG Shelfies Award · 2024 KeHE Distributors Trend Finder Finalist |
| What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs: |
| Never give up. You have what it takes. See obstacles as opportunities for growth. Face into challenges. Focus on Strategy, Structure, Staffing & Systems to grow your business. |
| Please share a memory or thought about your alma mater: |
| Met my husband at USC on a Greek Ski Trip to Heavenly Valley in Lake Tahoe. Made some of my best friends through my sorority and they encouraged me to follow my passion and start a snackmix company and to call it “Marimix”. |
Alumni Emporium 