Entrepreneurship often stems from solving personal challenges and finding innovative solutions. Rachel Littell, a proud graduate of Cal State Fullerton’s Entrepreneurship program, embodies this spirit through her journey of creating Ziggy Bars—a nutritious snack brand that aims to make a difference for kids and parents alike.
The Genesis of Ziggy Bars
Rachel’s entrepreneurial journey started with a deeply personal problem. Her daughter suffered from severe digestive issues as a child, leading Rachel to experiment with creating snacks that promoted regularity. Through years of trial and error, Rachel perfected a recipe that worked wonders for her daughter and later, for many other kids in her in-home daycare.
“I realized how widespread this issue was,” Rachel shared. “Moms would talk, and I discovered that more kids suffer from these problems than don’t. So, I thought, why not turn this into a business?”
Armed with knowledge from her Entrepreneurship courses at Cal State Fullerton, Rachel took a leap of faith. Inspired by a class reading that said, “If you know of a problem and have a solution, you have a business,” she began crafting her vision. And Ziggy Bars was born.
Overcoming Challenges and Pivoting
Rachel’s first branding attempt, “Gotta Go,” didn’t resonate well. Customers misunderstood the name’s intent, leading to hesitation. “People would say, ‘I’ll eat this later when I’m home near a bathroom,’” Rachel recounted humorously. Realizing the need for a rebrand, Rachel brainstormed hundreds of names before settling on “Ziggy Bars,” inspired by her mom’s cat.
The new name immediately shifted perceptions. “Even with the same description, people were more willing to try Ziggy Bars right then and there,” Rachel noted. “It’s amazing how much a name can change the way people view your product.”
The Ziggy Bars Difference
Ziggy Bars cater to a unique gap in the market: snacks designed for kids that promote digestive health. Made with wholesome ingredients like oatmeal, date paste, and coconut oil, Ziggy Bars are all-natural and safe for regular consumption. Current flavors include:
- Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
Rachel is already innovating new flavors like Banana and Pumpkin Spice, aiming to launch them soon. “These bars are like a bowl of oatmeal in snack form,” Rachel explained. “They’re perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or anytime you need something nutritious.”
The Role of Mentorship
Rachel’s journey highlights the invaluable role of mentorship in entrepreneurship. Victor Macias, a fellow CSUF alumnus and successful entrepreneur, provided critical advice that helped Rachel navigate challenges, including maintaining her product’s integrity while exploring scaling options. “Victor told me not to change the ingredients that make Ziggy Bars effective, even if it meant facing production hurdles. That advice saved my business,” Rachel emphasized.
“Starting a business is hard, but if you’re passionate about your idea, you’ll find a way to make it work,” Rachel shared. “Don’t quit before you’ve given it everything you’ve got.”
A Testament to CSUF Entrepreneurship
Rachel’s story is a shining example of how CSUF Entrepreneurship equips students to turn ideas into impactful ventures. “The support I received from professors and mentors at Cal State Fullerton was instrumental,” Rachel said. “Their guidance helped me take my idea from concept to reality.”
Learn More
Support Rachel’s mission and try Ziggy Bars for yourself! Visit ziggybars.com to purchase her delicious treats today!
Cal State Fullerton’s Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to celebrate alumni like Rachel Littell, who embody the spirit of innovation and perseverance. If you have a business idea or want to learn more about our programs, reach out to us. Let’s make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality!