Women in Business, Latesha Randall: Having always been a foodie, Latesha Randall spent many happy hours in her early twenties wandering the aisles of Farro and Nosh in Auckland, picking up different products she could not afford, admiring their packaging and wondering what they tasted like.
“I loved the idea of creating a product that people would have in their homes and enjoy sharing with family and friends, but I never expected it to work out the way it did with becoming a fully-fledged yoghurt manufacturer,” said Randall, now co-founder of Raglan Food Co.
From working in radio, insurance, events, sales and accounting, Randall has done it all since she was 16. She started various ventures which helped her build a diverse range of skills.
Her latest significant accomplishment was when Raglan Food Co. was finally launched in the United States last year.
“It was so exciting seeing pictures of the yoghurt on shelves in New York.”
Randall admires her fellow female food leaders who are motivated by values and want to improve things, like the Chia Sisters, Sarah from Yum Granola, Oonagh from Weave Cacao, and Morgan from Boring Oat Milk.
“They show that creating a successful business is possible without compromising on doing the right thing. I would advise women starting in the food industry not to be afraid to stand by what matters to them.”
If she could go back in time, she would tell her younger self the same, to do things even if she is afraid. One will never have all the answers, so just start and learn the rest along the way.
Everything that Randall does is connected to her values, mainly building connections and making a difference, which is why she is spending her spare time in her charitable trust, The Values Trust, focused on making a difference for climate, creatures, and children's literacy.
