Meet Chef Renata Da Costa Teixeira, CEO, Foodie Real Fresh - startGBC March 2025 #WhyNotMe GBC Entrepreneur Spotlight
We had the pleasure to speak with Renata and learn more about Foodie Real Fresh. Check out the full article below.
About Entrepreneur Renata
I graduated with a degree in business in Brazil, which gave me a strong foundation in strategy, finance, and management. Over the years, my passion for cooking grew, so I decided to combine my business acumen with my love for culinary arts.
I am currently finishing my Culinary Management studies at George Brown College, which has allowed me to fine-tune my skills and broaden my understanding of the food industry.
During my time in Canada, I've created Foodie Real Fresh. Foodie Real Fresh offers a rotating menu every week, bringing you easy, delicious, and healthy meals without the hassle of cooking. You can order directly from our website Sunday to Thursday- www.foodierealfresh.ca and enjoy fresh, chef-prepared meals delivered every Sunday night straight to your doorstep.
Healthy eating has never been easier. You just place your order online and let us take care of the rest.
Academic Background
Degree in Business
Degree in Culinary Management
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
Becoming an entrepreneur was always in the back of my mind, but it wasn’t until I experienced life in Canada and saw an opportunity to combine my skills and passions that I truly knew it was the right path for me.
Growing up, I always had a strong sense of independence and creativity, and I loved the idea of building something from scratch. The spark came when I noticed a gap in the market for healthy, flavorful meals that reflected my Brazilian roots.
Why did you create your business?
Five years ago, I started Foodie Real Fresh by cooking for friends and neighbours in my community. What began as a small endeavour quickly turned into a thriving business, driven by the increasing demand for healthy and flavorful Brazilian-inspired meals.
Realizing the potential, I used social media to showcase my meals, and through WhatsApp, I began selling directly to customers. As demand grew, I took the next step by renting a commercial kitchen to scale up production and meet the needs of my growing customer base.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for growth, with sales surging as more people sought healthy, convenient meals. Since then, Foodie Real Fresh has continued to thrive, and I'm proud of the business we've built.
My entrepreneurial journey has been a blend of dedication, creativity, and learning—traits that I’m excited to continue applying as we deliver fresh, authentic Brazilian-inspired meals to our customers.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
The success I've experienced so far with Foodie Real Fresh has been incredibly rewarding. From starting out with cooking for friends and neighbours to now operating a thriving business, I’ve seen significant growth and learned valuable lessons along the way.
One of the key successes was realizing that there was a real demand for healthy, flavorful Brazilian-inspired meals, particularly within the Brazilian community here in Canada. This insight helped me establish a niche and build a loyal customer base.
Growing my Instagram and using WhatsApp as a sales platform was also a big success — it allowed me to connect with customers directly and build trust in my brand. Looking back, it’s the ability to keep growing, adapting, and delivering quality meals that I’m most proud of.
Foodie Real Fresh has come a long way, and the future looks promising as we continue to provide fresh, authentic Brazilian meals that our customers love.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Success in entrepreneurship comes from persistence, adaptability, and a clear vision. Stay committed to your goals, embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and never stop innovating. The journey won't always be easy, but those who push forward with passion and resilience will build something truly remarkable.
Any organisations or learning resources you would recommend?
Futurpreneur
Any books or podcasts you would recommend?
Zero to One by Peter Thiel & Blake Masters and Entrepreneur.com
Connect
Website: www.foodierealfresh.ca
Instagram: foodierealfresh
