When Regina Trillo moved from Mexico City to Chicago 12 years ago, one of the first things she did was go to the supermarket. She struggled to find nopales or cactus paddles to make nopales salads and tacos she was used to eating at home.
“And when I entered the ‘ethnic aisle’ all of the brands I saw that were inspired by Latino culture were unfortunately based in stereotypes of Latinos,” Trillo said. “I saw on the packaging many indigenous women cooking, sombreros, men with vests on spicy salsas, and everything with artificial ingredients.”
In 2019, Trillo started Nemi Snacks, a healthy and authentic crispy snack made from cactus that now is sold in over 400 stores nationwide.
The name ‘Nemi,’ comes from the word “to live” in the Aztecan language Náhuatl. Trillo uses cactus paddles or nopales, in her snacks, something she was used to cooking with at home, but a not commonly-used vegetable in the United States. She said because the paddles are typically thrown out in cooking, and cactuses themselves are plants that require very little water, they products are sustainable.
Trillo describes how her business took a “different path.” She started going store to store, pitching her snacks to the owners. Now, she sells Nemi Snacks online, wholesale and at her store on Fulton and Damen.
Credit: nemisnacks
Trillo came up with the recipe herself, in her own kitchen in Edgewater. She said it was difficult to make a crunchy and tasty snack without artificial flavors or colors, but eventually, she made it perfect. Nemi snacks are rich in nutrients and low in calories. She’s developed four distinct flavors: Chile Turmeric, Churro, Mexican Lime, and Smoky Chipotle.
Starting the business came with challenges. Having previously worked as a lawyer for several years, Trillo said starting her own business came with a learning curve. And the snack market is saturated, she said.
“The main reason we don’t start businesses, especially women, is fear,” she said. “Fear that we won’t know what to do.”
Despite the challenges, Trillo is proud to represent her culture.
“It’s a great honor, responsibility and gift to be Latina and share my culture,” she said. “What brings me joy every day when I wake up and when I go to bed is the satisfaction that I can share this elevated and high quality version of my culture.”
Cover Photo: “Un snack spread MUY bonito y delicioso” – Credit: nemisnacks
Isabelle Butera is a student at Northwestern University, studying Journalism and Sociology. Among Butera’s accomplishments is being awarded funding to research and produce a documentary-style podcast about Queer third spaces in Chicago.