What started as trying something new in the kitchen morphed into something more than Chicago native Nikkita Randle could ever imagine. Birthed from a love of food and a passion for cooking, she established Twisted Eggroll in January of 2015, with aspirations of touching the lives of the masses.
Twisted Eggroll is a frozen packaged traditional egg roll with an infused spin. Current packaged product flavors include Buffalo Chicken, Veggie Southwestern, and Cheesesteak. The company also consists of a catering service in the Chicago area. Its extended menu features additional flavors such as chicken fajita, pizza, mac and cheese, and desserts such as cheesecake and sweet potato egg rolls.
Since its creation, Twisted Eggroll has received numerous awards and honors, including receiving the Red Eye Big Idea Award Food & Drink 2015, striking a partnership with 1871 to establish the ChiBuys program, and being a vendor of the inaugural Chicago Riverwalk Community Marketplace.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Randle to discuss the genesis of Twisted Eggroll, her biggest inspirations, and some of the challenges she faces as a Black woman in business.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Nikkita Randle?
Nikkita Randle: I am a charismatic spirit that loves God, family, traveling, cooking, eating, and music. A graduate of both the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Keller Graduate School of Management and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I am fueled by my parent’s devotion to leaving an incredible legacy.
Growing up, did you always know you’d be a food entrepreneur?
Growing up, I had a love of singing and dancing. So when I got “Moonwalker” on VHS, I had it on repeat. I wanted to do information systems or become an attorney by high school. Although my mother had me cooking since I was five years old, I had not aspired to become a food entrepreneur.
Please tell us all about Twisted Eggroll and the inspiration behind it?
In 2014, my boyfriend asked me to make cheesesteak egg rolls. Soon after, he asked for cheesecake egg rolls. Both turned out fantastic. While sitting at work one day, the vision came to me for Twisted Eggroll. I realized that I could put anything in an egg roll and started coming up with recipes and started the LLC in Jan 2015. I lost my father to ALS in 2010, but he planted the seed of entrepreneurship and building generational wealth through owning my own. That’s what inspires me most.
What are some of the unique challenges you’ve faced as a black woman in business?
One challenge is always making sure to check my temperament. As a Black woman, I don’t want to be labeled “angry” or “too emotional.” Finding the right balance to command the room and be respected is always the goal.
Who are some women you look up to who may have encouraged and inspired you professionally and in life in general?
My mom has been my biggest female inspiration. She is a fighter as she’s a breast cancer survivor. She’s also a prayer warrior and was devoted as she nursed my father at home until he was called to glory. There are many boss women that deserve their flowers but in general, I move the way I move to make her proud. So she will know that every sacrifice she and my Daddy made will never be in vain.
What are three principles or ideals you try to abide by in your business dealings?
1. Be Approachable
2. Be Accountable
3. Cultivate a fresh experience for my Customers and Community
Do you have a favorite little-known Black History fact?
The first black lawyer was John Mercer Langston. He was the great-uncle of Langston Hughes.
Can you name a book that changed or impacted your life?
A book that impacted me was _Soar_ by T**.D. Jakes**. “If this could be our community’s mantra — teach, reach, and glean — I believe we could have a solid foundation of visionary entrepreneurs building a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
What are three words that those closest to you would use to describe you?
Dependable, thoughtful, and consistent.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I do not enjoy dressing. I know it’s a black staple food, but I just don’t care for it. (Laughs)
Best advice for aspiring business professionals?
Surround yourself with an amazing team. You will need their continued support and love. Despite all these “self-made” people, I truly believe that no one has ever made it on their own.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness.”
What’s next for Nikkita Randle and Twisted Eggroll?
I want to get Twisted Eggroll into more retail stores and eventually have it produced by a co-manufacturer. I desire to speak publicly and bless others on this journey. The vision God has placed in my heart is big enough to embody others’ dreams as well so keep an eye on me because there is definitely more to come.
For more information on Twisted Eggroll, please visit www.twistedeggroll.com and connect with them on social media at @twisted_eggroll.
