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Rauland A. Sharp
Founder/CEO
Rauland was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. At an early age, he was exposed to a vast array of foods, but also witnessed food disparities in the communities he lived and attended school in. While attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida his interest in history and foodways led him to take a class on food sustainability. However, he also witnessed first-hand how fast food and a lack of connection to African foodways negatively impacted African-American communities across the country.
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Jonathan Brown
Co-Founder/CFO
Jonathan and Rauland met freshman year at Florida A & M University later graduating together with their Bachelor’s in Business and MBAs. Jonathan started his professional career in the Banking industry, serving roles in Wealth Management, Brokerage, and Risk Management over the next decade. His life and career were upended when he developed a mental health condition that would later be diagnosed as bipolar disorder.
Early in his recovery, with the encouragement of Rauland, Jonathan researched plant-based remedies and holistic solutions for managing mental health and wellness. This led to him adopting a mainly plant-based diet, intermittent fasting, meditation, and regular exercise. Fast forward to today, Jonathan has partnered with Rauland to introduce the Sharp Snack brand to this new and thriving plant-based food market, as a co-founder and CFO.
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Marco Chavez
Marco’s family migrated to the US from Mexico City in the early 90’s when he was 5 years old. He lived in Chicago for 13 years and decided to return to Mexico City after high school graduation to pursue higher education in Mexico and be closer to family. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in International Commerce in 2009. Being bilingual, and studying international commerce he had the opportunity to work for international companies, with a focus on international trade, customs and logistics.
He met Rauland in high school and they were able to keep in touch with him thanks to social media. Sometime in 2016 Rauland asked him if he would be interested in helping him develop a business around amaranth and a healthy way of living, which he found very interesting and enriching. Not only because he’s always been interested in doing business but because it’s a great opportunity to develop business between the US and Mexico. Additionally, he finds great satisfaction in being able to provide a healthy alternative to those who are in search of it.