GoKawiilKey Takeaways Nastasi and Iannelli built their superfood-glazed granola bar brand while attending Rowan University.
Through personal savings and pitch competitions, they funded their business to $8,000 a month.
They’re eyeing $1 million in annual revenue — and are excited to focus on the business full-time.
This Side Hustle Spotlight Q&A features Harrison Nastasi, 21, and Justin Iannelli, 21, of Pine Hill, New Jersey. The recent Rowan University graduates are the entrepreneurs behind Bobica Bars, a business selling superfood-glazed granola bars. The friends turned founders built Bobica as a side hustle during college. Today, Bobica sees consistent monthly revenue averaging $8,000 and is aiming for $1 million in annual revenue. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Image Credit: Bobica Bars. Harrison Nastasi, left, and Justin Iannelli, right.
Starting a superfood side hustle as college students
When did you start your side hustle, and what inspired it?
Nastasi: We officially started in 2022. The side hustle inspiration came from my parents and a very specific summer ritual. I used to bike to the local açaí shop to bring my mom her favorite superfood bowl. She relied on the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits to help with her arthritis. By the time I got home, the bowl had usually melted into a sugary puddle she no longer wanted. And even fresh, smoothie bowls came with a hidden cost: sky-high sugar that worked against the very benefits she was after.
Around the same time, my dad was diagnosed with celiac disease. The message was clear. Our family needed snacks that were both functionally beneficial and genuinely allergy-safe. Justin and I built Bobica Bars first to serve our own family’s health challenges. Now, we’re giving the wider community a snack that delivers real superfood benefits without compromise.
That decision changed everything for us.
... continue reading