Welcome to the Business Boot-Up Edition of The Dreamers and Doers Podcast! We believe you are never too young to start a business. We’re bringing you live interviews from the Norman Farmer’s Market in Norman, OK. Each episode will feature one of our student-run businesses where they will be sharing what they’ve learned by starting a business to encourage you to start yours too!

Powered by the Norman Chamber of Commerce and Sponsored by First United Bank.

Ranna Bigdely: Healthy Cooking Instructor and Herbalist

Ranna Bigdely is a healthy cooking instructor and herbalist. She is a first generation American, born in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Iranian immigrants. Ranna hopes to inspire people to cook at home by teaching classes featuring local and organic seasonal ingredients. As an herbalist, she uses food and medicinal herbs to stay connected with her nomadic ancestors. Her goal is to educate and familiarize others with the natural foods that would bring them together and keep them healthy. She focuses on food synergy and balance in her classes and helps those who seek overall wellbeing and connection. Ranna has taught classes to large groups and small in-home classes, written articles, been in podcasts, and given private one on one consultations.

Growing up Ranna wanted to fit in and it wasn’t until high school she realized the opportunity she has to sharing her family’s culture, traditional foods and recipes with her friends. She believes that what is unique about you is what others want to know and experience with you.

As an big dreamer and entrepreneur she encourages others to not let the idea in your head of how it’s going to work out, prevent you from working through the snags of executing your vision. Don’t give up; adjust.

For Ranna, the most rewarding part of teaching others is the “aha” moment when a student understands a new concept or task. She constantly tells her students to go ahead and try it, don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Give yourself a chance by trying something new.

Shawn Jones: Garden Tales

Owner and Operator of Garden Tales, Shawn Jones started the business with his family in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown in March 2020 as a backyard garden project. The entire family started the garden that operates to this day. The garden consists of a variety of tomatoes, hot peppers, bell peppers and many other things like cucumbers, strawberries, blackberries, and they’re even growing a lemon tree! Many things are to come year after year with Garden Tales. But one must first try to believe!