Homegirl’s Hummus Founder Niehla Ollie

Homegirl’s Hummus Founder Niehla Ollie

We all need at least one homegirl in our lives who we can talk to about anything and also make sure we have some good food and that is definitely Chicago native Niehla Ollie.

For makeup artist turned food entrepreneur, it was a vendor’s green hummus at a market in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that wouldn’t leave Niehla’s mind or taste buds. “So one night I am in Chicago really craving some of that hummus and I was like, ‘I’m pretty smart, I can cook. I am going to try to make my own hummus.'” After playing around, she hit the right flavor notes and even got her dad excited and saying, “I said I am going to start a company and call it Homegirl’s Hummus because I am everybody’s friend.” And in 2016, it was on as she introduced Prosperity (Spanish jalapeño) or her version of the green hummus that kicked it off as the founding flavor.

Since launching, Niehla has expanded Homegirl’s Hummus’ offerings to include Refresh or a lemon basil hummus, Revolution which is a black bean hummus, Zen or a roasted garlic hummus with a Chicago twist that includes mild Giardiniera peppers on top. “I tell my Chicagoans, it’s like having an Italian beef sandwich without the guilt.” She goes on to name Bliss, a beet hummus, Phoenix or the roasted red pepper hummus and finally one you can’t find in the commercial space, Harvest or the sweet potato hummus.

Homegirl’s Hummus fans will rejoice as she plans to open her first brick-n-mortar location in the Beverly neighborhood of the city in late July or August.

Learn more about Niehla’s journey in this fun episode out now. Then for Homegirl Hummus updates, events and inspiration, follow along on Instagram and stop by https://homegirlshummus.com.