Meet Kevin Choi | Founder & Creator of Snactiv

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kevin Choi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kevin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly, starting Snactiv came from a mix of frustration and creativity. I noticed this constant problem in my own life, snacking while gaming or working always left my hands and devices greasy, and existing solutions, like chopsticks, were just inconvenient and inefficient. At first, I thought it was just my issue, but then I realized so many people deal with the same thing, and there wasn’t a product out there solving it.

With my background in industrial design and a desire to create something useful, I started thinking, What if I could design a tool that made snacking cleaner and easier, without slowing you down? That’s when Snactiv came to life, a fun, functional solution for something that used to annoy me all the time. For me, it wasn’t just about fixing the problem for myself, but also about creating something that could really resonate with others who love gaming, working, or multitasking without the mess. It’s about making life just a little bit easier and cleaner!

What should our readers know about your business?
Snactiv is all about solving a problem in a way that’s fun, practical, and a little unexpected. What sets us apart is our focus on creating a product that not only works but also makes people smile. Snactiv isn’t just a tool—it’s a conversation starter, a quirky innovation that takes something as simple as snacking and turns it into an elevated, mess-free experience. I’m most proud of how far we’ve come, from a simple idea to a product that resonates with so many people around the world. Seeing Snactiv in the hands of gamers, creators, and multitaskers is incredibly rewarding.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Starting a business always comes with challenges, whether it’s dealing with knockoffs, managing production hurdles, or figuring out how to reach the right audience. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of perseverance and adaptability. There were countless times I wanted to throw in the towel, but staying focused on the goal and remembering why I started kept me going. I also learned to surround myself with the right people—supportive friends, family, and a team that believes in the vision are invaluable.

What I want the world to know about Snactiv is that it’s more than just a snacking tool; it’s a testament to creativity, problem-solving, and the belief that even small ideas can have a big impact. I hope our story inspires others to take their own leaps, pursue their ideas, and not let the fear of failure hold them back. Snactiv is a reminder that even a seemingly simple idea can change the way people interact with their world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d want to make sure they experienced everything I love about the area. Great food, fun vibes, and memorable spots. Here’s what I’d plan:

Day 1: Welcome and Chill Vibes
I’d pick them up and grab some coffee and pastries at a local favorite like République before heading to Griffith Observatory for some iconic LA views. Dinner would be at Bestia for incredible Italian food, followed by drinks at a rooftop bar like Perch to take in the city lights.

Day 2: Artsy Day
We’d start with The Broad Museum to explore modern art, then wander around the Arts District for lunch at Wurstküche (their sausages and beer are top-notch). There are also amazing Japanese restaurants in the area, so I’d definitely take them to Ottori for some authentic Japanese sashimi. Afterward, we’d check out the street art and take a relaxed stroll through the neighborhood.

Day 3: Beach Day
The Venice Beach Canals are a must, this is where my wife and I took our engagement photos, so it’s always special to me. We’d have brunch at Gjusta, rent bikes, and cruise along the boardwalk. For dinner, we’d enjoy seafood at The Lobster in Santa Monica, followed by a sunset walk along the pier.

Day 4: Theme Park Fun
It’s Universal Studios day! We’d hit all the rides, explore Harry Potter World, and snack on theme park treats (while, of course, using our Snactiv). Afterward, we’d head to Din Tai Fung for their legendary dumplings to end the day.

Day 5: Outdoor Adventure
I’m definitely going to hate the traffic on this day, but I’d take them hiking at either Runyon Canyon or Malibu Creek State Park for fresh air and breathtaking views. Lunch would be at Malibu Farm on the pier, and we’d end the day with some wine tasting at Rosenthal, a vineyard right by the beach.

Day 6: Foodie Extravaganza
We’d embark on a food tour, starting at Grand Central Market for diverse bites, then grab tacos from Leo’s Tacos Truck, and head to K-town for Korean BBQ at Pigya BBQ. Since I grew up in Gardena, I’d also want to revisit some of my favorite spots like Shin Sen Gumi Yakitori, Rascals for their Chinese chicken salad or teriyaki plate, and Hachi for beef tongue and hot pot. I’d also recommend Chon Dak for incredible Korean food paired with Soju. With so many options, we’d have to take small bites at each stop just to fit it all in.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect
For the final day, we’d keep it low-key. We’d start with some spa time and a relaxing massage, followed by lunch at Amiga Amore, a Mexitalian fusion restaurant I recently tried and absolutely loved. To wrap up the week, we’d have a sushi feast at Sugarfish and then head home to reflect on the amazing adventures we had.

LA has so many incredible places, so it’s all about striking a balance between iconic experiences and hidden gems. It’d be the perfect mix of delicious food, cool vibes, and a little adventure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my friends and family who supported me from the very beginning, even when Snactiv was just a wild idea. I’m incredibly grateful to my team for believing in the vision and helping bring it to life. I also want to thank the amazing design community, other creators have inspired me to keep pushing boundaries with their creativity and passion. A special thank you to my old boss at Mattel, Paul, for always being excited to bounce ideas with me and sharing in the creative process. I’m beyond grateful to Adam for co-inventing Snactiv with me, and to Jan and Joe for standing by me through the highs and lows of this business. Thank you, Justin, for always helping me find perspective and mental clarity when I needed it most. And finally, I want to thank Jesus, my Lord and Savior, for believing in me and giving me the courage to take such a huge leap into starting a business. None of this would have been possible without God’s guidance and approval, and I’m incredibly thankful for this journey.

Website: https://www.snactiv.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snactiv/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/snactiv

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@inoobi-inc

Image Credits
Chris & Jahziel