For political science major Leya Dagher ’23, opportunity didn’t suddenly knock on her door, it arrived in her classroom. As a UNLV student, she was already working on launching her own business, Swalty Mediterranean (healthy, artisanal snacks inspired by Lebanese traditions), but a guest speaker accelerated her further down her entrepreneurial path.
The speaker was Mitch Keenan, a UNLV alumnus who came to Dugger’s internship class and spoke about his career, which included working in UNLV’s Alumni Engagement Office and then joining the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.
“He mentioned RebelForge or Black Fire Innovation. At the time, I was still brainstorming business ideas and had already obtained my LLC. I wanted to make sure everything was done correctly and legally so I thought I’d reach out to the team to get more information.”
RebelForge is a one-on-one business advising program for UNLV students who want to start or grow a business. It is a joint effort between UNLV’s Office of Economic Development and the Nevada Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to foster entrepreneurship and innovation among students.
Dugger began receiving support from the Nevada SBDC as a UNLV student in December 2022. Her student advisor, Phoebe Hendermo, guided her in developing a business plan and creating presentation materials, a logo and packaging.
“Previously, RebelForge wanted to focus on big innovations like robots and technology,” said Hendarmo ’22, a business major. “But once we got involved, we realized that robots and technology were getting grants and support from a lot of other organizations, so we decided to shift RebelForge’s focus to small businesses like online shops and little cafes.”
With the help of campus resources, Dugger was able to pitch another campus partner, Aramark, which manages UNLV’s dining halls and catering. Thanks to Dugger’s pitch, Swalti Mediterranean Snacks is now sold at the POD Market in the student union building on campus.
“Aramark wholeheartedly supports student success during and after college, and we are thrilled to have this partnership with UNLV. Aramark is honored to partner with Leia Duggar to share her family’s recipes through the Student Union POD Market,” said Courtney Cawthon, Aramark district manager.
Dugger added, “I’m grateful for all the opportunities and people I’ve had along the way, including the classes I’ve taken and the people I’ve met. Aramark has played a big role in accepting and recognizing my product in the POD market.”
Sparking success
Dagher’s inspiration for her products came from her Lebanese grandmother’s recipes and her mother’s cooking: “My mother always made these treats. They lasted a long time and tasted good, so I would take them with me wherever I went.”
The thyme used in Swarti Mediterranean is hand-picked in Lebanon and no preservatives are used in the product.
“My family instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in me from a young age, so I always knew I wanted to start my own business where I could be my own boss,” Duggar said.
Her snacks now include vegan options and she’s working on gluten-free recipes. “The more I sell at local farmers markets, the more people want those specific options, and now I’m able to meet most of the needs of people with those dietary restrictions,” Dugger said.
Stop by the Student Union POD Market to pick up some of her snacks, or follow Swalty Mediterranean on Instagram and look for the company at Las Vegas area farmers markets.
