Welcome to the first post of our new What Beckons You series, where we will be interviewing female founders we admire about what inspires – or “beckons” them to do what they do! We love other free-from brands that provide tasty treats for people who have dietary restrictions. After all, everyone deserves dessert. One of our favorites is Partake, who makes allergen-friendly foods that are better for all (#icecreamforall). Partake cookies are a perfect pairing to Beckon Ice Cream! Plus, Partake is female-founded by the incredibly talented and kind, Denise Woodard. We sat down with Denise to talk about her free-time routine, advice to her younger self, and what beckoned her to start Partake!
Briefly introduce yourself, what is your name, age, where do you live, and what do you like to do for fun?
My name is Denise Woodard, I’m 36, live in Jersey City, NJ with my husband, Jeremy, and my 4-year-old daughter, Vivienne. In the (nearly non-existent) free time that I have, I love to spend time with my friends & family, travel, catch up on reading and cook. My favorite vacation destinations involve lots of sun and beach and not many planned activities. I’m from NC originally (Go Tar Heels!), but have lived in the NYC area for the past 6 years.
What is your company?
My company, Partake Foods, makes delicious, nutritious, allergy-friendly cookies.
What “beckoned” or inspired you to start your company?
My daughter, Vivienne, has multiple food allergies (eggs, cashew, pistachio, corn, and bananas). I was frustrated with the taste and nutritional profile of the options that existed for her. I dreamed of a brand that made snacks that tasted good, were better for you, and could be enjoyed by nearly everyone. When I couldn’t find it, I left my decade long career at Coca Cola to launch Partake in August 2017.
Tell us about your team, and what is your favorite part of leading them?
Right now, I’m the only full-time employee – explains the nearly non-existent free time! – but we are in the midst of bringing on sales and operations hires. I’m super excited to build a company culture that is hopefully inspiring, lets our team know how much work their work means and how valued they are, works hard and has lots of fun along the way.
What do you think is special and unique about being a female founder?
I think female founders are very open to being vulnerable with other female founders – not sugar coating things, letting other female founders know how hard the road of entrepreneurship is – but also super open to helping each other and sharing resources and best practices.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Enjoy the journey! I’m a big believer in “everything happens for a reason”. I think all of the events and experiences in my life thus far have been purposeful in preparing me for my life today. So rather than wishing for the next promotion or the next trip, sit back and enjoy the moments that make up the journey.
What inspires or “beckons” you today in life? In work?
I’ve seen first hand how isolating having food allergies or dietary restrictions is because of my daughter’s experience and I want to make everyday eating a little safer, healthier, and more inclusive. We started with cookies, but our goal is to make the meal and snack options for every part of the day that can be enjoyed safely by nearly everyone.
And of course, what’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Gimme Chocolate every day!
