@nyknews: Denise Woodard is the founder and CEO of Partake Foods, a company that has revolutionized the allergen-friendly snack market. Her entrepreneurial journey is a powerful example of turning a personal challenge into a successful and impactful business. The Personal Inspiration Before becoming a founder, Woodard had a successful career in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, holding a high-powered position at The Coca-Cola Company. Her life, however, took an unexpected turn in 2016 when her young daughter, Vivienne, was diagnosed with multiple, life-threatening food allergies. Frustrated by the lack of safe, delicious, and nutritious snack options on the market, Woodard decided to take matters into her own hands. With a desire to create a brand where her daughter—and others with dietary restrictions—could "partake" in the joy of snack time, she began developing recipes in her home kitchen. 🍪 Building a Brand from scratch Woodard's transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur was a testament to her resilience. She initially bootstrapped the company, emptying her 401(k) and selling her engagement ring to fund early operations. She launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2017 and sold the first products—allergy-friendly cookies—out of her car to local grocery stores in New York and New Jersey. One of her most significant challenges was fundraising. She faced 86 rejections from investors before securing her seed round. However, her persistence paid off when Marcy Venture Partners, a firm co-founded by Jay-Z, invested in Partake Foods. This landmark investment made her the first Black woman to publicly raise over $1 million for a CPG food startup. Partake Foods Today: The company has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings. The company’s products are now available in over 18,000 retailers, including major chains like Target and Whole Foods Market. The product line has also expanded beyond cookies to include baking mixes, pancake mixes, and graham crackers. All of Partake's products are free of the top nine allergens, gluten-free, and vegan, making them truly inclusive. Beyond the business, Woodard is a passionate advocate for diversity and opportunity in the food industry. She founded the "Black Futures in Food & Beverage" fellowship program, which mentors students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and aims to increase representation for people of color in the CPG industry. Denise Woodard's story is a compelling blend of personal passion, business acumen, and social purpose, showcasing how a founder can create a brand that not only fills a market void but also works to build a more equitable and inclusive world. Now you know 🫵🏾 #partakecookies #vegan #allergyfree #BlackTikTok #partake

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