Julianne Ponan: Crafting Joyful Eating for Allergy Sufferers
I never really wanted to go on something so public and, I guess, discuss my business out in the open to everyone. So yeah, that's why I decided to go on dragon's den, and it was an experience that I would say is very different for every single individual founder on there.
Ever wondered how someone turns a personal struggle into a thriving business? Meet Julianne Ponan, the founder of Creative Nature, who has done just that. Living with severe anaphylaxis, Julianne faced the daily challenge of avoiding life-threatening allergens. Now, she’s on a mission to bring the joy back into eating for those with food intolerances. Creative Nature’s allergy-safe snacks are now found in major UK stores like Asda and Sainsbury's, and even online at Ocado.
But her journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Julianne shares how she started her business at just 22, faced rejection on Dragon’s Den, yet still made it to Forbes' 30 under 30 list. She opens up about the stress of entrepreneurship and the critical role of customer feedback in her success. Julianne’s story is a testament to resilience and creativity, offering a beacon of hope for anyone looking to turn their passion into a reality.
Tune in to hear her tips on managing stress, staying in control, and why kindness can be a powerful tool in business.