Find our more about our Fabulous Female Founder, Ineke, this International Women's Week. We celebrate that we're a female founded brand and wanted to share with you what inspired Ineke, what drives her and what's next for Nourish!
1.What inspired you to start Nourish?
With a background in the medical field, working with patients as well as being diagnosed with probably coeliac disease, I became passionate about nourishment from the inside out and the importance of looking at what foods we consume. Trialling many recipes for myself personally, I became aware of the gap in the market for gluten free products that were nourishing and not full of additives and sugar.
2.How have your priorities changed from when you first started?
I have learnt so much more about health and nutrition, and realised in growing a company about not only our health and wellness through food, but also the environment, which has lead us as a company to invest in sustainable packaging and zero waste. I have also been blessed with children through this journey which has fuelled by passion for what they eat even more when looking at product development.
3.Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
I would have sought investment to enable more rapid growth as a company. Having children, working for the NHS and starting a company was a real juggle (and still is).
4.What is unique about your business?
Our products are organic, but also vegan and low carb. There are no fillers, additives, cheap bulking ingredients. Many of our products are handmade by our team. And all packaged in home compostable packaging. And most importantly we want to give back. This is why we have partnered with Water for Good.
5.What's the most important piece of advice would you give to someone who is thinking of founding their own business?
(Don’t start! 😉) Find the pain point. Don’t assume that your good idea or product is going to sell to the masses. It may, but it also may not, know your target market really well.
6.How involved are your team in your business?
We try to have an open book and transparency across the team about how we are doing. Everyone has trialled their hand in a part of production so we all know the process. We endeavour to feel and walk the vision and mission of the company.
7.How did you establish your culture?
A lot of trial and error. I have learnt a lot in the journey and often got it wrong. Establishing a mission and vision statement together as a team has certainly helped. Listening to a number of leadership podcasts as well as setting up and advisory board has been pivotal.
8.What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
Making a difference in other people’s lives.
9.What's next for Nourish?
Watch the space… we are currently seeking investment…