Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle Bombardieri, Co-Founder of The Mood Food Company, located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
In October 2021, my partner Stuart and I launched The Mood Food Company – Australia's first snack food brand formulated for mental wellbeing. The first product we took to the market was Natural Wellbeing Bars for kids, scientifically formulated to help give little brains a big boost. We are now in the process of developing our adult range, so I guess you could say that everyone is our customer, as mental wellbeing is an integral part of everyone's overall health.
Tell us about yourself
I have always been passionate about using my skills and expertise to help others, which saw me work in a number of senior roles for various charities before we decided to start The Mood Food Company. Having come from the not-for-profit sector, I am used to working with really small budgets and teams while having to 'think differently' in order to get cut through and achieve big goals. So, I guess you could say that I operate best with minimal resources and lots of challenges!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Having Australia's largest supermarket chain Woolworths take our product less than six months after launching was an incredible moment for us. It was always our dream that Woolworths would believe in what we were doing and back us, so when that dream came true, we had to pinch ourselves.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding balance. Stuart and I are both really ambitious and so passionate about what we are trying to achieve at The Mood Food Company that we could spend every waking moment working on the business. However, we also have three beautiful children that we need to invest in, so it's finding the right balance between the two that has been one of the hardest things.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- No matter what is happening (good or bad), back yourself. If you don't, then nobody else will.
- Be more than just your product or service. I feel strongly about prioritizing people and the planet over profitability which is why we are always looking at ways we can be more sustainable and help more people (not just those who buy our products).
- Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growth and discomfort go hand in hand.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.moodfoodcompany.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moodfoodcompanyau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moodfoodcompanyau/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mood-food-company/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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