Once per month, we feature a Black entrepreneur on our blog and our social media as part of an ongoing effort to amplify awareness for Black-founded brands.

This month, in honor of Allergy Awareness Month, we spoke with Denise Woodard, founder and CEO of Partake Foods! We chose Denise because she is making it possible for everyone with food allergies to enjoy delicious and safe treats that are just as tasty as anything else in the snack aisle!

What is Partake?

Partake offers a selection of delicious, allergy-friendly products including crunchy and soft baked cookie flavors such as Chocolate Chip, Birthday Cake, and Double Chocolate, a line of baking mixes that includes Brownies, Blondies, and Pizza Crust, and a pancake & waffle line in Confetti and Classic flavors. All products are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan and are free of the top 9 allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, eggs, soy, fish, sesame and shellfish). The products are made with love, better-for-you ingredients, and offer a variety of flavors that those with and without dietary restrictions can enjoy. 

How did you go from having an idea for a company to being a founder? What made you take the leap?

Shortly after her first birthday, my daughter Vivienne was diagnosed with multiple food allergies. When I couldn't find solutions that met my nutritional standards, safely satisfied her taste buds, and would allow her to confidently and happily snack amongst her friends, I left my career at Coca-Cola and got started on Partake Foods.

I am the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food startup. To date, the company has raised over $7.5M from investors including HER, Rihanna, CircleUp Growth Partners, FF2032 and Marcy Venture Partners.

Where can we try Partake?