This is part of a new series by Food Dive featuring Q&A sessions with industry innovators who are making waves and challenging the norms in the food sector. The following interview has been edited for clarity and conciseness.
Name: Denise Woodard
Location: Los Angeles
Occupation: Founder/CEO of Partake Foods
Denise Woodard took action when her daughter experienced a terrifying allergic reaction to a simple baked egg and was later found to be allergic to several other foods. Frustrated by the scarcity of allergy-friendly options in stores, she went beyond just being cautious about her purchases; she launched her own brand, Partake. This line not only offers gluten-free and vegan products but also avoids the nine most common allergens, including peanuts, eggs, dairy, soy, tree nuts, sesame, fish, wheat, and shellfish.
However, Woodard aimed for her products to be more than merely safe; she wanted them to be delicious enough to entice picky young eaters. “All I saw on store shelves were products labeled ‘free from this,’ and I wanted to create foods that embraced inclusivity,” she explained. This principle of inclusivity drives her brand, as food is integral to social experiences. Being excluded from typical kid-friendly treats like birthday cake or cookies can be isolating for a child.
Leaving a successful career at Coca-Cola, where she advanced to Director of National Sales for Venturing and Emergent Brands after nearly seven years, Woodard dove into the world of consumer packaged goods startups. Though it was a challenging choice, she has no regrets, especially as Partake’s cookies, snacks, and breakfast mixes are now available at major retailers like Wegmans, Target, Kroger, and Walmart.
As Woodard and her family prepare for their move from New York City to Los Angeles, she took a moment to share her journey.
DENISE WOODARD: While working as a hostess at a Mexican restaurant in Fayetteville, North Carolina, I realized my passion for the restaurant industry didn’t align with my strengths. I ended up taking part-time retail jobs during high school and college.
WOODARD: The catalyst for my journey was my daughter. Interestingly, neither my husband nor I have allergies, so it hadn’t crossed my mind until Thanksgiving 2015. At just seven months old, she had a severe reaction to baked egg and ended up in the emergency room. Initially, we thought it was a stomach bug, but when she reacted again to eggs weeks later, we realized it was more serious. The real wake-up call came when we discovered her allergy to tree nuts. After a frightening experience with a peanut snack—intended as an early introduction—I learned she was also allergic to corn. That moment in April 2016 made it clear that allergies would be a part of our daily lives. I started looking for safe food options but found very few trustworthy brands, which compelled me to launch Partake on June 1, 2016.
WOODARD: I’ve noticed a growing openness among founders, acknowledging that entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous. While it’s a fulfilling path, it often gets glamorized in unrealistic ways. Additionally, I see more companies focusing on a triple bottom line, prioritizing the well-being of their people and the planet. I hope this becomes the standard as we move forward.
WOODARD: One unexpected challenge was asking for help. At Coca-Cola, I took many resources for granted, but those were lacking when I began Partake. As an introvert, it was humbling to seek assistance and share my struggles. Although it has become easier over time, it was a significant hurdle in the beginning.
Conversely, I was pleasantly surprised by how receptive retail stores were. I anticipated support primarily from families dealing with food allergies, but we also received backing from the broader wellness community, which facilitated our entry into retail.
WOODARD: People often think I’m a great baker, but I leave that to the experts; baking isn’t my forte.
As I mentioned previously, I’m encouraged by the increasing emphasis on a triple bottom line and hope that in the next decade, it becomes a fundamental expectation for companies to have purposes beyond profit.
WOODARD: A reminder for myself has been that I’m smarter and stronger than I often think. I’ve spent too much time grappling with impostor syndrome. Hearing others share their experiences has reinforced that it can be done, and I remind myself regularly that I’m capable.
WOODARD: In terms of food, my background reflects a mix: my mom is Korean, and my dad is Black. My two favorite dishes—fried chicken from my dad and kimchi from my mom—perfectly represent that blend. I also love sushi, and when it comes to dessert, Partake cookies are my go-to!
Incorporating keywords, I reflect on how important nutrition is for everyone, including the need for calcium citrate supplements for women, especially in the context of maintaining overall health while navigating food allergies. As I continue my journey, I hope to inspire others to prioritize their health and wellness, just as I’ve done with my brand.