#23 From Food Allergy Crisis to CEO: How Denise Woodard Built Partake Foods

Welcome back to Curveball. In this episode, host Scott Reich sits down with Denise Woodard, the remarkable founder and CEO of Partake Foods—the company known for its delicious, allergy-friendly cookies and snacks found in stores nationwide. Denise, who became the first Black woman to raise over $1 million for a consumer packaged goods startup, opens up about the personal and professional journey that led her to launch Partake Foods.

Before founding her own company, Denise built a successful corporate career at Coca-Cola, where she worked with high-growth, mission-driven brands. She shares with Scott how her time in the corporate world gave her valuable insights into the food and beverage industry—but it was her daughter Vivian’s (Vivi’s) frightening, life-threatening food allergies that inspired Denise to make a bold career pivot. When Denise struggled to find safe, tasty snacks that Vivi could eat—free from common allergens like nuts, eggs, and even corn—she realized both a personal calling and a business opportunity to fill a critical gap for so many families.

Together, Denise and Scott discuss the challenges of launching a startup from scratch: from the hustle of pitch competitions and crowdfunding to the sacrifices Denise made—including selling her engagement ring—to get Partake Foods off the ground. Denise talks about navigating limited allergy-friendly manufacturing options, the loneliness and resilience entrepreneurship can demand, and the unexpected moments of luck and support, like a timely venture investment from Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners.

Tune in to hear how Denise’s blend of corporate know-how and personal mission fueled the creation of a brand that brings joy, safety, and community to food-allergy families—and what it takes to turn life’s biggest curveballs into breakthroughs.

Listeners Will Learn:

• Denise drew inspiration from her father’s entrepreneurial journey but initially pursued corporate life.
• After discovering her daughter’s life-threatening food allergies, Denise realized there was a gap in the market for allergy-friendly snacks.
• Martha, the family’s nanny, played a crucial role in encouraging Denise to take action.
• Denise spoke candidly about going “all in” financially—including selling her engagement ring—to fund her business.
• Serendipity, or fate, came up multiple times in Denise’s story, such as her encounter in the zoo line and receiving investment from Jay Z’s Marcy Venture Partners.
• Both Denise and Scott highlighted the emotional toll and loneliness that can accompany entrepreneurship and mission-driven work.
• Asking for help—and knowing how to do so effectively—was a central theme.
• Diversity and inclusion were important to Denise, both personally and professionally.
• Resilience and grit are often cited as essential qualities for entrepreneurs.
• Now that Partake Foods is a nationally distributed brand, Denise is thinking about new products and greater impact.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Childhood Allergies: A Serious Concern

(04:02) Start Your Own Business

(07:56) Entrepreneurship: A Family Affair

(10:12) Entrepreneurship's Spiritual Journey

(16:30) Loneliness of Leadership Pressures

(17:30) Mastering the Art of Refusal

(22:24) Commit Fully or Hold Back

(26:02) Success Through Connection and Action

(26:59) Encouraging Action in Overcoming Challenges

(30:39) Parenting's Impact on Entrepreneurship

(34:44) Diversity Challenges in Leadership