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Burnout is a real challenge in the industry. Many Foodpreneurs start their businesses as a side hustle - juggling production, marketing, sales, packing, and every other task that comes with running a business solo.

But it doesn’t have to stand in the way of scaling.

For episode 130, I sat down with Laura Allan, founder of Isaac’s Snacks, the wholefood bites brand keeping it real with fewer than 10 ingredients. With 900+ Woolworths stores stocking her products and a strong presence in independents, Laura has built what so many Foodpreneurs dream of. But it hasn’t been easy.

Scaling isn’t just about getting more products on more shelves. It’s about navigating MOQs, cashflow pressures, and the hidden costs of retail that no one warns you about. And for Laura, it also meant hitting a breaking point - stuck in the relentless cycle of doing everything herself, until burnout forced her to rethink how she was running the business.

In this episode, we unpack:

🧇 The real cost of outsourcing to a co-manufacturer, why it’s necessary, but not without its challenges.

🧇 How she tackled the financial strain of meeting retailer expectations - because it’s not just about getting on the shelf, it’s about staying there.

🧇 The trial-and-error approach to finding the right people so she could focus on growth, not late-night admin.

🧇 Why relationships (not just branding) have been the key to her success, and how she’s leveraged partnerships to push through every challenge.

🧇 The evolving P&L and cashflow forecast that keeps her in control - because running a food business without a financial strategy is a recipe for disaster.

This Season of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford is brought to you by Foodpreneurs Festival - a year’s worth of sales and promotion opportunities under one roof - and Chelsea Ford Co., modernising the CPG industry, one emerging brand at a time.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Isaac's Snacks website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Get Your Foodpreneurs Festival Ticket Now
• Become a Chelsea Ford Insider

Season 15

Season 15, out now, is 'Marketing Season' and is being presented by Foodpreneurs Festival.

The highly anticipated 2026 BiteBack Awards & Foodpreneurs Festival are both must-attend events dedicated to bringing consumer packaged goods food, drink (alc and non-alc), pet and supplements brand owners, buyers, media, industry specialists and distributors together under one roof.

You can't miss these events. Here’s why:

• Thousands of stockists looking for new products for their shelves.
• A chance to pitch for funding + mentorship to scale your brand.
• Workshops tailored to where you’re at - whether you’re just starting or scaling big (THIS IS NEW!)
• A NEW Marketing Clinic for hands-on brand strategy - you'll leave with five key messages ready to use.
• Opportunities to get recognised and get your brand in front of industry experts, media, buyers, distributors and fellow brand owners.
• If you’re an Industry Specialist, tap into a highly engaged, niche audience.
• And much, much more.

The full program drops early 2026. For now, block out May 21-22 and click this link to see how you can be part of it.