When Partake Foods founder Denise Woodard’s daughter had a life-threatening allergic reaction, everything changed. That moment inspired Denise to launch an allergy-friendly snack company that’s now worth millions and serves thousands of families across the U.S. But starting a food business from scratch with no baking experience and no outside funding meant taking one bold risk after another. Host Andrea Marquez talks with Denise about her transition from corporate executive to entrepreneur, how she kept going after getting 86 investor no’s (at least) until she landed a yes from Jay-Z’s VC firm, and how to validate a product before it exists. If you've ever been afraid of hearing “no,” Denise’s story will change how you think about risk, resilience, and the power of starting small.

Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us as an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com – you might hear it in a future episode.

In this episode you’ll hear:

(00:00 ) Ever felt like you needed a “perfect” plan before starting? Hear how Denise launched Partake Foods with no product, no baking skills – just a very personal “why.”

(04:55 ) What if a stranger at the zoo told you to start a business? Denise shares the serendipitous moment that gave her the push she needed.

(09:20 ) Struggling to get others to believe in your idea? Learn how Denise turned a cold shoulder from a manufacturer into a yes.

(11:21 ) Feel like you have to do it all yourself? Denise opens up about making costly mistakes, asking for help, and finding the right people to bring her vision to life.

(16:27 ) Thinking about quitting your job to go all in? Denise shares the very unglamorous reality of her first day as a full-time founder.

(21:17 ) Tired of rejection? Hear how Denise pushed through 86 investor no’s and how one yes from Jay-Z’s VC firm changed everything.

(25:28 ) Afraid to take risks? Denise’s advice for fellow risk-averse founders will make you rethink what it really means to start small.