Here’s some inspiration if you are planning to start your own store or just need a reminder that “Magical things happen”. 🙂 Here’s a business success story that blends passion, perseverance, and purpose. Meet Partake Foods—a brand that went from a mom’s kitchen to nationwide recognition.

The Spark: A Mission-Driven Business Idea

In 2016, Denise Woodard faced a challenge that many parents can relate to—her daughter had food allergies, and finding safe, delicious snacks was frustratingly difficult. Instead of settling for limited options, Denise took matters into her own hands. She went to Whole Foods, got 200$ ingredients and started experimenting. With a vision to create allergen-free cookies and treats that everyone could enjoy, Partake Foods was born. What started as a passion project quickly turned into a purpose-driven brand, bringing inclusivity to the snack industry.

The power of the right Digital Tool!

With no prior experience in the food industry, Denise needed a platform that made starting and scaling a business simple. She turned to Shopify, which provided everything she needed—from an intuitive online store setup to seamless inventory management and secure payment processing.

Denise didn’t just create a great product—she built a movement. Using Shopify’s powerful marketing tools, she leveraged email campaigns, SEO strategies, and analytics to connect with her audience. She also built an engaged community by partnering with influencers and championing food allergy awareness. This smart marketing approach helped amplify her brand’s message and drive loyal customers to her online store.

As demand skyrocketed, Shopify made scaling easy. With integrations for fulfillment services, automated marketing, and advanced analytics, Partake Foods smoothly expanded into major retailers like Target and Whole Foods. By streamlining operations through Shopify, Denise could focus on innovation and business growth instead of tech headaches.

The Results: A Thriving Business with a Powerful Mission

She got 86 “Nos” from investors and then a big “million dollar Yes” .Today, Partake Foods is a nationally recognized brand backed by investors like Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners. The company continues to grow, staying true to its mission of inclusivity and food safety. What started as a mother’s determination to provide safe snacks for her child has blossomed into a brand that serves millions.

Tips for New Entrepreneurs Looking to Build a Business

🚀 Start with a Purpose or a niche – A clear mission creates a strong emotional connection with customers and builds brand loyalty.

💡 Prioritize Customer Trust – Offering high-quality, safe products builds credibility and long-term success.

📈 Harness the Power of Digital Tools – Use Shopify’s tools to optimize SEO, run effective email campaigns, and engage on social media. Shopify is so easy to set up, you don’t need any coding to put together a clean eCommerce store.

📦 Think Scalability from Day One – Shopify’s flexible ecosystem ensures your business can grow without limitations.

Partake Foods is proof that mission combined with the right tools can transform an idea into a thriving business. Whether you’re starting in your kitchen or scaling to retail shelves, Shopify has everything you need to succeed. And, it takes minutes to set up your ecommerce store. So, you can focus on more important stuff : like running your business and making that first sale happen!

What’s your biggest takeaway from this success story? Need us to help you create your own store. Drop a comment below and let’s discuss!