To celebrate Partake cookies launching at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com, we're excited to launch Spot Us at Target. Over the next few weeks, we'll be showcasing some of our go-to Target brands and interviewing their founders to hear their inspirational stories of taking their product from idea to Target shelves.

And the best part? Now through June 15, you can enter to win a prize pack that includes products from some of our favorite brands at Target and a $500 gift card. Learn more and enter HERE.

Vanessa Phillips, of Feel Good Foods, was making gluten-free foods out of her studio apartment in Brooklyn and delivering them by bike when she met chef Tryg Siverson. They merged their visions, tastes, and backgrounds to make simple, high-quality foods accessible to all. We chatted with Vanessa to hear more about her entrepreneurial journey.

Q

 How and why did you begin Feel Good Foods? What inspired this venture?

A

Growing up, my family owned Chinese restaurants, and, needless to say, I loved the cuisine. As a kid, I was often plagued with stomach aches and other ailments, and I always told my mom that I could give up any food except for egg rolls. When I was 21 years old, I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which meant a lifelong adherence to eating gluten-free. And not being able to enjoy my favorite Chinese foods was an even tougher pill to swallow.

That was until I met Tryg, a chef who also shared my love for cooking and eating Asian cuisine. Within weeks of our meeting, he started to cook for me and made dumplings, egg rolls, and tempura - all gluten-free. Long story short, we merged our visions, packed up those frozen dumplings in a plastic bag, and shipped them off to Whole Foods Market! They loved them. Feel Good Foods was born.

Q

In the beginning, what were the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

A

There are challenges every single day. But the biggest challenge is not letting every obstacle deflate your spirit. I have always done my best to stay committed to my vision and remember why I started Feel Good Foods. When I hold on to that, I find I don’t stress as much about all the other challenges that come my way.

Q

What are some of your greatest successes in business and how do you believe you achieved them?

A

I didn't know that breaking into frozen food was going to be so tough but I am proud of how far Feel Good Foods has come. I’m so glad we are growing within the frozen aisle and changing how people stock their freezers. Food plays such a vital role in our lives and I wanted to create something that I could feel good about eating, no matter the occasion. That’s what Feel Good Foods is all about - partnered with a lot of passion for delicious, convenient food and support from our customers.

Q

For anyone who has an idea but doesn't know what steps to take or can't find the courage to make it a reality, what would you tell them?

A

Go for it! Go for all of it! But more specifically, seek people out who are doing something similar to what you want for yourself. There is always something to learn from successful entrepreneurs and peers.

Accept early on that you're going to make mistakes.

And lastly, start today, even if you don't have all the answers! So much of growing a business or starting a new career path is learning as you go.

Q

What is something exciting on the horizon for you and your company?

A

We’ve got new and innovative products launching in 2020. Food innovation is the most inspiring part of what I do and I'll never stop.

Q

What are other brands and founders that you admire? Why?

A

I love reading about other founders and entrepreneurs. I am inspired by every entrepreneurial story that I read so it’s hard to pinpoint one person. Each story is unique and personal to the founder.

I recently attended an event and heard Kendra Scott speak about her journey and was very inspired by her grit and the obstacles she has overcome.

 

To learn more about Vanessa and Feel Good Foods, visit feel-good-foods.com. Follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.