#FollowKombuchaNaDálaigh
Marianne O'Donnell is the driving force behind Kombucha Na Dálaigh, an artisanal kombucha brewery located in the heart of Donegal, Ireland. Marianne's journey from a passionate nutrition coach to a dedicated entrepreneur showcases her commitment to promoting health and well-being through natural, probiotic-rich beverages. Marianne's deep connection to her community and her innovative approach to business are evident in every bottle of kombucha she produces. As a member of the AwakenHub community, she embodies resilience, passion, and a strong sense of social responsibility.t
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Passionate, Entrepreneurial, Community-Focused, Innovative, Resilient
Tell us about your business and what inspired you to start it:
Kombucha Na Dálaigh is an artisanal kombucha brewery specializing in small-batch, probiotic-rich beverages crafted with organic ingredients. Inspired by personal health concerns and a deep interest in nutrition, I founded the business to offer a delicious, natural alternative to conventional soft drinks while promoting gut health and overall well-being.
Tell us a little bit more about you:
I'm a certified nutrition coach, and I hold a BA in English and Media, a Master’s in English, a Diploma in Irish, and a PGCFHE. Currently, I'm pursuing a Higher Diploma in Food Business and Product Innovation. My interests include healthy eating, traditional beverages, community engagement, all things fermented, and the rich Irish heritage and culture.
Fill us in on your female founder journey:
Being a female founder has been an enriching experience filled with both rewarding and challenging moments. The good has been seeing the positive impact of my product on customers' health and well-being, and the challenges have included scaling production and navigating market awareness. I have learned the importance of resilience, community support, and continuous learning. Being a female founder means being a role model and a source of inspiration for other women considering entrepreneurship.
How has being part of the AwakenHub community helped your business?
Joining the AwakenHub community has provided invaluable support and networking opportunities. Through AwakenHub, I have gained insights into business growth strategies and connected with fellow entrepreneurs who share similar challenges and successes.
We want to foster collaboration and support within our community. If you have a specific need or request, let us know so we can help each other out! Have you an ‘ask’ which we can share with fellow #Awakenhubbers?
My current 'ask' is for connections to potential distributors and retailers who align with our values and are interested in carrying high-quality, artisanal kombucha. Any leads or introductions would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to learn about angel investors and funding opportunities. I wish to scale up my production and would like some mentoring.
As a founder, what are your non-negotiables?
What values or principles do you live by? Who or what inspires you? My non-negotiables are authenticity, quality, and sustainability. I live by the principle of "do no harm," ensuring that my business practices positively impact both people and the planet. I am inspired by entrepreneurs who prioritize ethical practices and social responsibility.
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years' time?
In 12 months, I see Kombucha Na Dálaigh expanding our production capacity and establishing a strong presence in national retail stores. In 5 years, I envision us entering international markets, enhancing our sustainability initiatives, and being a recognized name in the health beverage industry.
What are your top three tips for other women founders?
Invest in your education and continuously seek knowledge.
Build a strong network of supportive peers and mentors.
Embrace sustainability as a core business value.
To finish up with what are six words to live by?
Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability, Passion, Community, Integrity
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