345: What It’s Like to Build a Gluten Free Bread Company w/ Susan Weiner, Orange Dot Baking Company [Main T4C episode]

As an avid gluten free cook, Susan built Orange Dot Baking Company using innovative approaches in both its baking process and its recipes—much to the delight of her celiac son, Andrew. Orange Dot bread is special because it is made with an innovative, proprietary baking process that locks in the moisture and expands the cell structure of the bread. The recipes are also innovative because they do not contain any xanthan gum (which causes intestinal distress!) and are packed with high energy ingredients like organic eggs and sunflower, pumpkin, quinoa, chia and amaranth seeds.  In 2015, Susan began baking in her home kitchen and selling at the Charlottesville farmer’s market. In late 2017, Orange Dot moved into a new dedicated, gluten free baking facility and now supplies stores in Charlottesville, Richmond, and Whole Foods stores in surrounding areas.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT IN THIS EPISODE:   Why Orange Dot Baking Company is healthier than other gluten free options How poverty and single mothers inspired the creation of Orange Dot Baking Company How growing a business involves a lot of research and out of the box thinking How much money you can expect to spend getting your food business off the ground Why you should reach out to older professionals for career advice and mentorship How being a women in a male dominated industry can work to your advantage  How you should think about your professional journey and why there is not one ‘right’ path to where you’re going