How Founders Can Use Personal Branding to Grow a Business with Addison LaBonte

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Addison LaBonte, founder of Sweet Addison’s, a fast-growing better-for-you bakery shipping gluten-free, dairy-free desserts nationwide. A former Division 1 athlete, Addison has channeled her discipline and resilience into building a brand rooted in authenticity and quality.After a life-changing health diagnosis, Addison turned to gluten-free living, what started as a personal journey quickly evolved into a thriving business and loyal online community. Her story highlights the power of betting on yourself, building with intention, and creating products that truly serve people.Chapters01:16 – Addison’s Background and Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship03:42 – How Division 1 Athletics Shaped Her Discipline and Mindset05:41 – The Power of Delayed Gratification in Business07:44 – Health Diagnosis That Changed Everything08:35 – Discovering Gluten-Free Living and a New Passion09:49 – Starting an Instagram Account That Led to a Business11:03 – Early Doubts and Getting Laid Off Before Launch12:33 – Building Sweet Addison’s From a Small Apartment13:25 – 26 Recipe Iterations to Perfect the Product14:10 – Transitioning From Home Baking to a Commercial Kitchen15:13 – Listening to Customers and Building for Demand17:53 – Launch Strategy: Influencers and Word-of-Mouth Growth18:44 – Understanding the Gluten-Free Consumer Market20:08 – Product Innovation: High-Protein, Better-For-You Desserts21:31 – Challenges of Selling Perishable Products Online23:13 – Vision for Scaling Into National Retail25:34 – Why Personal Branding Was a Game-Changer27:37 – Discipline, Consistency, and Social Media Growth29:59 – Evolving Her Personal Brand Over Time31:26 – Viral Content and Learning From Audience Feedback36:32 – Pushing Limits: From Marathons to Ultra Running38:17 – The “Deathbed Mentality” and Living Without Regret40:43 – Training the Mind Through Physical Challenges42:55 – Childhood Lessons That Built Independence and Resilience47:16 – Taking a Leap of Faith and Moving to Dallas50:45 – Advice to Her Younger SelfGuest Links:Website: www.sweetaddisons.comInstagram: @sweet.addisons@organicallyaddisonIf you're a founder doing $1MM+ in annual revenue, apply for the Founders Club today: https://go.foundersclubofficial.com/intro-fc-aaronStay Connected!Aaron Spivak:IG: @‌SpivakLinkedinThe Founders ClubIG: @‌TheFoundersClubWebsite www.foundersclubofficial.com Founder2Founder:TikTok @‌Founder2FounderPodcastYoutube @‌Founder2Founder.Podcast