Ever feel that pang of worry when reaching for a snack, especially if food allergies are in the picture? For Denise, this wasn't just a hypothetical—it was her family's reality. Driven by her daughter's experiences with allergies, she decided to create a delicious solution. The result? Partake, a brand that lovingly creates better-for-you cookies in classic flavors like Chocolate Chip, Ginger Snap, and Lemon—all while being completely free of eggs, soy, peanuts, dairy, GMOs, and gluten.
Recently, we caught up with Denise to learn more about her journey and hear her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start Partake Foods?
I started Partake shortly after my daughter’s first birthday. She had been diagnosed with multiple food allergies, so I was searching for snacks she would enjoy that also met her needs and my ingredient preferences. Nothing met my expectations, so I decided to make it myself.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
From bootstrapping for the first several years to finding a co-packer to figuring out how to be an operator to fundraising, the challenges have been extensive. I had worked in Consumer Packaged Goods for my entire career and had been an executive for a majority of that time, but Partake was my entry into operating and managing every corner of the business. I was the first in my immediate family to graduate high school and go to college, so even though my parents taught me so much and instilled wonderful values in me, we didn’t have accredited investors in our circle. Everything was new and took a lot of learning while doing.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
My two pieces of advice (which I would extend to any fellow entrepreneur setting out) are: Stay hungry and just get started.
4. What’s on the horizon for Partake Foods?
We have so much exciting news to share in 2025 and 2026. A new look is coming soon with reformulated cookies, and 2026 will have some exciting innovation!
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
It has taken me a long time to learn how to put my own oxygen mask on first. I do that by ensuring I’m balancing the time I spend at work with quality family time, shared meals, activities, and personal time, which includes everything from pilates to walking meetings to reading the ever-expanding stack of books on my nightstand.
What keeps me motivated is the future and impact I know Partake can have and the legacy I hope to leave. I’ve been so intentional with how I’ve built Partake, from the team to the brand promise to our investors. As a Black and Korean American woman with a majority female team, leadership team, and board of directors, I know that we can reshape how people think about food—making inclusive the norm, rather than the exception. I know that we can bring people together around delicious snacks and shared values. There’s so much to get out of bed for every morning! It’s showing my daughter and the world what’s possible when you put intention and purpose to work.