“I had a headache for six months.” Hema Reddy, on making the decision to leave a high-level job at IBM to launch her company, Wunder Nuggets. (The Food Startups Podcast, 3/18/18)
Her coworkers at IBM didn’t believe Hema Reddy would leave her position as Program Director of Worldwide Systems Portfolio Marketing, especially not to launch a startup in a field in which she had no experience – consumer packaged goods.
Hema surprised them with her decision to change her life and in the process, help change the lives of consumers by creating healthful convenience foods.
Hema’s first step was developing a website to build community around healthier at-home eating. She posted recipes and videos, and shared her philosophy on establishing family bonding rituals through food. With an engaged following on her website, it was easier for Hema to build out her brand, Crafty Counter, and its signature product, Wunder Nuggets.
Wunder Nuggets come in both chicken and vegetarian options, with flavors like Rosemary Chicken, Minty Lentil, and Harissa Bean.
Hema is a firm believer that sharing good food is her life’s calling. She’s also a firm believer that finding and following a calling is the key to successful entrepreneurship.
Her best advice? Practice, not preach. Live it, embrace it, feel the pain point AND the joy of finding the solution.
