| Tell us about your company: |
| Sweet Loren’s exists to challenge the status quo and transform the way people enjoy food, by crafting delicious, clean, and allergen-free treats that make everyone feel good inside and out. Infused with a trailblazing spirit, Sweet Loren’s transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, blending time-honored techniques with daring new and modern twists. And Sweet Loren’s creations are crafted with intention, ensuring every bite is as wholesome as it is delicious. |
| What inspired you to start your business? |
| I was diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, at 22 years old, right after graduating –and everything came to a halt. After six months of chemotherapy and months of tests, I was cancer-free, but forever changed. I realized throughout that year that my health was everything to me, so I cut out most dairy, anything artificial, and highly processed ingredients so I could focus on feeding myself healing, less inflammatory foods. But, I couldn’t find anything to satisfy my sweet tooth in the packaged goods aisle that was also better for you. While I’ve always had a sweet tooth, I saw warm cookies be the highlight of peoples’ day when I had worked at Levain Bakery in NYC when I was home for college vacations. From there, I started recipe testing to solve my own dilemma, and after hundreds and hundreds of trials and errors testing every type of healthier flour, chocolate, sugars, and oils, I found the right combination. When I saw how much friends and family absolutely fell in love with my recipes, I knew I wasn’t the only one who wanted healthier ways to satisfy their sweet cravings. That is when I knew I had to find a way to turn my better-for-you cookie recipes into a business and turn this negative thing that happened to me, into my superpower, and Sweet Loren’s was born. |
| What are your proudest achievements so far? |
| – Making it to Inc. 5000 for the last 6 years in a row – Not having to raise big money and having a profitable business – Having a happy home life and figuring out how to balance work and two little kids |
| What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs: |
| Find something you’re passionate about, something you’re great at, and something the world needs… and if you combine all those – it can be incredibly powerful. Also be coachable and find great mentors! Always be working towards growth. |
| Please share a memory or thought about your alma mater: |
| Majoring in communications at USC helped me tell my company’s story and become the face of my brand. I learned business skills along the way as I grew Sweet Loren’s, but those foundational communication skills can really set you apart in any endeavor. |
Alumni Emporium 