Imagine being back in grade school, sitting at a cafeteria table with other kids sharing various snacks.
Now picture yourself at the same table feeling left out because there's nothing you can eat because you are restricted by food allergies.
According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, food allergies affect an estimated 8% of children in the United States. That's 1-in-13 children or about two students per classroom.
Dr. Amy Andes saw this firsthand as she witnessed some of her friends struggle to find safe food options at school or in public places.
In our conversation with Amy, we learn about Banzo Brands, a vegan, gluten-free, nut-free spread that brings everyone to the table no matter their dietary restrictions. And, how her experience as a 2021 Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition Finalist and 2022 Enthuse Foundation Professional Development Grant sponsored by Inspiro Tequila helped her grow her network and confidence.
Enthuse Foundation (EF): Welcome, Amy! Tell us about Banzo Brands.
Dr. Amy Andes, Founder, Banzo Brands (AA): I'm super excited to be here. Our product and my food baby is Banzo Butter, our take on a nut butter free of the top 14 food allergens. It's vegan and gluten-free as well. We created a new nut butter to promote a more inclusive food snacking industry so that people with dietary restrictions can also partake in snack time.
EF: Amazing. Why did you decide to enter the Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition?
AA: I think every day of my life, I'm trying to get Banzo Butter, our purpose, and our campaign out in the world. We want to create less ignorance about food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities. So, I apply whenever I see an opportunity that could advance us. For this specific Competition, I was excited because it was just women. I have felt like I have had a lot of women mentors that have gotten me to where I am today. So, I was excited to participate in a woman empowerment pitch competition.
EF: Wonderful. Going back to when we saw your application, you did include a video. We have an optional platform where entrepreneurs can submit a video pitch. Do you have any tips on creating a video pitch?
AA: I think the video speaks volumes. It really makes me think, okay, what is my elevator pitch? It helps me practice and to get ready for if I am in a situation where I'm with somebody who might be interested in investing. They might have little time, and I need to convey my point. But, most importantly, you can tell if somebody is passionate immediately if you're watching a video and they're talking about something. They don't have to be the best speaker. I think it really goes a long way when you listen to somebody and how they articulate what their vision is. Not every founder is good at public speaking, but most founders speak from their heart. I've heard so many pitches in my life, and you can tell when somebody is in it for the right reasons.
EF: You're absolutely right. So, looking back to the Pitch Competition. What did you learn from the Competition and your involvement with the Enthuse Foundation?
AA: I learned that this extraordinary network exists. I can go to events and meet new entrepreneurs and other people in a space where everybody empowers each other, which is fantastic. I also formed new friendships with others in the Competition that I wasn't expecting. We were cheering for each other the whole way through. So often, as an entrepreneur, we just need one meeting or one person to say something for us to keep going. So, I think this Competition did that for me, and I felt really proud of myself for putting myself out there.
EF: Going back a little bit to your pitch deck. One of the things that stood out was your colors, graphics, and the energy your deck radiated from the screen. Do you have any tips on how others can incorporate colors and pictures in their pitch deck?
AA: I appreciate that. I think it was essential for me to, first and foremost, make sure that the audience could feel what our mission is. I know it's tough to do that when you're just sending somebody the pitch deck, but I think that I was able to do that through pictures. Some images were of my friends because they have food allergies, making it more human. A deck should focus less on what you need money for and more on why you must get this money. And most importantly, how the winnings will impact people. Before I create or rearrange our pitch deck for different events, I ask myself, what do I want to say here? Am I getting the message across? It's about creating the graphics and using pictures that help tell your story.
EF: Also, we have to mention that you were the inaugural winner of the Enthuse Foundation Professional Development Grant sponsored by Inspiro Tequila. Tell us about that experience.
AA: It's been so helpful. Mara Smith (Inspiro Tequila founder) and I have at least one monthly check-in. I'm learning a lot, not just about the food business but about how to be a successful entrepreneur. It has been another reminder that someone believes in me and wants me to succeed. Also, Mara's daughter has food allergies, so it has been great to get her perspective as a buyer of similar products. I cannot wait to move to Chicago and meet with Mara regularly.
EF: For women starting their own business, what advice or tips would you give them?
AA: First and foremost, surround yourself with people who believe in you. However, I think the best advice I have and take with me daily is to continue being stubborn. People might see that as a negative trait, but I don't. If you stand your ground for something you believe is right and can impact people's lives positively, then I don't see a problem with being stubborn.
We get it - it is scary to put yourself out there. The fear of failure and rejection is real. However, every competition, interaction, and e-mail is another opportunity to share your passion. Think of the best ways to communicate your why - through video, pictures, graphics, or words. Tell us about your business and why it matters. Apply to the 4th Annual Enthuse Foundation Pitch Competition.
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