Breakthrough Builders A Natural Leader: Nicole Dawes
Nicole Bernard Dawes has long held the conviction that, when done right, healthier food can be everyone’s first choice, not an alternative choice. But as she followed in the footsteps of her parents, who were both food entrepreneurs, she learned that grocery aisles weren’t going to change for the better unless she committed herself and her career entirely to the cause.
In her talk with Jesse, Nicole describes her lifelong journey that began with a food retreat and her role greeting customers at her mother’s natural food store. You’ll hear about her first venture into entrepreneurship as a 12-year-old chef and marketer, and what she learned working for her father’s company, Cape Cod Chips. And you’ll hear how Nicole founded Late July Snacks, stewarded it through a recession and family tragedy, and found the courage to take bold but well-understood risks in the name of good health - helping to spark an organic revolution Nicole would remain at the forefront of for years to follow.
Guest Bio
Nicole Bernard Dawes is a pioneering business owner whose lifelong dedication to transforming the food industry led her to create delicious, organic options like her co-founding Late July Snacks in 2003, one of the country’s most successful organic snack brands, and most recently Nixie Sparkling Water in 2019. Nicole has been named Food & Wine and Fortune Magazine’s ‘Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink’ and Forbes Magazine’s ‘Top Five Women Breaking Barriers in Food and Beverage.’
Helpful Links
Nicole’s appearance on the LA Woman podcast
Forbes article, “How The Founder Of Late July Includes Generation Z In The Snack Business.”
Feature in Inc., series How I Did It