We had the good fortune of connecting with Taylar Wade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Taylar, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 17 and I struggled over the years to maintain my blood sugar levels and eating some of my favorite foods. I love desserts, especially cake, but I would always suffer the consequences of my blood sugar spiking whenever I ate it. In 2018, I started the keto diet, which is a low carb, sugar free diet, with a friend. I noticed that I could control my blood sugars so well while on the diet and started to create low carb recipes that mimicked the sugar filled desserts that I loved. My friends really loved it, so I decided to sell my mixes online as a side hobby. I initially never thought it could turn into a real business, but after tons of orders and rave reviews, that’s when I knew I was on to something.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2008 and really struggled over the years maintaining my blood sugars. I grew up in the south (North Carolina) and I loved to eat, especially desserts. Having a love for sweets didn’t pair well with being a diabetic, so I had a difficult time managing my health. In 2018, I started the ketogenic diet, which is a low carb, sugar free diet. I lost tons of weight, but the biggest benefit I noticed were my blood sugars were always in range. Even though I cut out sugar, I still craved sweets. As a result, I began baking low carb and sugar free alternatives of my favorite desserts. This became popular with my friends, so I decided to turn it into a side gig where I would sell dry cake mixes for those who wanted to bake a healthy dessert at home. Since then, my company has grown and scaled tremendously. It wasn’t easy navigating the food and manufacturing world with little to no background and there were lots of challenges with creating packaging, recipes, raising capital, order fulfillment, and constantly doubting myself . I was able to overcome a lot of the bumps that I encountered by networking with professionals and connections in the industry, always remembering the purpose and vision of my company when I got discouraged, and having a great circle of friends and family constantly encouraging me and offering a helping hand. I’m really proud that I used a chronic illness that I had always seen as a crutch as a way and means to connect with others and provide a product that can allow others to enjoy their favorite desserts without compromising their health. I want the world to know that my brand and company was born out of purpose and a big need. I fixed a problem that I have faced my entire life and I didn’t realize there are millions of people who share my experience. If my products can help 1 person, that’s just enough to keep me motivated and ecnouraged.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The West Loop neighborhood is one of my favorite areas in Chicago. It used to be an area where meat packing companies lived, but has become a trendy, hip spot for amazing food, bars and hotels. I love eating at Girl and the Goat, Trivoli Tavern, Cabra, and La Josie for dinner. My favorite places to get drinks and delicious snacks is Boqueria Money Gun, Aberdeen Tap, and Nobu. Maple and Ash is a must for an amazing Brunch in the Gold Coast and you can find the best french toast at Batter and Berries in Lincoln Park. Chicago has a beautiful waterfront, so renting a Divvy bike and riding down the lakefront trial is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. The Art Institute always has amazing exhibits and I would definitely recommend an architecture tour!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother, Gwen, and sister, Morgen, have been integral parts in the success of growing and scaling my company. Their support, labor, and encouragement have kept me afloat during my entrepreneurial journey and I couldn’t have done this without them. Also, my close friends and partner Marjani, Tyler, Siarra, Kemi, John, and Nicolette have been such a great support system and help spread the word about my company!

Website: https://sugarlessketo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarlessketo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugarlessketo/

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