How Founders Can Use Personal Branding to Grow a Business with Addison LaBonte

In this episode of Founder2Founder, Aaron Spivak sits down with Addison LaBonte, founder of Sweet Addison’s, a fast-growing better-for-you bakery shipping gluten-free, dairy-free desserts nationwide. A former Division 1 athlete, Addison has channeled her discipline and resilience into building a brand rooted in authenticity and quality.

After a life-changing health diagnosis, Addison turned to gluten-free living, what started as a personal journey quickly evolved into a thriving business and loyal online community. Her story highlights the power of betting on yourself, building with intention, and creating products that truly serve people.

Chapters
01:16 – Addison’s Background and Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship
03:42 – How Division 1 Athletics Shaped Her Discipline and Mindset
05:41 – The Power of Delayed Gratification in Business
07:44 – Health Diagnosis That Changed Everything
08:35 – Discovering Gluten-Free Living and a New Passion
09:49 – Starting an Instagram Account That Led to a Business
11:03 – Early Doubts and Getting Laid Off Before Launch
12:33 – Building Sweet Addison’s From a Small Apartment
13:25 – 26 Recipe Iterations to Perfect the Product
14:10 – Transitioning From Home Baking to a Commercial Kitchen
15:13 – Listening to Customers and Building for Demand
17:53 – Launch Strategy: Influencers and Word-of-Mouth Growth
18:44 – Understanding the Gluten-Free Consumer Market
20:08 – Product Innovation: High-Protein, Better-For-You Desserts
21:31 – Challenges of Selling Perishable Products Online
23:13 – Vision for Scaling Into National Retail
25:34 – Why Personal Branding Was a Game-Changer
27:37 – Discipline, Consistency, and Social Media Growth
29:59 – Evolving Her Personal Brand Over Time
31:26 – Viral Content and Learning From Audience Feedback
36:32 – Pushing Limits: From Marathons to Ultra Running
38:17 – The “Deathbed Mentality” and Living Without Regret
40:43 – Training the Mind Through Physical Challenges
42:55 – Childhood Lessons That Built Independence and Resilience
47:16 – Taking a Leap of Faith and Moving to Dallas
50:45 – Advice to Her Younger Self

Guest Links:
Website: www.sweetaddisons.com
Instagram: @sweet.addisons
@organicallyaddison

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