Turning Health Challenges Into a Tasty Business Opportunity

From baking at home with limited resources to navigating factory spaces and certifications, what started as a personal mission to address her own health challenges has turned into a full-time business for Ramya Raghupati, Founder and Director of Oh My Goodness.

Specialising in foods free from gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, Ramya has built a brand that caters to consumers seeking allergen-friendly, accessible, and delicious alternatives.

Oh My Goodness is now entering the Malaysian market with a partnership with The Food Purveyor, targeting customers through premium stores like Village Grocer and Ben’s Independent Grocer.

Here are some highlights from the conversation:

- Personal Health Journey: Ramya's health issues led her to a food elimination diet, sparking her passion for allergen-friendly foods.

- Founding Story: Oh My Goodness started as a personal baking experiment and grew into a full-fledged business, with initial products like the signature dark chocolate cake.

- Challenges of Starting Up: From baking at home to shared factory spaces, Ramya navigated regulatory hurdles and financial challenges while staying true to her vision.

- Product Philosophy: A focus on natural ingredients, consumer transparency, and food safety certifications, including Muis Halal and ISO 22000.

- Malaysian Market Entry: Partnering with The Food Purveyor, the company is expanding into Village Grocer and Bens Independent Grocer with plans to grow its product range.

- Entrepreneurial Resilience: Overcoming pandemic setbacks, balancing personal consultancy work, and reinvesting into her business to achieve profitability.

- Future Goals: Scaling regionally, introducing new products like a gluten-free pandan cake, and staying committed to creating accessible, delicious allergen-free food.