This week we caught up with Dafna Ciechanover Bonas, Founder of Indie Bay Snacks.

Can you tell us a little about Indie Bay Snacks?

In health, as with anything in life, you get out what you put in. It’s about nourishing the body, not starving it. I created Indie Bay to capture that spirit – as well as to finally have amazing, delicious and satisfying snacks that are actually good for you.  Don’t we all want a perfect alternative to crisps?

Our Pretzel Thins and Bites are naturally low in calories, low in fat, and packed with protein – nothing taken away, just good stuff crammed in via the magic of spelt. Here’s to enjoying more of the good stuff, no?

What inspired you to create Indie Bay Snacks?

I’m a mother of three, a runner and a California girl at heart.  I started Indie Bay to change snacking habits and to offer happier and healthier options for my family and people like us who care about what they put in their body, and care about what it tastes like. We shouldn’t have to choose and we shouldn’t have to compromise.

Is there anything exciting you are currently working on?

We love feedback from our Indies – our amazing, supportive active community – and are always evolving our lines and flavours in response. People want to buy more than just 1 pack of Indie Bay per supermarket shop (who can blame them!), so we have listened to the snackers and we are creating something extremely exciting: Indie Bay multipacks and sharing bags. Watch this space!

Best piece of advice you have been given?

Managing a hyper-growth business while raising three kids and two dogs isn’t easy, I won’t lie.  Indie Bay has achieved 80% YOY growth or more consistently, and this year looks to exceed that number. Bill Sahlman, my entrepreneurship professor at HBS, said “it takes as much work to build a small business as a big one, so you may as well dream big”. I loved that and can confirm that it does indeed take so much work…so I’ve never stopped dreaming big.

What would your ideal day in London be like?

I am an immigrant to this country and an adopted Londoner – I literally cannot imagine a better place to live! I love the fact that the city offers everything, from gorgeous parks to incredible museums, theatre and dance, the best restaurants and an endless flow of brilliant creators from across the UK and the world.

It truly is the home of innovation without sacrificing quality of life.  My dream free day would start with a walk with my family and the dogs in the park, lead into time at Tate Britain, The National Gallery or the Hayward for some art, then dinner out by the Thames at my favourite River Café with the beloved Ruthie Rogers with friends, and then end it with a play at The Bridge theatre by Tower Bridge. Heavenly.

For more information on Indie Bay Snacks visit: www.indiebaysnacks.com