Donut worry about food allergies with OMG! Decadent Donuts

Donuts are one of life’s delicious guilty pleasures, but if you have a food allergy or intolerance, regular donuts probably aren’t on the menu.    

But now they can be thanks to OMG! Decadent Donuts who make and sell hot, fresh donuts that are free from most allergens, are all natural and have no artificial nasties. Diane O’Reilly is one of the founders of OMG! Decadent Donuts and calls them “the goodies with no baddies!”   

Diane started OMG! Decadent Donuts in Brisbane (where the head office and manufacturing remain) and has invested time and money into ensuring it is one of the highest certified companies in the country. They not only cater for as many people as possible with food allergies and intolerances, but they also address cultural and religious requirements too.   

We caught up with Diane recently to find out more about OMG! Decadent Donuts and her journey as a Queensland #FemaleFounder.  

What inspired you to start your business?    

With the donut product itself, we wanted to create something that was inclusive that just about everyone could enjoy. We imagined a child’s party or an office morning tea where everyone had the same treat regardless of individual food allergies, intolerances or beliefs.   

In developing the licensee business model, our inspiration was to create an opportunity for everyday Australians to own and operate their own business, either as a ‘side-hustle’ or as a full-time endeavour. We absolutely didn’t want to be a ‘big-brother’ franchise; rather they define their own aspirations and work at a pace that works for them and their family.  

What milestones have you reached?  

There have been lots of milestones along the way. Firstly, we are proud Queenslanders and everything is made here, so when our little business expanded with licensees throughout Australia, it was pretty amazing. And in 3.5 years we are just about to sign our 65th licensee and launch in New Zealand!   

Making it through the pandemic was also a major milestone for us. We had to adapt and reinvent our methods of operation many times over, which meant our business has become more robust and resilient.     

What business achievements are you most proud of to date?  

I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve created 300 jobs around Australia, and both us and our 64 licensees are doing well despite long lockdowns over the last couple of years. We were also awarded two international Stevie Awards for innovation.   

The best achievement though is when we have a Mum buying a donut for their child who can safely enjoy eating it for the first time in their life. It’s also when people who have no dietary requirements at all say that our donuts are the best ones they’ve ever eaten.   

What’s your advice for other female entrepreneurs and businesses starting out on their entrepreneurship journey?   

Surround yourself with kind and smart people and cultivate a diverse skillset. I’m one of four directors at OMG! Decadent Donuts and we all have very different backgrounds and skillsets. To grow and expand a business, you need lots of skills. For anyone who doesn’t have the luxury of diversity within their directorship, shop around for a great accountant and commercial lawyer who are also a bit entrepreneurial and are able to see your vision and go on that journey with you. I also think a range of age and experience is important – from young people with fresh ideas to older people with a breadth of experience.  

 
Last updated 10 Mar, 2022
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