Tara made Canadian history by scaling her company to be the fastest growing CPG brand founded by a solo female founder - ever.
She is the founder of SmartSweets, where they are on a global mission to Kick Sugar, and Keep Candy. Tara dropped out of university at 21 to begin recipe testing in her kitchen on a quest to innovate the first delicious candy- Without the sugar. Launching nation-wide on store shelves less than a year later, SmartSweets can now be found in 50,000+ stores across the USA & Canada, with partners including Target, Walmart, Kroger and Whole Foods. Scaling SmartSweets to be the fastest growing CPG brand founded by a solo female founder in Canadian history, she landed a $360M majority acquisition by TPG capital 4 years after launching the company.
Tara is wildly passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and believes their big impact-driven visions are needed more than ever before in the world, leading her to create a first-of-its-kind initiative called Bold Beginnings. In addition to fostering connection and tailored support to entrepreneurs with big visions, Tara is working to normalize the feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and insecurities that all female entrepreneurs face.
Tara is the recipient of several entrepreneurial awards, including being named Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 Award, Forbes 30 under 30, Peter Thiel Fellow and X.
In the media, Tara has been featured in Entrepreneur, Inc, Forbes, Fortune, and the Globe and Mail.
What is your story?
I've always had a love affair with candy. I started SmartSweets when I recognized I wanted to change my relationship with candy after experiencing the negative effects excess sugar has on our health. I tried to eat less sugar, but that only led me to crave candy even more, sparking my quest to Kick Sugar, Keep Candy! After spending months recipe testing in my kitchen with a gummy bear mould from Amazon, I dropped out of university at 21 and SmartSweets was born.
What does a “typical day” now look like for you?
No day looks the same! I am wildly passionate about empowering other women entrepreneurs and believe their big impact-driven visions are needed more than ever before in the world. I am an investor and advisor for some incredible women, and launched a north-american wide initiative called Bold Beginnings. A typical day also looks like being present with my incredible daughter, Willa, who is 3. Learning alongside her is life's greatest gift!
Your totally unbiased favourite candy from Smartsweets?
Sour Blast Buddies.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
If you view life as an adventure, you'll never be disappointed.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years or 10 years?
Serving others in whatever way is most meaningful that the universe guides me towards - that could look like a plethora of different things!
What’s a lifechanging book, podcast or resource that shifted your journey?
The title makes me cringe but the content is amazing - "How to Get Rich" by Felix Dennis
What’s a fail proof self-care tip?
Red-light therapy & Sauna!
What’s a fun fact that not many people know or would be surprised to hear?
I grew up in Vancouver (known for our mountains and outdoor activities) but am just learning to ski now as an adult!
Are you working on any exciting projects now?
I have two really exciting projects underway that I think will create a lot of impact for other women with ideas out there! Bold Beginnings is also an annual on-going project that exists to empower women entrepreneurs to know they are infinitely capable in what they can create.
Keep up with Tara here, and shop our Smartsweets x Mala candle collaboration exclusively here - only while stock lasts!
