Loren Castle, a native New Yorker, survived a battle with cancer and was determined to live a normal, healthy life. She decided to pursue her dream of owning a baking business. With that vision in mind, she started Sweet Loren’s, an all-natural cookie dough company using plant-based, non-GMO, whole-grain ingredients free of gluten, dairy, eggs, tree nuts, and peanuts. Despite facing many challenges, Castle’s company is now the number one brand in its category, sold in 25,000 supermarkets across the country.
Castle’s journey began with a devastating cancer diagnosis in 2006. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma at a young age, which was a shock for her. During the six months of chemotherapy, Castle struggled with depression and a loss of hope. However, therapy helped her see cancer as a source of strength and taught her to appreciate life more. Despite her challenges, Castle remained determined to fight the disease and live a fulfilling life, even after getting a clean bill of health in 2007.
After surviving cancer, Castle wanted to lead a normal life but struggled to find a job that suited her. She realized her entrepreneurial spirit and love for baking would drive her forward. Castle perfected a recipe for delicious, warm cookies and pitched her product to Whole Foods Market. Despite not having a packaged product, Castle’s cookies impressed the head buyer, leading to a partnership that kickstarted Sweet Loren’s success. Despite being a young cancer survivor in her twenties, Castle faced challenges but remained determined to grow her business.
As the founder and face of Sweet Loren’s, Castle has faced challenges and doubts about her health and her business. People questioned if she was truly healthy and if her business was stable, which affected her confidence. However, Castle remains optimistic and driven, with a dedicated customer base that appreciates and supports her products. She receives messages daily from customers whose lives have been positively impacted by Sweet Loren’s, reinforcing her passion for her work and her gratitude for her loyal customer base.
Castle emphasizes the importance of food for health, energy, and overall well-being. During her treatment, she focused on cooking classes and nutrition, leading her to create a cookie that she could enjoy without causing adverse effects on her health. Castle’s journey, from surviving cancer to building a successful baking business, highlights the power of resilience, determination, and passion, despite facing numerous challenges along the way. Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing hardship, showing that it is possible to turn adversity into strength and achieve success.
