Founder Grow with Iris: Fortified, free from and plant-based Growing up drink for kids.
I founded Grow with Iris in 2018, transitioning from art teacher to entrepreneur after my daughter Iris was diagnosed with life-threatening allergies at four months old. My lived experience of managing her allergies and feeling helpless drove me to support other families and create more choice when it comes to children’s nutrition and milk alternatives. As someone who truly understands the daily challenges of allergies – too often misunderstood – I’m passionate about being an advocate for living with allergies, not being held back by them.
Together with my co-founder Sophie Paynter (who recently became an allergy mum herself), we’ve developed an innovative fortified plant-based growing-up drink for children over 12 months, free from the six most common allergens.
Our mission is simple: bring more choice to more children. Whether families are navigating allergies, following a plant-based lifestyle, or simply seeking inclusive nutrition options, we’re here to support them with products that are both safe and sustainable.
After years of rigorous development alongside paediatricians and dietitians, our UK-manufactured drink launched in August 2024. We’re proud that our extensive testing ensures zero ‘may contain’ warnings, offering true peace of mind for allergy families. Free from palm oil, emulsifiers, preservatives, and artificial colours, we’ve earned multiple Free From Food Awards including Best Plant-Based Drink, Nourish Innovation recognition, and secured three rounds of Innovate UK funding, including Woman in Innovation, Sustainability in Innovation and Biomedical Catalyst awards.