For all those who struggle with issues around food intolerance, entrepreneur Ancha Salvador, founder of Anchaa's Gluten Free, has not only a great personal understanding, but also a range of exciting food products to match.
LoA met with Ancha Salvador at the inaugural Lioness Lean In Breakfast event in Maputo recently to find out more about this exciting business and brand.
What does your company do?
We produce a range of gluten free food products. I was able to stabilize a line of products (cookies, muffins, breads, cakes, pasta, flour, and any hot meal) with full support from my family - so often voluntary guinea pigs from my food experiences. These products match any other conventional wheat product.
"A few years ago, about 8 in fact, I discovered that most of the health problems that affected me had to do with intolerance to gluten, a protein that appears mainly but not only in wheat and its derivatives."
What inspired you to start your company?
A few years ago, about 8 in fact, I discovered that most of the health problems that affected me had to do with intolerance to gluten, a protein that appears mainly but not only in wheat and its derivatives; I also discovered that lactose and normal sugar affected me negatively.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Although this diet is particularly aimed at people suffering from this disease, there are several benefits that this type of diet can bring to those who do not suffer from any disease related to gluten intolerance. In order for the diet to be rigorous, the patient should analyze the composition of foods, particularly those of industrial confection. Note that some drugs contain excipients that contain gluten.
"One of the problems I faced was a huge weight gain. I experimented with all possible and imaginary diets without much success, of course. From that moment I became aware that only a radical change in eating habits could help me, I began a long journey that brings me here."
Tell us a little about your team
A nuclear team: just me, a partner who trusts me and my products, and a ‘Mrs Fix It’ helping me with the baking process. Besides, I have the full support of my family, specially my beloved husband.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I was accidentally born in Vila Pery, today Chimoio, within a family of Muslim origin with multicultural roots for 44 years. Beyond my Bantu origins, from my paternal family, I have Indian and Comorian (Arab) ancestors from my maternal family and, through my husband, with whom I have been married for 20 years, descendants with European genes. I lived most of my life in Maputo, in the neighbourhoods of Polana, Malhangalene, Mafalala, Triunfo and Baixa, and studied in several primary and secondary schools in the capital. After finishing high school, I completed a professional technical cycle of 3 years in Public Relations and Marketing. When I finished, I thought I should do a propaedeutic year before entering higher education and this proved to be right, since I did in succession the bachelors degree in Marketing and Advertising, post graduation (Strategic Marketing Management), and preparing a Thesis for the Masters in this same area. I worked and studied for most of my life. I was a sales clerk, receptionist secretary, human resources technician and, in the last 12 years, manager and partner of a company of language teaching, translations and orientation courses.
A few years ago, about 8, I discovered that most of the health problems that affected me had to do with intolerance to gluten, a protein that appears mainly but not only in wheat and its derivatives; I also found that lactose and normal sugar affected me negatively. One of the problems I faced was a huge weight gain. I experimented with all possible and imaginary diets without much success, of course. From that moment I became aware that only a radical change in eating habits could help me, I began a long journey that brings me here.
"I became aware that only a radical change in eating habits could help me, I began a long journey that brings me here."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Growing in the sense of having a more competitive and modern firm, expanding in the first phase around Maputo area and later on to other parts of the country and the southern part of the continent.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The possibility of using social media and social networks was something that caught my attention because I always thought I should share my experiences and knowledge in order to benefit other people (some knowledgeable about their condition, others not) who need help in this area so little known.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
If you think you have a good idea go after it, never give up, and try to get help from the right people.
Contact or follow Anchaa's Gluten Free
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL anchasalvador@hotmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
Trying to manage a healthy lifestyle and diet when you are also battling food allergies can be difficult, and specialist help is often needed to get the balance right. Understanding this challenge from a really personal perspective, Ancha Salvador, founder of Anchaa's Gluten Free in Mozambique, is building a successful business and brand creating a range of specialist food products for those who want great food but without the side effects. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa