Tell us a little about yourself and your brand

I'm Meghna Ram, founder of The Happy Bowl Co., an artisan food brand creating small-batch granolas, mueslis and porridges with elevated flavours. Every recipe is thoughtfully developed to deliver bold, distinctive tastes while keeping nutrition at its heart.

Driven by a passion for creating distinctive flavour combinations, my recipes are inspired by culinary moments from my childhood, the places I've travelled, the different cuisines I've experienced, and a genuine curiosity for discovering ingredients that work beautifully together.These influences come together in a collection of products that feel comforting yet offer something completely unexpected.

I want every bowl to surprise and delight, transforming an everyday ritual into a quiet moment of luxury. At The Happy Bowl Co, we believe wholesome food should feel indulgent, beautifully crafted and full of flavour, without ever compromising on quality.

What inspired you to start the business?

After 14 years building a successful career in technology, I found myself in a fast-paced leadership role where the demands of work often came before my own wellbeing. The constant pressure meant I had gradually lost sight of the importance of slowing down, being mindful about what I was putting into my body, and prioritising my gut and mental health.

Being diagnosed with NAFLD (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) was a real wake-up call and made me reflect on the impact that years of stress and neglecting my wellbeing had taken. It sparked a desire to create healthier daily habits but I quickly became frustrated by the options available.

I found that many products in the market were focused heavily on one thing: protein, wellness or functional benefits, but often lacked excitement and flavour. Others delivered on taste but relied on long ingredient lists and unnecessary additions to achieve it. I believed there had to be another way: food that was genuinely nourishing, made with thoughtfully selected ingredients, and still felt indulgent and exciting.

That search led me to start creating my own blends at home, experimenting with flavours and ingredients until I created the products I had been looking for. The Happy Bowl Co. was born from a simple belief: you shouldn't have to choose between nutrition and exceptional taste.

Can you tell us about your journey so far?

It has been an incredible year filled with learning, growth and moments that have reaffirmed why I started The Happy Bowl Co. From the beginning, I had a clear vision for what I wanted the brand to become, who I wanted to serve and the values I wanted it to represent.

Bringing that vision to life and seeing customers not only discover our products but come back, reorder and even become regular subscribers has been the greatest validation. Knowing that people connect with the flavours and the story behind the brand has been incredibly rewarding.

We’ve also been fortunate to receive recognition as finalists in several national business awards, showcase our products at leading food events including BBC Good Food Show and Good Housekeeping, and have the opportunity to pitch to prestigious retailers such as Fortnum & Mason.

Like every startup, it has been a journey of constant learning. I’ve worn every hat imaginable, from recipe development and production to marketing, logistics and finance. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you rarely get everything right the first time, and that’s part of the beauty of building something from the ground up.

For me, this journey has never just been about building a business; it’s about building a brand with purpose, staying true to its values and creating products that people genuinely love.

How has your experience been as a female founder?

Being a female founder has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Building a business requires resilience, self-belief and the ability to keep moving forward, even on the days when you question yourself or compare your journey to others.

I’ve learned to trust my instincts, ask for help when I need it and celebrate the small wins along the way. Those moments of doubt are part of the journey, but they also push you to grow, adapt and become stronger.

For me, the experience has also been shaped by being a mum to my two young girls. Balancing entrepreneurship with family life comes with its own challenges, and there are times when you feel the familiar guilt of missing bedtime stories, school performances or those everyday moments you wish you could be present for.

But I’ve also come to realise that I’m showing them something incredibly valuable: that it is possible to pursue your ambitions, create something meaningful and build a life that aligns with your values. I hope they see that success doesn’t have to come from sacrificing who you are, but from having the courage to follow your passions, adapt along the way and find a balance that works for you.

Being a founder and a mum has reinforced the importance of resilience, authenticity and showing the next generation that there are many different paths they can take.

That journey has also shown me the importance of community. I’m incredibly grateful for the network of female founders and the communities built by women, for women. 

What are you most looking forward to about exhibiting at Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2027?

Meeting buyers face-to-face is invaluable. Nothing compares to watching someone try our granola for the first time and seeing their reaction.

We're excited to introduce retailers to our flavour-led approach and to connect with people who are passionate about bringing unique, premium products to their customers.

What can visitors expect when they come and see you at the Fair?

Lots of sampling, plenty of conversation and, hopefully, a few surprises.

Visitors can expect handcrafted granolas, mueslis and porridges that stand apart from the ordinary, featuring unique flavour combinations inspired by global influences and made with exceptional ingredients. Whether you're looking for something distinctive for your shelves or simply want to discover your new favourite breakfast, we'd love to meet you.

For retailers and buyers, it’s an opportunity to discover a brand with a clear point of difference, products that combine exceptional taste, beautiful presentation and a story that customers can connect with. We look forward to sharing our journey and exploring how The Happy Bowl Co. can bring something truly special to their customers.

Finally, describe Speciality & Fine Food Fair in three words

Passion. Purpose. Possibility