KAREN O'DONOGHUE
“I’ve always been a very righteous person, always standing up for people and my beliefs.”
ABOUT KAREN O'DONOGHUE:
Most people would probably not choose to have their name be synonymous with IBS, but Karen is proudly waving that flag. The founder and CEO of The Happy Tummy Co. has created products and recipes that are designed to help relieve sufferers of their symptoms, in the hopes of eventually eradicating the world of IBS.
This may sound like a bold goal, but considering Karen is one of the Gutsy-est chefs out there, I have no qualms that she will make great strides towards this. Karen has a fearless sense of adventure, which has seen her travel off the beaten track to discover the ingredients that make up her Wholegrain Chia Teff Loaf, aptly nicknamed 'poo bread'. After discovering what makes our tummies happy, she has continued to push herself and will currently be found in the ring, training for her first boxing match. I would say good luck, but I think her opponent will need it more!
The Happy Tummy Co. is continuing to expand their list of available products and will soon be found further afield. Visit their website for more details and hilariously relatable testimonials
What is your earliest memory?
Aged four, standing on a pink plastic chair at the work surface in the kitchen at my family home in Cork, Ireland attempting my first batch of fruit scones.
In what place are you the happiest?
Swimming in the ocean.
Who would be your dream dinner party guest?
Nelson Mandela.
What is the gutsiest thing you have ever done?
I did so many adrenaline fuelled things when I was younger it's difficult to choose.... I also walked the jungle in Ooty, Kerala for 10 miles by myself when I was 20. That was more stupid than gutsy though! The leader of the camp came looking for me and when he found me he was shocked to find me alive!
How would your greatest friend describe you in 3 words?
Intelligent, giving, strong.
Who has been your biggest inspiration to create this product?
My Mum who died of cancer 11 years ago and all the people around the world who suffer with IBS in silence.
Who has been the most influential person on your Gut Health journey?
This sounds weird but me. I am my customer. Every day I create to keep my IBS away and keep myself healthy and happy.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
Travelling a lot between Ethiopia, London, New York and Sicily developing new products, spending time with our farmers and building our social enterprise in Ethiopia.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone setting out to make a product like yours, what would it be?
Don't copy people. Stick to your vision. Do not sacrifice on the bits that make your product unique. Stay hungry.