Lauren Schwalb
As the solo founder of OHLA! Foods, Lauren Schwalb has had to wear every hat in the business, all while juggling how to grow her new company from the ground up.
“This journey has tested me in every way,” she said, “but it has also reinforced my belief in the brand, my ability to adapt, and the power of surrounding myself with the right people.”
OHLA! was born out of Schwalb’s experience with her daughter’s food allergy, which prompted her family to adopt a cleaner and healthier diet. The company features family favorites, such as tortillas and cheddar cheese crackers, made from high quality, simple ingredients.
“Taking OHLA! from 0 to 1 has been an incredible journey, proving the concept, securing key retail partnerships, and building a brand with real momentum,” Schwalb said. “Now, as we prepare to raise capital and bring on strategic investors, I’m focused on scaling from 1 to 100 with the right partners who can help take OHLA! to the next level.”
In addition to her work as a small business owner, Schwalb and her husband Stephen are raising two young daughters and one Vizsla dog. The family is active in Highland Park United Methodist Church. They can be found outside in nice weather enjoying area parks.
Schwalb grew up with the understanding that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” She has been a community volunteer since childhood and continues to regularly donate her time to her children’s schools.
How do you motivate yourself and others?
I remember the why behind what I am doing! Motivation is important, but I also try to stay inspired as I think that is where the real creativity comes from.
What advice do you have for other young professionals?
My biggest advice to young professionals is to embrace resilience and adaptability. Your career path may not be linear, and that’s okay. Be willing to take risks, step outside of your comfort zone, and learn from every experience — even failures. Build meaningful relationships and seek out mentors who can guide you. Hard work and persistence will take you far, but don’t be afraid to ask for help and surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
My greatest accomplishment in life is becoming a mother. It’s one of the most fulfilling and rewarding jobs I can have. It’s taught me patience, unconditional love and has challenged me while bringing me joy in the same moment. Watching my two daughters grow, instilling in them values of kindness, hard work and curiosity is my proudest achievement. It’s also how I have approached my career and personal ambitions — making me more driven and empathetic.
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
My family instilled in me the importance of giving back from a young age, and that foundation has shaped who I am today. I grew up with the understanding “to whom much is given, much is expected.” I feel immensely blessed and that mindset has motivated me to stay involved in my community and find ways to make a positive impact. Now, as a mother, I want to pass those same values on to my children — showing them the importance of generosity, kindness, and being an active part of something bigger than themselves.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job after college was in Marketing and PR for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. That experience taught me invaluable lessons — how to collaborate effectively, manage relationships at all levels in the workplace, and recognize the value of my time and expertise. It also exposed me to the world of classical music, which I knew little about before, and allowed me to immerse myself in the arts while expanding my professional network. It was a dynamic and enriching start to my career that shaped the way I approach business and creativity today.
Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?
In 10 years, I see myself continuing to grow both personally and professionally while striving to balance motherhood, my career, family, and friendships. I hope to have built a thriving business that makes a meaningful impact, while also staying present for my family and the moments that matter most. Finding harmony between ambition and personal fulfillment will always be a priority, and I look forward to learning and evolving along the way.
What’s on your bucket list?
To travel to every continent with my family and show my children other cultures.
What was your toughest business or personal challenge?
Gosh I have had so many, but specifically for OHLA!, one of my toughest challenges has been navigating the growing pains while being entirely self-funded. As a solo founder, I’ve had to wear every hat — sales, operations, marketing, finance — juggling it all while growing the business from the ground up. Taking OHLA! from 0 to 1 has been an incredible journey, proving the concept, securing key retail partnerships, and building a brand with real momentum. Now, as we prepare to raise capital and bring on strategic investors, I’m focused on scaling from 1 to 100 with the right partners who can help take OHLA! to the next level. This journey has tested me in every way, but it has also reinforced my belief in the brand, my ability to adapt, and the power of surrounding myself with the right people.
What was your “lightbulb moment” that led you to your career?
OHLA! Was born out of a personal journey when my daughter developed a food allergy, prompting us to adopt a cleaner and healthier diet.
What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?
I would not call this fun, but I once broke both of my wrists at the same time.
What would you tell an 18-year-old you?
Believe in yourself and trust the process — you’re more capable than you think.
If you could buy a book (or rent a movie) for your neighbor, what would it be and why?
Instead of buying just one book, I would buy my neighbor a Kindle. Since getting one myself, I’ve found that I read so much more than before. While I still love the feel of a paperback book, the convenience of having an entire library at my fingertips has been a game-changer. I regret waiting so long to buy one, and I’d love to share that experience with my neighbor!
