PODCAST: Vancouver’s KidStar Nutrients lands 2 partners in ‘Dragons’ Den’ visit

Host Peter McCully chats with Caitlin Vanderhaeghe of Vancouver, the president, CEO, and co-founder of KidStar Nutrients. Vanderhaeghe discusses her experience on ‘Dragons’ Den’, where she secured a partnership with Arlene Dickinson and Wes Hall. Vanderhaeghe shares her journey into the health and wellness industry, the conversation dives into the inspiration behind starting KidStar Nutrients, focusing on the importance of quality products for children's health and the significance of iron deficiency, and how Caitlin's personal experience inspired the creation of a unique iron supplement. “I was really dissatisfied with what I found on the market,” said Vanderhaege. “And then my second daughter ended up being iron deficient. And so I went on a hunt to find her a product and in the process I realized that I had to just make one. We actually made the iron products for her specifically. Iron is the number one nutrient deficiency in the world, and also here in Canada, and it's very much lacking from our diet today." The KidStar founder reflects on the challenges of launching a business during the pandemic and the subsequent shipping issues. "We launched in January of 2020, unknowing of what was coming. So, it was a huge hurdle to be honest." The podcast delves into Vanderhaeghe’s entrepreneurial spirit, shaped by her childhood experiences of selling flowers and having a paper route. Vanderhaeghe reflects on her experience on the TV show, the nerve-racking moments on stage, and the subsequent positive impact on Kidstar Nutrients' business. If you have suggestions or comments, send a voice message to [email protected] you may be part of our audio podcast mailbag segment. You will find ‘Today in B.C.’ podcasts on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, YouTube and Google podcasts. 00:01:51 Caitlin's Entrepreneurial Journey 00:02:33 Launching a Business During the Pandemic 00:03:40 Experience in the Family Business 00:04:43 The Importance of Iron Supplements 00:06:16 Getting Products on Shelves 00:07:06 Gummy Vitamins lacking 00:07:52 The Future of KidStar Nutrients 00:09:04 Balancing Work and Family Life 00:09:37 Caitlin's Experience on Dragon's Den 00:12:26 Choosing Partners on Dragons’ Den 00:12:58 The Impact of Dragon's Den 00:14:24 Influential Figures in Caitlin's Journey 00:15:38 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs