Kirsty Henshaw

Winner on Dragon’s Den for her dairy-free healthy alternative to ice cream. Kirsty was brought up in Preston in Lancashire by her mum and dad who run a small health food shop. Kirsty the eldest of 4 children enjoyed learning about healthy food options, nutrition and all aspects of diet whilst helping out in the shop from time to time. At the age of 20 Kirsty had her son Jacob who was and still is the inspiration behind the Freedom range. When Kirsty discovered Jacob suffers from a life threatening nut allergy and is dairy intolerant she turned to her parents to help her understand his allergies and to find alternatives for him to eat and enjoy. ‘Having a child with food allergies and intolerances is not easy for any parent. You want your children to eat well and at the same time for them to not feel left out. When I discovered Jacob’s allergies this immediately enforced the need to read food labels and understand them. The one thing I found very worrying was the amount of products that claimed to be healthy and yet were still laced with high sugar and fat or artificial sweeteners.’ My favourite and ideal Dragons to help move my company forward were Peter Jones and Duncan Bannatyne, so when I received an amazing offer from the pair of them, I was over the moon and completely speechless (which doesn’t happen often)! The whole Dragons’ Den experience has been something I will never forget.’ Looking back now, almost a year on it was still the most amazing day of my entire life, OK well on par with having my son and probably equally as terrifying. I have never felt mixed emotions quite like it!

  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award
  • Artsmark Platinum Award - Awards by Arts Council England
  • Lancashire Socio-economic Equality Badge
  • SMART
  • UNICEF
  • School Mental Health Award
  • Ofsted - Outstanding Provider
  • International School Award