Teresa Sommer
The idea came from my own experience: I have been living with coeliac disease for over ten years and know the daily challenges all too well – from the uncertainty of finding a suitable restaurant to moments of social isolation.
A few years ago, I launched my Instagram channel “glutenfreie_schwestern” to share my experiences and offer encouragement to others affected by the condition. This has grown into a strong, committed community, through which I have gained a very clear understanding of my followers’ needs, concerns and wishes. Time and again, it became clear to me that there is a lack of a central, trustworthy platform that brings together helpful information and offers genuine community support.
With the No Gluten Club, I want to fill precisely this gap – with an app that combines user-generated restaurant tips, recipes, exclusive discounts and safe spaces for discussion. My aim is not only to provide people with coeliac disease with reliable information, but above all to connect them with one another, empower them and restore a significant sense of security and quality of life to their everyday lives.
What are your biggest challenges at the moment?
My biggest challenge at the moment is actually moving from the concept to the ‘doing’ stage and tackling my idea in a structured way. I have so many thoughts and visions in my head, but I don’t always find it easy to work out concrete next steps from them or to define the perfect business model straight away.
On top of that, alongside my existing day-to-day business, I often find I don’t have enough time to focus fully on my start-up project. Day-to-day operations continue, which often means I lack the space needed to sit down and tackle key strategic issues in peace. I’d also like to learn to network more actively, break down barriers, accept help and seek out targeted external support.
What is your goal for the EXIST Women programme?
I’ve reached a point where I realise: my idea has enormous potential – but I need solid structures, professional exchange and guidance to take the next big step. So far, I’ve driven a lot of things forward on my own and often made spontaneous decisions. That’s worked well, but now I want to professionalise my venture and tackle my next milestones strategically.
During the EXIST Women programme, I therefore want to organise my ideas, develop a clear roadmap and learn to work specifically on particular business challenges. I want to network more closely with other female founders, reflect on experiences and make use of the mentoring opportunities. At the same time, my personal goal is to grow more confidently into my role as an entrepreneur, define my own strengths more clearly and develop my idea with a well-founded sense of confidence.