Meet Danielle Schnapp | Danielle Schnapp | Founder of Eat Well with Danielle

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Schnapp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned along my entrepreneurial journey: “if you wait until you’re ready, you’ve waited too long”. If you’ve got something, GO FOR IT.

What should our readers know about your business?
WOW! This question is everything. I started “Eat Well with Danielle” as an Instagram account in May 2020 as a pandemic-hobby. I was a little bored and a lot unimpressed by the mounds of ‘unhealthy’ recipes I was finding for muffins, cookies, brownies, etc. on the internet. I LOVE dessert and wanted to eat my favorite treats (without leaving the house) so I got to recipe testing. I was having lots of fun creating recipes and sharing them out on my Instagram account (and eventually my blog). Without really even meaning to, I stumbled upon the idea of having “pop ups” aka selling my cookies in person at the likes of flower shops, clothing boutiques, home goods, stores, etc. I’d plan these pop up events, come up with a menu, bake my heart out, and sell out (almost) every single time. I loved the human connection element – especially during a global pandemic – and felt there was a real need for healthy, simple treats that catered to those with specific diets. I had my first pop up and never looked back. I kept it up and ultimately made the decision to find a permanent home for Eat Well with Danielle .. and now I have my cafe! It’s been a WILD ride, baking thousands of cookies in my tiny apartment, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. My oven has broken before and I’ve baked out of my toaster lol. I’m so proud of myself – especially being a home-taught baker – and I truly believe you can make magic happen if you believe in yourself. Even if there’s other people out there doing what you’re you’re doing, there’s only one YOU and that special YOUness is so important.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
AH! What a fun question. Living in Astoria, our Greek food is truly top notch. But starting off, I’d wake up early, go for a walk, and stop at a cafe for some cold brew. Then I’d take my friend to a yoga class in Astoria Park, followed by brunch at Sekend Sun (my absolute favorite). The veggie omlette with arugula salad and crispy red potatoes are EVERYTHING. We’d spend the afternoon popping into local boutiques, introducing her to many of the small businesses and entrepreneurs I adore. Dinner would be Greek 100% – Telly’s Taverna, Taverna Cyclades, Agnanti are all top notch. Dessert is a must – I am a baker after all – and ice cream would be my choice .. Ample Hills for sure! We’d spend the later part of the evening at a fun cocktail bar like Mosaic or Bar Dalia. Then home to hang!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My community! Eat Well with Danielle started as a humble Instagram account and has since grown into a neighborhood cafe, serving up healthier, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan treats thanks to the unwavering support of my community in Astoria, Queens. My customers-turned-friends (turned family?!) have truly made my business what it is today. I feel so lucky to have such an amazing support system.

Website: eatwellwithdanielle.com

Instagram: instagram.com/eatwellwithdanielle