Sisterly Bites

Founders of Sisterly Bites share their journey, lessons learned, and what drives their growing brand

5 March, 2026

Healthy eating fuels hunger to build a small business 

When sisters Rose and Nancy Daoud struggled to find healthy snacks that suited their needs, they didn’t give up – they got creative.  

Both sisters live with gut issues, and when they couldn’t find tasty, gut-friendly foods, they started making their own at home. That was the beginning of Sisterly Bites. 

What started as a personal solution quickly turned into a business idea. First, they shared their handmade, nourishing protein balls with family and friends. Then came local cafes and gyms. Step by step, the sisters grew their passion into a small business. 

Sisterly Bites has scaled up to operate from commercial premises, offers wholesale arrangements and is stocked in more than 30 cafes and gyms across Sydney. 

For other small businesses, their journey is full of valuable lessons: 

Start where you are:

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Begin with what – and who – you have. Rose and Nancy began in their own kitchen and tested their products with the people closest to them. 

Be clear about your product and your vision: 

‘Our work is about more than snacks,’ say Rose and Nancy. ‘It’s about sharing our passion for health, flavour and connection. Small businesses can create real impact, joy and opportunity in the community.

As co-founders and partners in their first business, the skills and approaches the sisters use may be helpful to other partnerships, such as: 

  • Strong communication and teamwork – meet regularly to stay aligned and support each other through challenges.
  • Stronger together mantra – lean on each other’s strengths and prioritise what matters most.
  • Be willing to learn – whether it’s the multiple roles of a business owner or what works best for the customer. 

For other small business owners starting from home or exploring their first product idea, a range of government support is available. See the links below. 

Small Business Commission resources: 

Other government support: 

Service NSW Business concierge – access personalised, ongoing, one-on-one support for your business  

NSW Food Authority home-based businesses – information on the obligations for food businesses and issues to consider 

Business.gov.au offers advice and guides: 

Other support to start a small business