As a participant in the Starter Company Plus program, Prabha Mattappally is growing Bhalla Protein, a snack brand built around the idea that eating well shouldn’t mean sacrificing flavour. Her individually packaged protein donuts are made with simple ingredients and offer 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fibre, while being gluten-free and dairy-free.
Inspired by her own search for a healthy snack she genuinely enjoyed eating, Prabha set out to create a better everyday option: delicious, nutritious and convenient. With a clear vision and passion for her product, she’s bringing a fresh approach to the world of healthy snacking. You can find her popping up at local farmers’ markets, building partnerships with local retailers, and telling anyone and everyone about her product – a testament to the drive and determination she brings to growing Bhalla Protein.
Learn more about Prabha and the story behind Bhalla Protein by reading the full Q&A below!
Tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur. What sparked the idea to start your business?
I feel like I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but fear held me back. As a first-generation Canadian, I was taught that success meant choosing a secure career and following a dependable path. I earned a business degree and spent much of my career working with startups and charities, which gave me a bit of an entrepreneurial fix – with the security of a paycheque.
There were a few points in my career when I considered going out on my own, but I hadn’t found an idea I was willing to risk my career for.
A few years ago, I became increasingly focused on my health – I guess getting older will do that to you ?. I was interested in healthy longevity – I started strength training and made some fairly significant lifestyle changes. I took courses in health and nutrition, paid closer attention to macros and started reading ingredient labels much more carefully. I was surprised by what I found in so many protein snacks, particularly products that were marketed as healthy but contained long lists of highly processed ingredients.
That led me to pull out an old healthy snack recipe and start experimenting. I kept tinkering with it until I’d created something I loved AND felt good about eating. That recipe became the foundation for Bhalla Protein.
For me, entrepreneurship finally came down to the right idea arriving at the right time. I had experience, motivation and, for the first time, an idea I believed in enough to take the risk.
What products or services do you offer, and how do they solve a problem or meet a need?
Our first product is a protein- and fiber-rich donut made with real ingredients. It was created to solve a common problem: Most healthy snacks focus on nutrition, but forget that we still want to enjoy what we’re eating. Bhalla Protein gives people a convenient snack option they actually want to eat, with no trade-off between taste, nutrition and convenience.
Who or what do you turn to for creative ideas and business inspiration?
I’ve come to realize that ideas and inspiration are all around me – I just need to lift my head up and be present enough to notice them. It’s easy to get into that ‘head down, focus, get-er-done’ mode, and many times that’s exactly what’s needed. But my best ideas tend to come when I step away from the ‘doing’ and give myself space to think, observe and create. Inspiration often shows up when I’m not actively looking for it.
What sets your business apart? What do you want people to remember about you?
What sets Bhalla Protein apart is that we’re not asking people to choose between something that tastes good and something that is good for them. Too many healthy snacks solve the nutrition piece but forget that people still want to enjoy what they’re eating.
I want people to remember Bhalla Protein as the brand that makes eating well feel easier and more enjoyable. Something they can grab when life is busy, feel good about afterward, and genuinely look forward to eating again. For me, that marriage of delicious and healthy – without the usual trade-offs – is really the heart of the business.
Why did you apply for the Starter Company Plus program, and what are you hoping to gain from it? What have you gained so far?
It takes a village to run a business! I applied for the Starter Company Plus program because I knew I would benefit from having experienced people around me who could challenge my thinking, offer practical guidance and help me see the business from a different perspective.
The opportunity to receive grant funding was also a big part of the appeal. As a growing CPG business, there are always investments to make – from equipment and packaging to production and marketing – and the funding would help me build capacity and move Bhalla Protein forward more quickly and strategically.
So far, the program has given me valuable advice, new connections and a community of entrepreneurs who understand both the excitement and the challenges of building something of your own.
What mindset shift helped you grow your business the most?
The biggest mindset shift for me has been letting go of the idea that I need to have everything figured out before I move forward. I’ve learned that building a business is really a process of trying, learning and adjusting as you go.
Mistakes are part of that process – and, as uncomfortable as they can be, they’re often where the most valuable learning happens. I think it’s important to make mistakes, because they show you what needs to change and help you make better decisions the next time. That shift has made me more willing to test ideas, listen to feedback and keep moving rather than waiting for everything to feel perfect.
How has being part of a local business community shaped your journey?
Being part of a local business community has shaped Bhalla Protein in so many ways. From participating in our farmers’ markets to being stocked in local retailers to connecting with other entrepreneurs, I’ve been surrounded by people who are willing to share advice, make introductions, give honest feedback and cheer me on.
Those relationships have helped me grow the business and have also made the journey feel much less isolating. Some of my best opportunities have come through a conversation or connection within the community. I’ve also learned how much people value supporting something that is being built locally, and I feel a real sense of responsibility to create products and experiences that are worthy of that support.
What’s something you’ve learned about yourself since starting your business?
I’ve learned that passion can create a level of energy and persistence I didn’t know I had.
Starting Bhalla Protein has required me to keep showing up, even when the work is repetitive, the days are long or something doesn’t go as planned. I’ve discovered that when I really believe in what I’m building, I’m willing to stay focused, solve problems and keep moving forward.
But passion alone isn’t enough. It’s the discipline to follow through, stay consistent and do the less exciting work that turns an idea into a real business.
What’s your favourite product or service that you offer?
Our protein donuts come in five flavours. My favourite is spicy chocolate. It’s the perfect balance of chocolate with just a subtle heat. It’s a very unique flavour offering in a protein snack.
If your business had a theme song, what would it be and why?
If Bhalla Protein had a theme song, it would be “TRUSTFALL” by P!nk. Starting a business is a bit of a trust fall – you can do a lot of preparation, but eventually you have to take the leap and trust yourself to figure things out as you go.
That feels very true to my journey with Bhalla Protein. I didn’t have every step mapped out when I started, and I still don’t always know exactly what comes next. But I believe in what I’m building, and I’ve learned to trust myself, keep moving forward and adjust along the way.
What book, podcast, or resource has had the biggest impact on you?
I love listening to ‘How I Built This’ by Guy Raz. He speaks with successful entrepreneurs and unpacks the stories behind how they built their businesses – the risks they took, the mistakes they made and the moments when things almost fell apart.
What I find so inspiring is that every story is a roller-coaster. Success is rarely a straight line, but through relentless determination, resilience and a willingness to keep going, they eventually find their way. Listening to those stories feels both validating and motivating, especially on the harder days of building the business.
What quote or mantra keeps you inspired?
Reject Rejection ?
Connect with Prabha:
Instagram: @bhallaprotein
Website: www.bhallaprotein.com
Photos: Victoria Mae Photography