Founder Story

I'm Summer Brennan, a third-year finance student at the University of Washington. I balance being a full-time student with working about 25 hours a week as a manager at Uniqlo, the apparel store known for its minimalist aesthetic, and with serving as an officer for the Tzu Ching Foundation at my university. Through the Foundation, I volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, help organize and conduct street cleanups, and lend a hand at various Seattle homeless shelters. I love feeling connected to my community and making a difference if I can; I'm currently leading a fundraiser for those impacted by the recent earthquake in Myanmar. I have always had a passion for helping others, and recently that passion has led me to explore ways to make a meaningful difference through business.

This business idea came from a very personal place. My aunt, who lives in an assisted living facility, struggles with several health conditions. I noticed that the snacks offered to her were often high in sodium and sugar, low in protein, and far from natural or organic. It made me realize there’s a real gap in the market for nutritious, delicious snacks specifically designed for older adults.

I grew up as a military child, living overseas on different bases, which gave me a global perspective and allowed me to see how different cultures treat and care for their elderly populations. I’ve seen through my grandmother and aunt how important it is to have reliable, compassionate support as we age.

Health and wellness have always been important to me. I grew up playing sport and now stay active through through weight training, so I understand the importance of putting the right nutrients in your body. I’ve worked in both large and small retail environments, like Walmart, Gap, and currently Uniqlo, where I’ve seen up close how the supply chain functions and the importance of knowing your customer. These experiences, combined with my education, have inspired me to build something of my own that can serve a real purpose.

More and more people enter assisted living or long-term care facilities every day as the 'Boomer' generation moves through retirement. Many seniors aren’t very mobile, so having convenient access to high-quality, health-conscious snacks delivered directly to their facilities could have a big impact on their overall well-being. I want to create a solution that’s not only good for them but also makes it easier for caregivers and facility managers to support healthier lifestyles. It’s a win-win situation, and it solves a very real problem in the market.

That's how I decided to launch Elderberry.

Join us on the Journey, it will be a delicious one! 🎉