‘Power Meals by Dawn’ founder wanted to eat healthy. It has grown to an expanding business
Power Meals by Dawn grew out of a desire by Dawn Morrison to eat better and lose a few pounds.
Her Palmetto-based business, founded three years ago, quickly built a loyal following of like-minded fitness and health enthusiasts. So much so, that Power Meals by Dawn soon outgrew its space in the Palmetto’s historic Crusader Building, 323 10th Ave. W.
To meet the demand for grab-and-go prepared meals, Morrison, 44, is planning to open a second store in Lakewood Ranch.
It all started when Morrison was taking part in a nutrition challenge at her gym, and began making her own meals.
“I have always worked out, but I never got my nutrition in order,” she said.
Changing the way she ate made a noticeable difference in the way she looked, and gym members began asking her to make their meals, too.
Suddenly, the Palmetto native found herself shifting from a career in corporate retail to focusing full-time on her start-up business to keep up with the demand for her meals.
“Our menu is based on the Paleo diet. It is gluten-free, soy, dairy and refined sugar-free. No peanuts or beans. It’s a great nutrition plan to combat disease that involves inflammation, such as RA (rheumatoid arthritis) or fibromyalgia,” she said.
Customers come from all backgrounds and in all ages.
“Some of our clients have specific nutrition goals. Some are just putting their toe in the water with diet and nutrition. And we have others who are working and don’t have time to, or don’t want to prepare their own meals,” Morrison said.
“It has expanded beyond what I expected. Since this grew organically, I didn’t have a vision of what it would be in a few years. We grew out of our space here within the first three months. We never had to close during the pandemic because all of our meals were carry out. Our growth leveled off during the pandemic, and we didn’t have the huge sales increases like before,” Morrison said.
The fact that her customers like her meals is a big factor in the company’s success. But success also comes with making good decisions, building lasting relationships with customers, and building a strong team.
Team members include Leonor Lugo, Evan Holland, Tessa Marquette, Chris Robertson, Kristina Cosner, Pinki Goolsby, and Morrison’s daughter, Breesha Angell.
“If I didn’t have the supportive team around me, I couldn’t do it. There are a lot of long days and time on your feet,” she said.
Among reviews left for Power Meals by Dawn, this one is typical: “All of the meals are wonderful and tasty. Meals are prepped and ready to grab and go. So convenient for those who do not have time to prep their meals. The staff is friendly and will answer any questions you may have on your chosen meal.”
Expansion to Lakewood Ranch in the late spring will mean hiring additional staff. Although an opening date has not been announced, Morrison will be adding her second location on Lakewood Ranch Main Street next to Barre3, a business with a focus on fitness, inspired by ballet barre, yoga, and Pilates.
Clients can pre-order meals on https://mypowermeals.com/, or by calling 941-721-3082. Customers may come in during business hours and shop the grab-and-go section. Menus are changed twice a week.
Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.
