Award-winning businesswoman Julianne Ponan has been officially presented with her MBE for Services to Business, Exports, and to People with Allergies.
Julianne received her MBE from The Princess Royal, Princess Anne at Windsor Castle. Of those who received an Honour in 2023, only 2.3 per cent were women of colour and of mixed ethnicity. This is the first Honours list to receive their honours in the reign of King Charles the Third.
Julianne was among the brilliant people who were honoured with a Member of the Order of the British Empire, of which only 19.4 per cent of the MBEs awarded were received by people who identified as having non-white ethnicities.
“Being considered for an MBE is an extraordinary achievement that transcends my wildest dreams,” Julianne said.
“From the isolation of the allergy table at school, where I yearned for an allergy-free existence, to now knowing that our efforts are genuinely transforming the lives of allergy sufferers, this prestigious accolade feels almost surreal.
“This momentous honour would have remained out of reach without the unwavering support of my husband Matt, who has been my number one supporter. This day marks a point of reflection and celebration of how my life has led me to this amazing place. I consider that if I didn’t have allergies I may have never had the drive to help others. It was a great privilege to be able to receive recognition for my work and something I deeply care about.”
Julianne was notified of her MBE at the end of 2022 and had to keep this outstanding achievement quiet until the list was announced publicly.
When it comes to the New Year’s Honour List for 2023, the statistics emphasise how momentous Julianne’s recognition is because only 16.4 per cent of the full honours list are people who do not identify as white, and 45.1 per cent on the list are women with only 2.3 per cent being women of colour and mixed ethnicity. For Julianne to be awarded such a coveted achievement breaks barriers for herself and other women of colour to be acknowledged for their work across society.
“The day felt like it was over in a flash and I couldn’t believe how much Princess Anne The Princess Royal knew about myself and Creative Nature, it made me feel like she genuinely cared about the rise in allergies. It was a once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget.”
Julianne has broken barriers by carving her path in the food industry with her allergy-safe business, Creative Nature. But now, she has also broken barriers in accepting her MBE and has done so surrounded by her proud loved ones. We can only wait and see what Julianne Ponan MBE’s future has in store, but it is guaranteed to continue her work of bringing awareness and food to those who are left adrift because of their allergies.
