HAYVN HerStory: Julie Mountain & Dana Noorily, Founders of The Granola Bar

About HAYVN HerStory:

Chronicles of Women Who Innovate. Celebrate, Learn, and Be Inspired!

Showcasing Inspiring Journeys of Local Female Entrepreneurs

Hear ‘HerStory’ in HAYVN’s special series highlighting challenges, triumphs, innovative ideas, and offering all a unique opportunity to learn from their experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, these events are designed to empower and motivate our entrepreneurial community. Come and connect with like-minded individuals, share your own experiences, and leave inspired to innovate and excel.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of an empowering experience!

THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025

• Julie Mountain & Dana Noorily, Founders of The Granola Bar
• Moderator: Kristen Rzasa, Holistic Business Strategist
• Beverage sponsor: Owl’s Brew
• Media Sponsor: Darien New Canaan Lifestyle

• HAYVN Darien, 320 Boston Post Road #Suite 180 Darien, CT 06820

Main Event begins at 6pm and follows an intimate VIP reception at 5:30pm.

VIP Reception & Main Event: 5:30-8:00pm

• General Admission: $100; Early Bird Tickets: $90
• HAYVN Members: $75; Early Bird Tickets: $65

Main Event: 6:00-8:00pm

• General Admission: $35; Early Bird Tickets: $30
• HAYVN Members: $20; Early Bird Tickets: $18

NOTE: Early bird ticket sales end two weeks before event.

• Meet & Greet – You’ll have the opportunity to meet with our featured guest during an intimate VIP reception before the main event.
• Engaging Conversations – Hear firsthand accounts from successful female entrepreneurs followed by an audience Q&A.
• Authentic Stories – Dive deep into their personal narratives and discover what drives them.
• Guidance & Empowerment – Gain invaluable insights and advice to fuel your own journey!

Like most good things in life, The Granola Bar was born out of friendship. In 2010, Connecticut locals Dana Noorily and Julie Mountain met at a child's birthday party and bonded over everything from meal prep to a shared desire to create something cool. The vision? Beautiful, giftable granola that's less crunchy hippy and more crunchy delicious. Before long, O.A.T.S. Granola was born.

Years later, Noorily and Mountain evolved the O.A.T.S. business into a cafe and storefront. Never not hungry, the ladies collaborated on their dream menu consisting of nutrient-dense, beautiful comfort food with a cheeky nod to their signature granola.

But beyond the perfect parfait was the women's desire to create a lively space that doubled as a home away from home for the community - where parents could linger over coffee after drop-off, or families could eat a weeknight meal as familiar as sitting around their own table. Think the Cheers soundtrack but with amazing food. The Granola Bar flagship opened its doors in December 2013 in Westport, CT.

Today, The Granola Bar in its original form is now TGB Hospitality Group, spanning eight restaurants in Connecticut and New York, a catering business and restaurant consultancy. October 2024 marked the launch of the newest location in Woodbury, Long Island offering a daytime menu, complete with full bar and elevated classics which harken back to the pillars of its original vision - easy, feel-good fare rooted in laughter, friendship and family.

LINKS TO EXPLORE: https://www.thegranolabar.com/

Kristen Rzasa is a business and life strategist who helps people find a brand-new rhythm in their bodies, days, businesses, and lives. She combines her Corporate leadership experience with her background in health and wellness to guide clients to elevate their mindset, enhance their energy, expand their time and enrich their environment. She is a speaker, productivity expert, intenSati leader and wellness educator.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

HAYVN Coworking - Darien, 320 Boston Post Road, Darien, United States