Turning Mom’s Mission into Dona’s Wonder

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

“Don’t wait for perfection just start.” That’s the advice of Dona Maria Gemayel, founder of Dona’s Wonder, who began her journey with just 300 dinars and a simple website. Today, her company is worth 1.3 million dinars, showing how a small idea, fueled by passion and purpose, can grow into something extraordinary.

Gemayel’s journey began with a personal mission: she wanted her daughter, who has a gluten allergy, to feel included in every occasion. “Gluten-free food can be so joyless and boring,” she says. “I just wanted her to have a normal life and enjoy food like everyone else.”

What started as necessity soon became opportunity. By transforming recipes into gluten-free, sugar-free, and gut-friendly versions, Dona’s Wonder now creates dishes that delight everyone. “We’re literally creating magic,” Gemayel explains. “Every dish we craft with clean ingredients can change people’s lives.”

The venture recently won first prize at the 20th Start-Up Bahrain Fidget Nights, an experience she describes as “amazing.” With guidance from Temkeen and Spring Bahrain, she prepared for investor pitches, refining how to communicate her vision and business plan. “It was exciting to see investors believe in our mission. Food can be scalable, just like tech.”

Despite awards and recognition, Gemayel’s proudest moments come from her customers. “Every week, a mom tells me her child can finally eat something they haven’t had in years bread, sambusa, balalit. Things most people take for granted.” Today, Dona’s Wonder’s gluten-free bread is the top-selling item, tasting just like traditional bread.

Running the business means long hours, but Gemayel stays motivated by responsibility and creativity. Beyond the kitchen, she focuses on branding, operations, collaborations with Export Bahrain and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and mentoring other entrepreneurs.

Dona’s Wonder is more than a food business it’s a mission to bring dignity, joy, and inclusivity to anyone with dietary restrictions, proving that thoughtful food can truly change lives.