With an entrepreneurial attitude and commitment to a healthier lifestyle, Aida Al-Mudaifa tells us all about her innovative brand, Early Riser.
“We don’t just create healthy food; we aim to inspire a positive and active lifestyle within our community.”
– Aida Al-Mudaifa, Founder of Early Riser
OHLALA – Can you tell us more about the company’s concept and what exactly you offer?
Aida Al-Mudaifa – Early Riser is a family-owned Bahraini company renowned for crafting exceptional granolas and artisanal nut butters. Committed to excellence, every product we launch is meticulously made using the finest, sustainably sourced ingredients – packed with nutrients while delivering innovative and unforgettable flavours that redefine gourmet indulgence. Most of Early Riser’s products are gluten-free, refined sugar-free and infused with superfoods such as hemp, chia and flaxseeds. Our flavours are uniquely innovative, unlike anything else in the world. We have Karak Nut Butter, Ogaily Granola, Zaatar Granola and even a Banoffee Pie Nut Butter.
OHLALA – Why did you create Early Riser? What made you kick-start it?
Aida – I started Early Riser in October 2020, at the height of the pandemic. At that time, I began experimenting with different granola flavours – it had always been my go-to breakfast, paired with yoghurt and fruit. I soon realised that most options in the market contained harmful ingredients, so I started making my own and sharing them with family and friends. That’s when I pitched the idea of launching an Instagram page to my husband. Within just two weeks, with only BD400, we sourced ingredients, created branding, found packaging, finalised flavours and launched our Instagram page. The response was incredible – our first month’s sales came mainly from supportive friends and family, but within a few months, we started gaining traction from the public. People resonated with our clean-label products. Seeing this success, my brothers joined the business to launch an innovative nut butter line. It was an instant hit. Soon after, Midway supermarket approached us to stock our products in all its branches. That marked the beginning of Early Riser’s growth.
OHLALA – Do you believe your personal interest in healthy eating was key to your success? Do you think being passionate and believing in what you do is essential for a company to succeed?
Aida – Absolutely! My passion for healthy food and a holistic lifestyle has been, and continues to be, the driving force behind Early Riser. It all started because I wanted more nutritious options for myself, and then I wanted to share that with everyone else. Today, my passion fuels our commitment to quality and innovation. We don’t just create healthy food; we aim to inspire a positive and active lifestyle within our community. Our brand is about more than just products – it’s about changing habits and mindsets.
OHLALA – Have you already achieved what you wanted in terms of goals? Or is there much more to conquer?
Aida – I’m deeply grateful for the journey so far, but I always strive for more. I believe we can improve every single day. This year, our focus is on scaling our operations, increasing production capacity and growing our team. We also aim to expand and refine our product lines to align with the latest health research and market demands. There’s always more to achieve, and we’re just getting started!
OHLALA – What message do you want to give your customers with your products?
Aida – Our mission goes beyond using the best ingredients or creating great flavours; it’s about bringing mindfulness into every aspect of life. We want to inspire a lifestyle rooted in well-being, balance and joy. From the breakfast table to the relationships we build, Early Riser is about fostering a culture of goodness – one that nourishes not just the body but also the heart and mind. Because when we eat better, we feel better. And when we feel better, we do better – for ourselves, for others and for the world around us.
OHLALA – Was there a moment when you doubted what you were doing? What makes you keep moving forward?
Aida – I never doubted that this was what I wanted to do, but there was definitely fear – especially in the beginning. When I decided to quit my job, I asked myself, ‘Will I regret doing this?’ My answer was clear: ‘No, but I will regret not trying’. That’s when I made the conscious decision to work with love instead of fear. What keeps me going is my family. I want to give my kids a good life. I’m also deeply motivated by my mission to provide healthier, locally-produced alternatives to what’s currently available in the market. Knowing that people genuinely enjoy our products and feel better because of them makes everything worth it!
OHLALA – Was there one special moment in these four years since you founded Early Riser that you would like to highlight?
Aida – Winning ‘Startup of the Year’ was definitely the biggest achievement to date. Securing Mumtalakat’s investment was surreal – I still pinch myself when I think about it. It was validation that all our hard work was paying off and that Early Riser was truly making an impact.
OHLALA – What do you like most about Bahrain? Is it a supportive country for small businesses?
Aida – Where do I start? I launched Early Riser with the goal of giving the best to my country, and Bahrain, in turn, has given me so much – both personally and professionally. Bahrain’s business ecosystem is incredibly supportive. The backing from institutions like the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Tamkeen, Mumtalakat and the Supreme Council for Women, to name a few, has been invaluable. It’s genuinely one of the best places to start and grow a business. But beyond that, what makes Bahrain special is its people. Bahrainis genuinely value local products and businesses, and their support has been overwhelming. We love how we created a community of loyal and supportive people who help spread our mission.