We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jude Sharp. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jude below.

Jude, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Several years ago, I was handed a life-altering diagnosis that forced me to confront a terrifying reality: I was on the brink of becoming diabetic, risking not only my overall health but also the potential loss of my eyesight. My mother had walked this path, living with diabetes and enduring the complications it brought, including the necessity of insulin injections. I knew I didn’t want the same fate.

Facing this crossroads, I made a choice that would change my life—I committed to eliminating sugar from my diet. While my fear of needles made the decision somewhat easier, the journey of overcoming sugar addiction was anything but simple. Sugar, after all, is like a drug, and breaking free from its grip is a battle many of us know all too well.

The memory of watching my mother navigate the challenges of diabetes was a constant motivator. Through a mix of persistence—and perhaps a little stubbornness—I managed to stave off insulin injections, maintain my eyesight, and achieve a remarkable weight loss of nearly 100 pounds. But the hardest part of this journey was giving up my love for desserts.

Desserts have always been a source of joy, yet they’re often the first thing to go when faced with dietary restrictions or health conditions like diabetes. This struggle isn’t just personal; it’s universal. It’s why diets fail, why diabetes persists, and why so many people feel defeated before they’ve even begun.

That realization became my “aha moment.” I knew I couldn’t be alone in this battle, and I wanted to create a solution for others walking the same path. That’s when The Unsweetened Tooth was born.

As the Founder and Head Baker, my mission is simple: to bring everyone back to the dessert table without sacrificing health or flavor. At The Unsweetened Tooth, we specialize in 100% no-sugar-added desserts and fruit curds that are keto- and diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO, yet you will never know it.

It took decades of dreaming and determination to bring this vision to life, but in 2016, I took an early retirement from my job as a Silicon Valley computer engineer, moved our family to Washington’s Puget Sound, built a commercial kitchen, and launch The Unsweetened Tooth.

Jude, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

At The Unsweetened Tooth, we solve a problem that so many face: the struggle to enjoy desserts without compromising health. Whether you’re managing diabetes, adhering to a keto lifestyle, or simply trying to reduce sugar intake, our mission is to ensure that you never feel deprived. Everyone deserves a seat at the dessert table, and we’re here to make that possible without sacrificing taste, health, or quality.

What sets us apart is our commitment to science and precision. Before I became a baker, I spent my career as a Silicon Valley computer engineer, specializing in systems implementation and high-availability databases. In that role, every detail mattered, and precision was the key to success. Today, I bring that same methodical approach to the art of baking and recipe development. In our state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, every recipe is crafted with the meticulous care of an engineer and the creativity of an artisan.

Our specialty is crafting 100% no-sugar-added desserts and fruit curds that are keto- and diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO, yet you will never know it.

We exclusively use Allulose, a sugar alternative with a glycemic index of zero, to ensure that diabetics don’t experience blood sugar spikes. From our signature cheesecake, grab and go cookies, decadent chocolate delicacies to creamy fruit curds, our products are pure, indulgent flavor.

But here’s the kicker: even those who can enjoy traditional, sugar-laden desserts often prefer ours. Why? Because they taste just as good (if not better) than their sugary counterparts, with the added benefit of being cleaner, healthier, and guilt-free.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built around the idea that embracing a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the things you love. I’ve seen firsthand how lives can change when people feel empowered to make healthier choices that still bring them joy.

For me, this is more than baking; it’s a mission. I want people to know that they can indulge in desserts, stay on their diet, and remain confident in their health journey. At The Unsweetened Tooth, we’re not just making desserts; we’re redefining what it means to live well and enjoy life.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been participating in over 15+ in-person events a year throughout Washington state. There’s simply no substitute for face-to-face interactions. These events allow me to connect directly with my customers, giving them the opportunity to taste my desserts and fruit curds, ask questions about ingredients, learn more about what a fruit curd is, and share their personal health struggles that often bring them to The Unsweetened Tooth.

Hearing their personal stories and being able to offer a solution that brings joy back into their lives is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about building relationships.

These moments of connection are irreplaceable. Social media has its place, but nothing compares to the power of real conversations and the trust that’s built through meeting in person. Customers see my passion firsthand, and they can experience the care and quality that goes into every product.

Once they try the products, they understand the difference—and from that moment, they become part of The Unsweetened Tooth family.

These events have also fostered a loyal community of returning advocates who not only continue to support us but also share their experiences with others.

That word-of-mouth endorsement, rooted in genuine connections, has been the cornerstone of our growth.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Every day as an entrepreneur demands resilience, and at 75, that resilience has become my greatest strength. Owning a business isn’t for the faint of heart—it requires grit, determination, and an unwavering positive attitude.

When I started The Unsweetened Tooth, I underestimated the sheer magnitude of the challenges I would face. The initial phases were particularly grueling. I was learning to navigate the complexities of running a business—recipe development, sourcing ingredients, the health department, marketing, finances, and engaging with customers—all while adjusting to the relentless demands of entrepreneurship. There were times when the exhaustion felt insurmountable, especially juggling so many roles at an age when most people are winding down.

I recall one particularly tough moment early on when a major batch of desserts didn’t meet my high standards after weeks of work. It wasn’t just a loss of time and resources—it was a big setback. But instead of giving up, I leaned on the resilience I’ve cultivated throughout my life. I went back to the drawing board, tested and retested recipes, and perfected my craft. That setback became a turning point, teaching me that persistence and adaptability are the keys to overcoming obstacles.

At 75, I draw strength from the knowledge that I’m not just building a business—I’m building a legacy. Every day brings new challenges, but it also brings incredible opportunities to connect with my customers, hear their stories, and make a real difference in their lives.

Resilience isn’t just about pushing through the hard times; it’s about showing up, every single day, with the belief that what you’re doing matters.

For me, the reward of seeing someone light up as they try a dessert they thought they could never enjoy again makes every struggle worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theunsweetenedtooth.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunsweetenedtooth/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunsweetenedtooth/