Rocklands entrepreneur overcomes adversity to achieve sweet success

Rocklands entrepreneur Laura Spannenberg may be the owner of the decadent What the Fudge (WTF) business, but her life journey has not always been lined with the sweetest of things.

“I often introduce myself as a female boss who is married to a God-fearing man, and together we are changing the game in our industry. But this was not always the case. We both come from a dark past,” she said.

Ms Spannenberg, 39, is a sexual assault and heart attack survivor. She started experimenting with drugs and alcohol when she was in her teens. Her addiction lasted well into her 20s.

“I lost my dad in 2002 when I was 18, and I became so angry, even with God. I was in many toxic relationships, and when I was 19 I had a miscarriage, which was very traumatising.

“I think I lost my sanity. Again I questioned God. I was not in a position to look after another life, but I was angry that it was taken from me.

"In my 20s I remember planning my 21st birthday party. I would say that it was going to be one of the biggest drug parties and that there should be an ambulance on standby just in case.

“One night at a party, my world was shattered. I was sexually assaulted by someone that I have partied with many times. After that I saw the lifestyle that I had been living as dark and ugly,” she recalled.

Ms Spannenberg’s sexual assault was a turning point in her life. “I started going to church more and God turned my life around. I met my husband shortly after and we now have two beautiful children, who I am immensely proud of,” she said.

Just when it seemed like her life couldn’t get any better, she hit another roadblock.

“At the end of 2019 I lost my job and my husband was a full-time student at the time, working towards his bachelor’s degree in ministry.

“With the Covid pandemic in 2020, it was hard for us, like many others, to find employment. My husband was forced to place his academic career on hold due to lack of finances,” she said.

Towards the end of 2020, Ms Spannenberg landed a job, and in 2021, she and her husband restarted their earlier fudge business, as a side hustle.

In 2022, she suffered a heart attack, and after many consequent trips to the hospital, resigned from her stressful job to pursue her small business.

“We have made it a long way, and while we are not where we would love to be, I have a strong passion and will. I am constantly thinking of ways to improve.

“I am in such a good space and the business brings me much joy, even my health has improved. I definitely see a bright future for myself and What the Fudge,” she added.