Dounne Alexander
Dounne Alexander MBE is a inspiring figure who turned her love for natural healing into a successful business and a lifelong mission. Born in Trinidad, she moved to Britain and faced many challenges but never gave up.
She started GRAMMA’S, a company making herbal sauces and teas, from her small kitchen. Today, at 76 years old, Dounne Alexander continues to teach people about the power of herbs and healthy eating. Her story shows how one person’s passion can help many others live better lives.
She earned the MBE honor from the Queen in 2007 for her work in the food industry. Dounne Alexander MBE is also a mom, author, and speaker who believes in using nature’s gifts for health. Her campaign, Joining Hands in Health, brings people together to learn about holistic wellness.
Even after personal hardships, like a tough divorce from her spouse, she keeps pushing for change. This article dives into her life, achievements, and tips on natural living that anyone can understand.
Early Life in Trinidad: Roots in Natural Healing
Dounne Alexander was born in 1949 in Trinidad, a beautiful Caribbean island. She came into the world as a tiny, premature baby. Doctors said she might only live one month. But her grandmother, a wise spiritual herbalist, used faith, love, and homemade remedies to save her. Growing up in a clean, pollution-free place, Dounne ate fresh foods from the garden and learned about herbs that heal the body and spirit.
Her family prayed over every meal, from planting seeds to cooking. This taught Dounne that food is medicine. Her great-grandmother lived to 113 years old, staying healthy with natural ways. But later family members got sick from modern changes like vaccines and fake foods. These lessons shaped Dounne’s belief in going back to nature for good health.
Moving to Britain: A New Start and Challenges
In 1962, young Dounne immigrated to Britain with her parents. The cold weather and busy city life were very different from Trinidad’s warm beaches. She started working at 17 as a lab technician, testing chemicals and bacteria for 22 years. This job gave her science knowledge, but she missed the natural healing from home. As a single mom after leaving an abusive marriage in 1986, she had to be strong for her two daughters.
Living in a small flat, Dounne took up martial arts to protect herself. She turned her tiny kitchen into a workspace for new ideas. These hard times built her toughness. She saw many people in Britain struggling with health issues from poor diets. This sparked her dream to share Trinidad’s herbal secrets and help others feel better naturally.
Founding GRAMMA’S: From Kitchen to Big Success
In 1987, Dounne Alexander started GRAMMA’S herbal foods in her East London kitchen. She named it after her grandmother, who taught her everything. Using old family recipes, she made hot pepper sauces with herbs that boost health. No business training? No problem! She shared samples with friends, who loved them. Soon, she knocked on doors of big stores like Harrods and Selfridges.
Within months, her products were in top shops and supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. GRAMMA’S grew to include teas, seasonings, and more. She was the first to bring Caribbean Scotch Bonnet peppers to the UK mainstream. By 1990, her items were in over 700 stores. Dounne proved that natural, ethical foods could be popular and profitable.
Key Products and Innovations at GRAMMA’S
GRAMMA’S offers simple, powerful items anyone can use. Here’s a list of some favorites:
- Herbal Pepper Sauces: Spicy mixes with herbs that warm you up and fight colds.
- Herbal Teas: Blends for relaxation, energy, or digestion.
- Seasonings: Natural spices without chemicals for tasty, healthy meals.
- Omega Oils: Approved in 2009 for pregnant women by experts.
These products help humans and even pets. In 2008, hospitals okayed them for patient care. Dounne’s sauces help with cancer prevention, as science later proved.
She focused on eco-friendly packaging and fair ingredients. GRAMMA’S got approvals like Vegetarian Society and Kosher certifications. This made her a pioneer in blending cultures through food.
Awards and Honors: Recognizing Dounne Alexander MBE
Dounne Alexander MBE has won many awards for her hard work. In 2000, she was named one of the 100 greatest Black people in British history. She got the MBE in 2007 from Queen Elizabeth II for changing the food industry. Other honors include Black Businesswoman of the Millennium and Women Mean Business award in 1990.
She became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) in 2004. Dounne won European Women of Achievement in 1992 and many more. These prizes show her impact on business and health.
More Recognitions and Milestones
- 1991: Runner-up in British Food Processing Awards.
- 1999: Windrush Business Pioneer.
- 2006-2007: Woman of the Year titles.
- Featured in over 400 media stories, including BBC shows.
Dounne’s story inspires women and minorities in business.
Dounne Alexander’s Age and Timeless Energy
Dounne Alexander’s age is 76 as of 2025. Born in 1949, she has lived a full life of adventure and giving back. Even at this age, she speaks at schools and fights for health changes. Her energy comes from the herbs and faith she loves.
She says age is just a number when you eat right and stay positive. Dounne mentors young people, showing that it’s never too late to start something new. Her long life proves natural ways work.
Personal Life: Family, Marriage, and Strength
Dounne is a proud mom of two daughters. She married in 1971 but left in 1986 due to abuse, becoming a single parent. In 1994, she met actor Rudolph Walker, her spouse from 1998 until their divorce around 2013. They had a life plan where she helped his career, but it ended in court battles over money.
The divorce was tough; Dounne fought for justice without much help. Her former husband is now remarried. Through it all, family keeps her going. She teaches her girls about love and resilience.
Overcoming Personal Hardships
Dounne faced fraud claims and home threats in court. A GoFundMe in recent years helped her appeal. She turned pain into purpose, advocating for fair laws.
Advocacy for Natural Treatments in the NHS
Dounne Alexander MBE wants natural remedies available on the NHS. She believes herbs should complement doctors’ care to save money and lives. In 2017, she sent an open letter to the Queen about suppressed health info.
She campaigns for education on self-healing. Herbs like hot peppers prevent illnesses, she says. Dounne spoke to European Parliament in 2009 to protect natural foods from strict rules.
The Joining Hands in Health Campaign
Launched in 2003, Joining Hands in Health unites cultures, animals, and the environment for better wellness. It raises money for sick kids and pets. Celebrities support it. The campaign teaches basic health skills and fights for herbal options in hospitals.
In 1994, Dounne healed herself and her dog from cancer with a “missing link” in foods. This inspired the group. It promotes love as the ultimate law of life.
Books, Speaking, and Mentoring
Dounne wrote two books: The Black Cinderella (1990) about business struggles, and A Mission of Love (2001) on health and destiny. Universities use them. As a speaker, she visits schools and businesses, motivating with her story.
She mentors over-50s and young entrepreneurs. Quotes like “Let food be thy medicine” guide her talks. Dounne believes everyone has a divine purpose.
Recent Efforts and Fighting for Justice
Lately, Dounne pushes for NHS natural treatments. She runs workshops on herbalism. Her Journey to Justice fights court injustices from her divorce. In 2024-2025, she speaks out via media and social campaigns.
She warns about misinformation on health. Dounne’s voice grows stronger, helping vulnerable people.
Impact on Community and Future Generations
Dounne Alexander MBE changed how we see food and health. She helped minorities in business and promoted eco-friendly living. Her work saves animals too, with pet-safe herbs. Future generations learn from her about respecting nature.
Communities embrace diverse foods thanks to GRAMMA’S. She advises governments on small businesses. Dounne’s legacy is a healthier, kinder world.
Dounne Alexander MBE’s life is a testament to perseverance and nature’s power. From a fragile baby to a honored leader, she shows anyone can make a difference. Her GRAMMA’S products and campaigns touch lives daily. At 76, Dounne Alexander’s age brings wisdom, not slowdown. She reminds us: Eat natural, stay spiritual, and help others. Her story inspires kids to dream big and care for the planet. As she fights for justice and health reforms, Dounne paves the way for a better future. Embrace her lessons for your own wellness journey.
FAQ
Who is Dounne Alexander MBE? Dounne Alexander MBE is a spiritual herbalist and founder of GRAMMA’S herbal foods, honored for her food industry contributions.
What is Dounne Alexander’s age? Dounne Alexander is 76 years old, born in 1949.
Who is Dounne Alexander’s husband or spouse? Dounne Alexander’s former spouse was actor Rudolph Walker; they married in 1998 and divorced around 2013.
What awards has Dounne Alexander MBE won? She received the MBE in 2007, Black Businesswoman of the Millennium, and over eight national awards.
What is GRAMMA’S? GRAMMA’S is Dounne’s company making herbal sauces, teas, and seasonings started in 1987.
What is Joining Hands in Health? It’s Dounne’s campaign for natural wellness, uniting people, animals, and cultures since 2003.
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