Archive for Beverages

Annie Lawless- Suja Juice

Since the 1980s fitness frenzy, so many people have adored fresh pressed juice. Not only is it a wonderful source of nutrients but it’s delicious too! Many may look at this market and see no need for improvement but Annie Lawless did. Annie co-founded Suja juice in 2012 alongside her 2 partners. Suja is a clean organic fresh pressed juice brand you can find in almost any grocery store in a variety of flavors.

Annies’s story begins with her journey of her health, she has celiacs disease which has had to make her very weary of what food she puts in her body. Throughout her journey with food, she has become an expert in knowing what is and is not okay for her body. And in this journey is when she realized she could make a business out of her findings. Suja prides itself by only putting purely organic fruits and vegetables in their juices. As well as using a specific process called high-pressure processing which “captures all the nutrition in (their) organic produce, keeping them shelf-stable, without preservatives.” Suja has also branched out from juices as well. They also sell a variety of cleanses, wellness shots and powdered greens. Suja has grown rapidly over the years with 18 million dollars in profit its first year of business and now has an estimated 300 million dollar net worth.

Annie however is not only the co-founder of Suja but is also the founder of Lawless beauty, a beauty company that guarantees celiac safe makeup to all its customers. Lawless is sold at all Sephora’s and has rapidly grown in popularity since it was created in 2017. Annie has really set the new standard for safety in not only the arena of food but makeup as well. So next time you’re at the store or wanting to try a new brand of makeup, check out Suja juice and Lawless Beauty!

 

Image result for suja collaberations How Lawless Beauty Scores At Sephora By Expanding Clean Makeup's Reach ...     Image result for lawless beauy

Cold-Pressed Juice Brand – Suja Organic

Official | Lawless Beauty

Me and the Bees Lemonade

Mikaila is a young girl who lives in Austin Texas. Her entrepreneurial story begins with an unfortunate interaction she had with a Bee that stung her twice. After getting stung, Mikaila had a very unhealthy fear of Bees and wanted to avoid them at all costs. However, her parents helped Mikaila overcome her fear by teaching her about the vast benefits Bees provide to the world and showing her that much of life depends on the jobs Bee’s accomplish. Mikaila’s perspective about Bees was completely changed, her fear was gone, and she began taking interest in Bees and desired to help support and protect the life of Bees. 

This young girl put her creative mind to work and decided to open up her own lemonade stand in her front yard using her grandmother’s lemonade recipe that used honey as a sweetener. After gaining a lot of popularity, Mikaila started growing her business and advertising to different companies and stores. Mikaila has created five different lemonade flavor options, all sweetened with Bees honey, a classic lemonade flavor, passion fruit, prickly pear, very berry, and cherry. Mikaila’s “Me and the Bees Lemonade” website is very colorful and has lots of pictures of her journey as well as an adorable and interesting video that shares her story and her mission with creating her lemonade product. Mikaila’s website also provides consumers with easy access to buy her products and has a map to find the nearest store that sells her lemonade. 

Driven by her desire to save the Bees, Mikaila selflessly donates a percentage of her lemonade profits to local and international organizations that are fighting to save the Bees. Mikaila displays a true desire for innovation and shows that she cares a lot about her mission by constantly sharing her story with others. This young girl even wrote and published a book called “Bee Fearless” that talks about her entrepreneur journey. Mikaila’s lemonade products are now found in all 50 states, and she enjoys speaking about her products and mission worldwide at different events. Mikaila’s story proves that when it comes to thinking creatively and starting a business it doesn’t matter how old you are. Her life shows that as long as you have a passion for something and a desire to fight for a change you can use that as motivation and inspiration to start a business. Additionally, Mikaila’s story shows that you can take things that used to disinterest or scare you and turn them into something that can bloom into a successful and innovative business.

Innovation At Its Finest: Helping Those You Love

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and a common one that effects at least 1% of people over 60 years old. Parkinson’s disease specifically causes the basial ganglia to deteriorate and so people lose the ability to control the things that area of the brain governs. The resulting symptoms are motor and non-motor but the most recognizable one is the motor symptom of tremors while the muscles are at rest which happens in about 80% of Parkinson’s cases. It is this disease that presented a problem to Lily Born’s grandfather, and 11-year-old Lily Born who developed a solution. Her grandfather was frequently spilling drinks from their cups because of his Parkinson’s symptoms. Lily experimented with moldable plastic until she came up with a design for a cup that didn’t spill. Later she made a ceramic version of the cup for her father so he could drink coffee by his laptop with peace of mind. Her father realized how useful it was and, after collaboration with a ceramic manufacturing plant in China, the kangaroo cup took off into production.

I like Lily Born’s story because she saw a real need of an individual who she loved, and that love drove her to innovation to meet that need. On the kangaroo cup website, one can see how many iterations of designs they went through before they designed a cup that didn’t spill, was comfortable to use, and stackable (picture above). These two things, problem solving and iteration, are the essence of innovation and the way Lily Born used innovation to help someone she loved fills me with hope. Hope that innovation and entrepreneurship isn’t just about making a profitable business, but about finding a way to help people and then making sure you can continue to help for the long run.

Drink Coffee–Save Lives!

I don’t know that we need any extra motivation to drink coffee, but yet, knowing that your coffee purchase WILL make a difference by supporting Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPC’s) might encourage you to purchase coffee from www.sevenweekscoffee.com .

Seven Weeks Coffee was founded by Anton Krecic when he was in his early 20’s.  The interesting thing is that he first moved to DC to get involved in politics, but once he started down that route, he realized that he was called to put people before profits and began Seven Weeks Coffee – and he does this is several ways.  I thought this was an interesting discovery, as Prof. Sweet often refers to the iteration process.  Anton’s calling turned out not to be politics, but at this point in his life, selling coffee.  A great example of Proverbs 16:9. (How it began.)

Redemptive entrepreneurship is something I always enjoy learning more about.  Anton found a way to use our culture’s love of coffee to make a big impact.

Over 50% of their profits go directly to CPC’s.  I also really appreciate how they are not just selling any kind of coffee, but that their coffee is farmed using organic practices, mold free AND they have relationships with growers and purchase coffee beans directly from these farmers.  On their website they claim that they pay the farmers 300% more than necessary for fair trade coffee!!  So, not only are they helping moms in crisis pregnancy situations and their precious babies, but they are also enabling farmers to realize fair profits for their labor. 

I spent years volunteering at a Crisis Pregnancy Center and so that experience really helped me be exited about this company and about how innovative they are in sharing their coffee profits. I think it would a lot of fun, and motivating, to be able to raise so much money (over $500,000 ) for CPC’s.  Most of us can’t write a check out for that amount, but quite a few of us might be able to raise that kind of money with an innovative idea like Seven Weeks Coffee.

Finally, did you know that at SEVEN WEEKS a baby’s heart begins beating in the womb?  That is where the name Seven Weeks Coffee comes from:-)

 

Bloom Nutrition by Mari Llewellyn

Most likely, if you’ve been in the drink aisle of any grocery store in the past couple years, you may have spotted Bloom, a new and upcoming health brand. Bloom is a high-quality health supplements brand for women founded by 30-year-old Mari Llewellyn. Mari, who was born in England, founded Bloom alongside her husband Greg. Mari wanted to take control of her health after, “[she] hit rock bottom mentally and physically.” After this she decided it was time for a change, Mari was able to lose 90 pounds and through this journey was able to grow in self-love as well. From this she was, “inspired to help other women do the same… to help everyone bloom into their best selves.” 

Bloom is consistently improving and shaping the women’s health industry every day. With their business growing everyday there’s no doubt they will stop anytime soon. With Mari’s Instagram having 1.5 million followers and counting, and Blooms having just over 500k its obvious Bloom has consistent customers. Mari and Greg both made Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2022 as well. Alongside having consistent products in store for customers to buy, Bloom has also partnered with lots of influencers and other major companies like Erewhon and Vita coco to get their name out into the market. 

Bloom offers a variety of supplement options in a way that no women’s health company has before. They have specifically crafted their supplements to fit women’s needs and are made from some of the best ingredients on the market. Bloom has dozens of options to choose from, coming in over 10 flavors and in a variety of different forms. From daily pills, portable drink packets, canned energy drinks and pre-workout their vast range of products meet the needs of any customer! 

If you would like to check Bloom out for yourself, click here.

 

 Buzzing with Purpose: The Inspiring Journey of Mikaila Ulmer and Me & the Bees Lemonade

Emory freshman saves the bees, one bottle of lemonade at a time | The Emory  Wheel

Don’t be discouraged by life’s little stings. Get back up and spread your wings – Mikaila Ulmer

It’s not often that our greatest adversity can become our biggest success. But that was the case for 4 year old Mikaila Ulmer. At that young age she started on a journey that would conquer her fear of bees. In the process she but also lead to the creation of a purpose-driven brand. Inspired by a serendipitous encounter with a bee sting and her great-grandmother Helen’s 1940s recipe for flaxseed lemonade, Mikaila founded Me & the Bees Lemonade. Adding honey to the mix, she not only created a delicious beverage but also initiated a mission to save the honeybees.

For over a decade, Me & the Bees Lemonade has been producing refreshing lemonades. Mikaila’s journey is not just about entrepreneurship; it’s a commitment to environmental stewardship, 10 percent of the profits dedicated to bee conservation. The company has seen remarkable growth. With a staggering 500 percent increase since its humble beginnings in Austin, Texas

Mikaila’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. Starting with lemonade stands and entrepreneurial events she built an aptitude for buisness. The brand’s success story extends to national retailers such as Whole Foods Market, The Fresh Market, World Market, H-E-B, and Kroger. Me & the Bees Lemonade can also be found in restaurants, food trailers, and natural food delivery companies.

Mikaila Ulmer is not just a business magnate; she’s a social entrepreneur with a heart for the environment. When she’s not leading workshops on bee conservation or participating in entrepreneurship panels. Her favorite nonprohit,Healthy Hive Foundation, amplifies her mission to save pollinators.

Despite her business and speaking engagements, Mikaila remains a dedicated high school student. She juggles classes in Spanish, science, and rock climbing while actively participating in her buisness. Her commitment to education and advocacy showcases the importance of a balanced and purposeful life.

She gained national attention when she appeared on Shark Tank in 2015, securing a $60,000 investment from Daymond John. In 2016 she was invited to the White House, where she met President Barack Obama. She introduced Obama at the United State of Women Summit, earning praise as an “amazing young lady.”

Me & the Bees Lemonade has expanded its reach beyond beverages. In February 2020, the brand was available in over 1,500 stores nationwide. She is now selling throuh major retailers like Whole Foods, Cost Plus World Market, and Kroger. The product line has expanded to include lip balms made from beeswax, showcasing a commitment to sustainable products.

Mikaila’s journey is not just confined to beverages and balms; it’s now chronicled in her book, “Bee Fearless, Dream Like a Kid.” The book delves into her adventures as a social entrepreneur. She offers insights into her purpose-driven brand and the lessons learned along the way.

Me & the Bees Lemonade | LinkedInFrom a bee-sting-inspired idea to a nationally recognized brand, Mikaila Ulmer’s journey is a testament to the impact of a young mind. Her dedication to saving the bees, commitment to education, and entrepreneurial success make her a true trailblazer. As Me & the Bees Lemonade continues to flourish, Mikaila’s legacy inspires us all to dream big, stay fearless, and create a buzz with purpose.

 

Tim Moxey & “Nuun”

At 26 years old, Tim Moxey came up with the basic idea for his now multi-million dollar business: Nuun hydration. While taking an entrepreneurship class at the Tuck School of Business, he was tasked with developing a product idea and a fictitious business plan. As an avid cyclist and triathlete, he had recently become frustrated with the lack of electrolyte drinks that could adequately replenish the electrolytes lost during extended periods of intense exercise. At the time, most stores only carried Gatorade, which Moxey found too sweet with its huge amounts of added sugar. For the project, he decided to explore a product that could solve a problem he was facing regularly.

As a solution, Moxey developed the concept for Nuun: a self-dissolving, portable, sugar-free tablet packed with electrolytes. At the time, Moxey had no intentions of ever building Nuun into a real business. After graduation from Tuck, Moxey held several corporate positions, but Nuun always resided in the back of his mind. Eventually, in 2004, he decided to officially launch the company.

Nuun has been extremely successful among endurance athletes all over the world; it turns out, many other athletes were in search of a better electrolyte drink, just like Moxey. After many prototypes and trials, Nuun grew into the product it is today: a hydration tablet containing essential electrolytes that you simply drop into a glass of water. The tablet dissolves into the water on its own, leaving you with a delicious, refreshing electrolyte drink. Since Nuun avoids excess amounts of added sugar, it is also a healthier hydration alternative to popular hydration drinks like Gatorade.

Today, Nuun comes in over a dozen different flavors, from Strawberry Lemonade to Orange to Fruit Punch. Nuun also offers a variety of hydration types, including ‘Sport,’ ‘Daily,’ ‘Immunity,’ ‘Energy,’ ‘Vitamins,’ and ‘Rest.’ With its wide array of products, Nuun offers a hydration option for everyone.

Tim Moxey is an excellent example of a young entrepreneur who used a problem in his own life to inspire a business idea that could solve the problem. He is also an ‘accidental entrepreneur’ who never planned on owning a business. Instead, his passion for the problem led him to success. Young entrepreneurs can look to Moxey as an example of someone who harnessed his own passion to solve a problem through a new product.

 

BodyArmor

BodyArmor is the sports drink company that was co-founded by Mike Repole and Lance Collins. The vision that they had for BodyArmor was to create a healthier and more effective alternative to traditional sports drinks that have artificial ingredients and sugars.

Mike Repole, born in 1969, was a very prominent entrepreneur in the beverage industry. He had been apart of many other companies before co-founding BodyArmor. Repole had already achieved considerable success with the creation and sale of Glacéau, the company behind the popular Vitaminwater and Smartwater brands. He had a good business sense and understanding of consumer preferences, which played a pivotal role in shaping the success of BodyArmor. Lance Collins brought experience in the beverage industry to the partnership. He had previously founded Fuze Beverage, a company focused on producing natural and healthy beverages. Collins’ expertise in developing drink formulas and marketing strategies further helped BodyArmor’s development.

BodyArmor, launched in 2011, was conceived as a premium sports drink with natural ingredients, essential electrolytes, and vitamins. The founders aimed to offer athletes and active individuals a beverage that not only provided hydration but also delivered nutritional benefits without artificial additives or excessive sugars. Through strategic marketing campaigns and athlete endorsements, Repole and Collins successfully positioned BodyArmor as a credible and sought-after alternative in the sports drink market. The brand garnered attention by securing high-profile partnerships with athletes like Kobe Bryant, James Harden, and Mike Trout.

In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company recognized the potential of BodyArmor and acquired a significant stake in the company. The success of BodyArmor is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking of Mike Repole and Lance Collins.

Product Image

Pat Cavanaugh- READY Nutrition

Pat Cavanaugh is an entrepreneur from our town of Grove City. He graduated from Grove City high school and later went on to play basketball and football at the University of Pittsburgh. He was named captain of the basketball team two years in a row. After graduating from Pitt, Pat started his own promotional product company called The Cavanaugh Marketing Network. He also founded the sportswear brand CRONS, which supplied many Division 1 schools with athletic apparel. Pat made the brand to support health and exercise. In addition to the apparel, he made CRONS as an athletic program for all of the young student-athletes in America. CRONS is also a basketball club enforcing the ideas of hard work and competition. In 2012, Pat Cavanaugh got into the nutrition business with his company Ready Nutrition. Ready has been increasing in sales every year since its creation. The company wants to encourage kids to not give up on their sport no matter what people say about them; they should have good effort, attitude, and energy. Ready now has over 9 figures of income and a couple HUGE partnering athletes such as Aaron Donald and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Pat Cavanaugh used his own experiences to become a successful entrepreneur and businessman.

 

Fit Fuel

Sean Kelly had a very intriguing idea with his business Fit Fuel. He took an idea that was already invented and made it his own. Vending machines are very convenient for people to grab a quick snack or a quick drink. They even have vending machines in gyms which can defeat the purpose of a workout. When he was in college he came up with Fit Fuel. His business sold healthy foods to be put into vending machines. Eventually, by 2007, he was able to sell vending machines filled with healthy foods. This business was called H.U.M.A.N Healthy Vending. He partnered with Andy Mackensen to help fund this business along with Fit Fuel partners. Within the vending machines consisted of protein bars, yogurt, gluten-free products, and other healthy food options. Sean’s plan was to be the leading anti-obesity company in the country. To also help this cause, 10% of the proceeds are given to obesity-fighting and malnutrition charities. It is very clever how he built his idea from other ideas and that he is also giving back. He first came up with this idea by watching a women grab a coke before going on the elliptical. This shows that ideas can come from anything and anywhere. It is important to know that any idea can make a difference. In this instance, Sean just needed to observe in order to come up with something that could improve the product in this situation.