Herbal remedies have existed for thousands of years around the planet, utilizing various herbs for various ailments. In winter weather like we’re all about to experience, introducing herbs into your routine is a great way to help strengthen the immune system. But as it turns out, herbs are more powerful than we know. To get to know how herbs brought two female powerhouses together, we spoke to the founders of Sunwink, Jordan and Eliza, about their herbal journeys and how they use herbs to power themselves daily.
On Entrepreneurship…
What were you doing prior to this?
J: Prior to Sunwink, I was the Head of Marketing at Impossible Foods. My team developed the go to market plan and executed the launch of the Impossible Burger. I am proud to have led the efforts to build the world’s most beloved and famous meat made from plants.
What inspired you to make the switch?
J: I want to create as many good for planet and people brands as possible before I die. We need more than Impossible to change this planet. Historically, the beverage industry dumps tremendous amounts of plastic into our oceans and uses chemicals in products. For my part, I am excited to change that by honoring and nurturing mother earth. We only have one.
What are some of the largest obstacles you’ve faced as a woman-owned business?
J: It is no surprise that as a women-led business, we are expected to meet a higher set of standards. We face two male dominated industries on the food and beverage side, plus funding. When you have a product that is mission and lifestyle driven like Sunwink, it takes more time to resonate amongst those who aren’t as familiar with what we are creating. We just have to remain determined and drive our message home!
How are you working to make wellness more accessible through your product?
J: Our goal is to be recognized as a mass market brand. A lot of wellness beverages keep the price tag high and the channels narrow – which makes it challenging to resonate on a larger scale. We honestly can’t wait to be in mass retailers like Target or Walmart, we need them to share our mission!
What organizations do you work with to give back?
J: This year we increased our revenue from 1% to 2% to give back to organizations near and dear to our heart. We will be focusing on Amazon Frontlines, Planned Parenthood and 3 other organizations based on the recommendations of the people who inspire our products.
On Wellness…
When did you realize herbs could be your light at the end of the tunnel?
E: During my last semester of college, I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease and was told by a doctor that my only option was to take steroids indefinitely. I knew there had to be a better, more natural way to help alleviate my condition and manage stress. Knowing the functional power of plants, herbal wellness became my main source of preventative care.
What are some of the primary benefits you noticed right off the bat?
E: I was experiencing burnout and stress, which was making my disease worse. Taking stress-relieving herbs, like Lemon Balm and Tulsi, was, and remains, completely life changing for me.
What would you say to someone who doesn’t believe in the power of herbs?
J: It’s undeniable: plants are our planet’s oldest and most powerful technology. Herbs were here before us and will remain long after we’re gone. For over 5,000 years, herbs have been used to treat the majority of the world; from immunity to digestion, herbs have the power to heal.
How does one know what herbal blends they’d benefit most from?
J: We always say “follow your intuition.” When you drink herbs, it’s about taking a moment to listen to what your body needs. If you feel like cold season is catching up to you – go for an immunity blend. Had a long night or vegged out on too much late night pizza? Detox. Seasonally bummed out or stressed? Uplift blend!
