Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
I'm from northern California, Beautiful Sacramento aka cow Town been.
I lived there most of my life and I moved
to Dallas, Texas about fourteen years ago. I graduated from
California State University Sacramento with my undergrad and moved on
and had four beautiful children and got married to my husband,
(00:23):
John Dillinger, and have been knee deep in birthing more
than just children, but babies do my multiple businesses.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Well, it's great that you're a wonderful family person. So
on mine a lot of people that listened to this series,
But I don't know how you've had time to start companies,
but you had a real successful one in the last
couple of decades with Curls, and I just want to
hear the ordin story about how that started. That's going
to lead us into the current company that we were
talking about when it comes to Housy smart STIPs. But
when you were coming out of school, were you entrepreneurial?
(00:53):
Did that come from your parents, from people that you
were hanging out with, something you wanted to do. What
was the kind of the epiphany you had that you
wanted to be an entrepren Because you're an author, you're
TV host entrepreneurial, what did you want to do? Coming out?
Speaker 1 (01:05):
Interestingly enough, I was not set to be an entrepreneur.
I actually worked for Intel Corporation. I'm a marketing major,
and so I was marketing compionships. Well, not so fun
or flashy or my alley, but I really was impressed
with Intel, and I was so happy to be the
Intel employee. I learned so much and so many brilliant
(01:26):
people there. I did have a bad stint with one
bad Apple that gave me a very hard time in
corporate America. I made my life absolutely miserable, and that
situation where I was felt with corporate racism and being targeted.
And I was a single young mother at the time,
(01:47):
and I saw that this manager was looking to get
rid of me, and I was really really beyond stress.
I had no one to fall back on. And after
I got through that process and he actually moved on
to a different company and I was able to get
out of the stress of having this person target me,
I reshifted and rethought about how I wanted to run
(02:08):
my life and how I was going to make money.
I knew that I could run into another bad Apple
in the world are many people of all kinds, and
of course I could have that happen again. It didn't
feel good to not have control. It was a short
amount of time, but it felt just so uncomfortable that
I said, if I'm going to work this hard, then
I might need to work this hard for myself. And
(02:28):
when I got through that issue in that situation, I
started to look at other business ideas and where I
could launch and be an entrepreneur. And I instantly thought
of naturally curly hair products. I was a newly natural
mother with a young baby who also was looking for
natural products to use, and I knew I need to
burn something that I would be comfortable putting on her hair.
(02:50):
So that's how Curls was moor And it was out
of the need of my own and also desire to
own my financial destiny. And I put those two passions together.
That's how Curls was born.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Well, you're talking about so many keywords that we talk
about in this series of your passion and not only
to be your own boss, but to control your own destiny.
And I think that's most important when you're starting your
own company, and I'm going to have you impart some
leadership advice down the road for our future entrepreneurs who
listen to this series. But in the early odds, you know,
you started your own company. You've had a lot of success,
(03:22):
and I think that would be great for a lot
of people to just ride into the sunset or have
a comfortable life. But you've reinvented yourself and reinvented a
new product when it comes to Huzzy smart Sip. So
i'd love to hear over the maybe the last couple
of years. Maybe you have the origin of the idea
why you came up with it first, and then we'll
talk about mission, your vision and what the product is.
But can you kind of share with us the origin
(03:45):
about why you wanted to start a new company.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
Absolutely. I actually sold Curls about almost four years ago,
and that was that brand. I've burnt from ideation to
creation to launch a multi million dollar brand, and when
I sold it, I lost a piece of my identity.
I didn't know at first. It was a joyful time.
I traveled for six months. I have a great time.
(04:08):
I thought I was going to retire and run off
into the sunset, and that wasn't really the end of
my story. I found that After I got I was
done traveling, done lunching and shopping and all the things
I needed more and I realized that I started to
get depressed because I had kind of left the piece
(04:29):
of me behind. And when I let go of that company,
I didn't realize it was going to be so hard.
That's something we don't talk about when you sell a brand.
Usually you think it's joy, which it was, but it
made me sad too, to the point where I started
to get depressed, and I started to self medicate, and
(04:49):
I was meditating with alcohol. And that's what got me
to where we are. After I got out of that thunk,
and I had to get through that. I wanted to
create something I can use instead of alcohol, and I
create a Hussy Smart SIPs because and the flavors are
all inspired by traditional cocktails are alcohol based. But I
knew that I had to add key antioxidants and key
(05:11):
ingredients that when prebiotics that would be good for my
liver and my guts. Because anyone that drinks, I know,
no matter what level, if it's daily, weekly, monthly, you
impact both your live and your gut. So I had
to have a low carb, low calorie good for my
waistline drink that would give me nice and forlkfilling in
place of alcohol, but also do greatness for my liver
(05:32):
and my guts. And that's how it was born.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Well that's fantastic. So what's the mission statement of the company.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
The mission is to create a fabulous social time without
the pressures of alcohol. Join the circle of your friends,
celebrating without damaging your liver and your gut, do social
and jink responsibly and less regrettably.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
I love that a lot. So you've kind of talked
about it. But if you could do us a fever again,
if you were to give us a thirty thousand foot
view of what the product is and the products you have,
what would you tell everybody?
Speaker 1 (06:02):
I would tell Hessei Smart SIPs is your non alcoholic
cocktail of choice that's functional, that will give you a
fork filling and a buzz about the fuzz from alcohol.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
So I don't want to assume that this is a
competitive space and you've got a really great idea, but
if there's anybody that you are competing against and you're
out in this market, and as we know, when it
comes to just all sorts of drinks out there, when
it comes to restaurants and grocery stores and convenience stores.
It is really competitive out there. How do you differentiate
yourself from said competition, Well.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
There is actually competition in this it's a new space.
It's a functional not alcoholic cocktails, and some people call
them mocktails, but in our world that's a bad word.
Is like, no, mocktails are just sugary, sweet, very cute drinks.
I look good, great in the glass, but no functional benefits.
We're a functional beverage with nutovia s adapogens that give
(06:55):
you a nicer fork filling without the fuzz from alcohol.
So in that category, functional beverage, not out functional beverages.
There's a set of other brands that are there and
we are all competing in the same space. The difference
with Hussy and the others in the space is not
only are we giving you a better buzz with the
functional ingredients, but one thing that is not talked about
(07:17):
or addressed with my competition is liver and gut health. Again,
no matter how much you drink or how little, you
impact your liver and your gut. So we add it
because of that purpose. We added pre products, we added
and liver, antioxidants, the chickory ginger, tumoric lions, main all
those are great for your liver. So they're cleansing the liver,
(07:37):
protecting the liver, repairing the liver.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
I think it makes a lot of sense. I think
so many people in twenty twenty five are health conscious
that you're actually making those extra efforts. I imagine the
feedback you're getting from people that are either purchasing the
drink to sell or direct to somebody out there. They're
pretty excited about what you're offering here.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Yes, absolutely, we are getting great buzz. And we just
came back from the Natural Products Spo West show and
everyone the first they do and I know the rule
of marketing is if you're on the shelf, you have
to really capture someone's attention. And our branding is like
in your face, like, okay, what's this? Everyone stops. I'm
watching the attention of the buyer, the walker buyers, the
(08:14):
passer buyers is that going by the booth and they're like, oh,
what's that? And then they draw in and they see
that this is what it is and learn about it.
So we have to get them on site and then
on taste.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
So We're going to get the website at the end
of the interview. It's a gorgeous website. It's easy to navigate.
But I always like to ask a question when the
name of a company gets my attention. I'm excited about that,
and I might not know the origin of the name.
So what is the origin? Because it's a really cool name,
But what's the origin behind that?
Speaker 1 (08:44):
Yeah, another show stoppers people want to know why. That's
a good question. So hussey was a word, or is
a word that's typically reserved for a woman of low
more value, or of approach. But we are redefining that word,
like just like what we're defining what a cocktail. No
longer does it cops out to be alcohol based. It
could be non alcoholic based with functional gradients. It still
(09:05):
give you a good felling. And now hussey means a strong,
courageous boat woman taking charge of her life and her health.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
One of the things I've seen you do, and as
I researched talking with you today, is that you are very,
very on point when it comes to social media, and
you're on all platforms, and I imagine that's by design,
and you know, even with you know all the platforms
that are getting to young people as well as all
demos out there, because of course it's for all demos
(09:34):
out there. But maybe if you can impart some advice
to an entrepreneur in twenty twenty five when it comes
to marketing yourself and also the product about the things
that you have to do, realizing that your journey is
specific to you, but to see if you could give
general advice in that area when it comes to marketing.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
I like to mentor if you notice on my page,
I do a lot with helping minority women also who
have less resources and access achieve success of a nonprofit
that and I also do it you know formally too.
I've always been at one that people know they can
tap into. They need assistance, especially getting into retail, which
(10:09):
is a beast, and so I love to help with
my key notes that I like to say. And I notice,
even like on my show on own, that nine out
of ten business owners, female or not, that doesn't matter,
do not have a business plan. And that is a
that's a clear path to get to fail because we're
(10:30):
already at a disadvantage. Eighty percent of business has failed
within the first five years as we know, so if
you don't have a roape map and a plan to
get you through and to success, how do you know
how you can get there? What? How do you plan
for something if you don't even have it written down
and document it and strategize and being intentional, you have
to failing the plan is planning to fail. So do
(10:52):
that step number one. If you don't know or have
never written a business plan and you're not sure where
to go and it's a daunting experience, there are so
many resources. One that I went to when I first
started loved score score dot org like score a goal.
Score dot org is such a great organization. They offer
(11:13):
free business writing classes, marketing plan writing classes. They even
connect you with a mentor in your industry free of choice,
and they're an ever major city. They have chapters everywhere,
and I was in little Sacramento, California. We had a chapter,
so you can find score everywhere. That was a resource
for me to help me get where I needed to be.
Tap into resources because you don't want to go to loan.
(11:36):
You can go alone, but you're gonna spend a lot
of money, make more mistakes, and possibly not get to
where you want to be. So don't be afraid to
stop and ask for advice and assistance. I think if
you don't have anyone in your immediate circle and your
family or your sphere of influence, SCORE is there. And
then lastly, I want to make sure people understand that
(11:57):
knowing going into businesses more more than just having a
great product. People need to know that it exists. So
that's part of the marketing part, right. So I think
a lot of us are in this Internet stage where
we think we go to market, we'll go on Instagram
and TikTok and then we're going to blow up. It's
more to it than that. You need to have the
full comprehensive marketing strategy and plan to be successful. So
(12:22):
social is a part of it, of course, but there's
also ads, there's SEO, there's outdoor indoor advertising marketing, there's
press that can come with it, sampling and engaging in
activations with the end customer. But having someone that can
assist in that space to help you build a marketing
plan is super important. And again you can go back
(12:42):
to SCORE for that. So doing your due diligence, understanding
that you have a roadmap for success, planning ahead and
making sure you are marketing it to your audience, understanding
who that audience is, and then ensuring that when they
touch your product or your service to enjoy it. And
then you give the best you can give.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
Well, really great advice. I appreciate you sharing all that.
I want to circle back to the product because this
is what we're here to talk about. If we could
get into the weeds a little bit, how many different
products do you have when it comes to flavors or
types of styles and what are you offering right now
that everybody can get excited about.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Yes, so we actually have six traditional We have six
cocktails in the under the Huey Smart SIPs umbrella, and
they're all inspired by the traditional cocktails are at all
inspired So hell our Honeypop Limon Drop is our version
of a Limon Drop. We have a Mascow Mule, We
have a bury Banger Margarita. We have a Cssip Sankkria.
(13:39):
We have a Spill the Tea Loong Islands our version
of a Long Island I see. And then we have
a Golden Lixur Whiskey Fixer, our version of whiskey sour.
And so all these six cocktails are all low carb
thirty five thirty five calories, low carb, locale, gluten free,
non GMO, vegan, no refined sugar, no caffeine. So they're
(14:00):
going to be good for your liver and your gut
because as I mentioned, we added prebodics and liver antoxidants,
so we're going to not only give you a better buzz,
but also give some goodness to your every sip. You
have a little goodness.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Make sure we have joke in this series that is
not always unicorns and rainbows when we're talking to CEOs
and founders and companies that are doing well, because I
know there are some challenges from time to time. Currently
in your industry. What challenges are you facing.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
Well, I'm transitioning from b to beverages, so that challenge
is really connecting in a new space. I still am
making my connections and it's really about getting our products
on the shelf. So we are going to sprouts. We
have that with Slimia.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Congratulations, that's fantastic.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
Thank you, thank you. So right now we're on Amazon
and husismartships dot com. We're going to sprouts this year
and so it's really about the distribution increasing that that's
what we're up against now and making that grow because
that's going to be important for scaling.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
So I always like to talk about great stories, but
I realize you're still in the infancy stages with the company.
Lots of growth is going to be happening. But if
you were to share something that may be positively surprised
you about getting into this part of the business with
this company, or maybe there was a great story beside
the Sprouts and Amazon that you've had chance for distribution.
Is there something that either guy you really excited, maybe
(15:17):
surprised you or said, you know what, this is why
we get up every day. Something really cool happened here?
Speaker 1 (15:22):
Well, you know, I would have to say, so far
it has to be the Sprouts.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Yeah, opportunity because can you do this? Can share how
that happened, because I think the real cool thing is
that the work to get into a grocery store is very,
very difficult for any product. So if you could maybe
just quickly share how that partnership came about.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
That's a great question. Well, we were at theen Utopia
Now show and we were displayed and the buyer walked
by and like everyone else, stopped in their tracks and
said what is this? We love it? And so she
came in, We invited her and she tasted it. She said,
we would be honored to add this to our store.
She thought it would be great, rushing alternative because it's
(16:02):
shaking up the look of the space a bit. We're
not willing cutter like the rest. And that's the on
intention and it's very intentional while we're doing this, and
that's how it started and we have it's like it's
our drain because Sprouts is very intentional about the non
alcoholic space they've created and crafted out. It is carved
(16:22):
out and is very clear, and they're head of the
curve than others because they're doing it right. They actually
have the signage, they have multiple players, and they made
it a destination.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
And I think that's really important to point out that
when your values aligned with somebody that big, that's really
big for both of you, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Yes, it is for us the biggest thing. For me.
That was the most exciting thing to date, because it's
worth six months officially going and that's quite unheard of.
That's why I was amazed and so so happy. I
in my previous world, it took me years to get
in retail years. This is probably the best news we've
(17:04):
had so far.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
Well, I want to put a pin in the company,
even though it might affect it indirectly. We do like
to talk to our founders and our CEOs and people
that are running companies. And I know you have a
very busy life when it comes to either some philanthropic
or charity work. You talked about paying it forward to
to feature entrepreneurs out there. What do you like to
be a part of.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
I love too. For me, I feel too much as given,
much as required, and that's my motto all my life.
My mother taught me about giving and the importance of giving.
And there's karma. There's a karmaic law. As you sow,
so you reap, and you reap and you sow. And
I believe that and I was taught that. So giving
to others, as I've learned, has been my It's been
(17:43):
a passion of mine. That's something I like to do,
so really it's me in any organization however, I can
give back and sow accede to help others that have
challenge and want to be an entrepreneur. I love to
step up there because if I have the answers. I
have the connections, I have the sources. I have to
know how whyt to help someone else.
Speaker 2 (18:03):
So we talked a little bit about that. At the
beginning of you being an entrepreneur, you've had two companies,
you're an author, your TV host on owned. It's a
lot and a family too. How do you juggle everything
because it's just a lot.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
You're right, and you should probably ask my husband this question. Well,
you know the work life balance. I've always I've always
known that I was a driven person who wanted more
in life. That's always in my DNA. But I always
manage and I always wanted a family. Family is super
important and number one, and I have a structure of
(18:39):
God first, family, second, business third. Do I get that
right every time? Absolutely not, And sometimes it's not in
sync or it's out of balance. I do have to
lean into my husband, who is phenomenally success supportive when
I'm out of whack or out of sync, out of balance,
for him to step up and so that I can't
do what I need to do for the business. So
(19:01):
it is about partnership. Finding the right person that believes
in your purpose and your mission, that's willing to support it,
and so what I try to do is while they're
at school, I get a lot done right. And I
managed to work from home most of the time with
my warehouse and office staff. Working at the office warehouse,
I go in when my kids were school, but I'm
(19:23):
home when they're home, and I make sure that anything
after hours I take in my home office. And I
try to just schedule my days where if I have
to do something like a four o'clock track meet, I'm
not on a call. I'm getting done at three. And
it's really balancing it. And really, I think women mothers,
we tend to be master jugglers, yes, and I think
(19:44):
that it's become second nature. I have four kids, so
I think it's comes second nature now. I think when
they were younger, it was more of a struggle. But
I think I'm mastered now. And plus they're older, so
I think it's been a juggle. But I think I
know without a doubt that my partner is the reason
why I was able to do it. So, ladies, when
(20:05):
you choose, if you're an entrepreneur or even men with entrepreneurs,
your mate matters, Oprah said to me, I remember this.
Your spouse can either help grow you or can help
or lead your demise in business. So choose wisely.
Speaker 2 (20:20):
Yeah, it's great advice from her and you too, and
Summing My wife and I and we only have the
one child who's twenty two now, but we always said
go with your strings, divide and conquer, and that's how
you usually make through it. And it sounds like you've
done that as.
Speaker 1 (20:32):
Well too, Divide and conquer.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
Yeah, so listen, I want to give some final thoughts
from me, and I really enjoyed the conversation. But you know,
let's recap everything that we've talked about for our listeners,
our future entrepreneurs, current CEOs and founders are also listening
to the show, and he shared the floor is yours.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
So you know, I'm so excited to be in this
new industry. I transition from beauty and now I'm in
beverages with a new purpose. People are drinking less and
less and we're seeing that the kline in alcohol sales
and the rise of sober, curious and mindful drinkers. And
so where I am, I'm happy to say, is on
(21:08):
the cusp of emerging market that is offering options for
those who don't want to be pressured to drink in
social environments, to have them have another option to choose
to enjoy while they're out at home during the day
after long day out with their friends. Some Hussy smart
SIPs can give you a better buzz without the fuzz
(21:30):
from alcohol and natural nootropics adoptogens that will give you
that nicer forkfilling. But you also not only have that filling,
but you'll also be protecting your liver and your gut
and all with under thirty five calories. So I look
forward to where this market is going to take us.
It's still new and we're still growing and it's still evolving,
(21:52):
but I'm happy to say that Hussy is a part
of this new booming industry.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Let's give the website to everybody and also where they
can get a right now.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
So you can purchase has He Smart SIPs on our
website at hassesmartsips dot com. You know, also buy a
click on Amazon and search has these smart SIPs and
we're coming to spots soon, so stay tuned for sprouts.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
Upstanding Mehsia, It's such a wonderful story. I mean, it's
kind of like a second act after Curls and what
you've done now with SIPs, it's just really extraordinary. I
know you're still in the beginning stages, but it sounds
like between Amazon sprouts and what the future looks like
for you and your team is just wonderful news. So
thank you so much for joining us on CEOs. You
should know we really appreciate your time.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Thank you, it was a pleasure.
I'm from northern California, Beautiful Sacramento aka cow Town been.
I lived there most of my life and I moved
to Dallas, Texas about fourteen years ago. I graduated from
California State University Sacramento with my undergrad and moved on
and had four beautiful children and got married to my husband,
(00:23):
John Dillinger, and have been knee deep in birthing more
than just children, but babies do my multiple businesses.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Well, it's great that you're a wonderful family person. So
on mine a lot of people that listened to this series,
But I don't know how you've had time to start companies,
but you had a real successful one in the last
couple of decades with Curls, and I just want to
hear the ordin story about how that started. That's going
to lead us into the current company that we were
talking about when it comes to Housy smart STIPs. But
when you were coming out of school, were you entrepreneurial?
(00:53):
Did that come from your parents, from people that you
were hanging out with, something you wanted to do. What
was the kind of the epiphany you had that you
wanted to be an entrepren Because you're an author, you're
TV host entrepreneurial, what did you want to do? Coming out?
Speaker 1 (01:05):
Interestingly enough, I was not set to be an entrepreneur.
I actually worked for Intel Corporation. I'm a marketing major,
and so I was marketing compionships. Well, not so fun
or flashy or my alley, but I really was impressed
with Intel, and I was so happy to be the
Intel employee. I learned so much and so many brilliant
(01:26):
people there. I did have a bad stint with one
bad Apple that gave me a very hard time in
corporate America. I made my life absolutely miserable, and that
situation where I was felt with corporate racism and being targeted.
And I was a single young mother at the time,
(01:47):
and I saw that this manager was looking to get
rid of me, and I was really really beyond stress.
I had no one to fall back on. And after
I got through that process and he actually moved on
to a different company and I was able to get
out of the stress of having this person target me,
I reshifted and rethought about how I wanted to run
(02:08):
my life and how I was going to make money.
I knew that I could run into another bad Apple
in the world are many people of all kinds, and
of course I could have that happen again. It didn't
feel good to not have control. It was a short
amount of time, but it felt just so uncomfortable that
I said, if I'm going to work this hard, then
I might need to work this hard for myself. And
(02:28):
when I got through that issue in that situation, I
started to look at other business ideas and where I
could launch and be an entrepreneur. And I instantly thought
of naturally curly hair products. I was a newly natural
mother with a young baby who also was looking for
natural products to use, and I knew I need to
burn something that I would be comfortable putting on her hair.
(02:50):
So that's how Curls was moor And it was out
of the need of my own and also desire to
own my financial destiny. And I put those two passions together.
That's how Curls was born.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
Well, you're talking about so many keywords that we talk
about in this series of your passion and not only
to be your own boss, but to control your own destiny.
And I think that's most important when you're starting your
own company, and I'm going to have you impart some
leadership advice down the road for our future entrepreneurs who
listen to this series. But in the early odds, you know,
you started your own company. You've had a lot of success,
(03:22):
and I think that would be great for a lot
of people to just ride into the sunset or have
a comfortable life. But you've reinvented yourself and reinvented a
new product when it comes to Huzzy smart Sip. So
i'd love to hear over the maybe the last couple
of years. Maybe you have the origin of the idea
why you came up with it first, and then we'll
talk about mission, your vision and what the product is.
But can you kind of share with us the origin
(03:45):
about why you wanted to start a new company.
Speaker 1 (03:47):
Absolutely. I actually sold Curls about almost four years ago,
and that was that brand. I've burnt from ideation to
creation to launch a multi million dollar brand, and when
I sold it, I lost a piece of my identity.
I didn't know at first. It was a joyful time.
I traveled for six months. I have a great time.
(04:08):
I thought I was going to retire and run off
into the sunset, and that wasn't really the end of
my story. I found that After I got I was
done traveling, done lunching and shopping and all the things
I needed more and I realized that I started to
get depressed because I had kind of left the piece
(04:29):
of me behind. And when I let go of that company,
I didn't realize it was going to be so hard.
That's something we don't talk about when you sell a brand.
Usually you think it's joy, which it was, but it
made me sad too, to the point where I started
to get depressed, and I started to self medicate, and
(04:49):
I was meditating with alcohol. And that's what got me
to where we are. After I got out of that thunk,
and I had to get through that. I wanted to
create something I can use instead of alcohol, and I
create a Hussy Smart SIPs because and the flavors are
all inspired by traditional cocktails are alcohol based. But I
knew that I had to add key antioxidants and key
(05:11):
ingredients that when prebiotics that would be good for my
liver and my guts. Because anyone that drinks, I know,
no matter what level, if it's daily, weekly, monthly, you
impact both your live and your gut. So I had
to have a low carb, low calorie good for my
waistline drink that would give me nice and forlkfilling in
place of alcohol, but also do greatness for my liver
(05:32):
and my guts. And that's how it was born.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Well that's fantastic. So what's the mission statement of the company.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
The mission is to create a fabulous social time without
the pressures of alcohol. Join the circle of your friends,
celebrating without damaging your liver and your gut, do social
and jink responsibly and less regrettably.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
I love that a lot. So you've kind of talked
about it. But if you could do us a fever again,
if you were to give us a thirty thousand foot
view of what the product is and the products you have,
what would you tell everybody?
Speaker 1 (06:02):
I would tell Hessei Smart SIPs is your non alcoholic
cocktail of choice that's functional, that will give you a
fork filling and a buzz about the fuzz from alcohol.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
So I don't want to assume that this is a
competitive space and you've got a really great idea, but
if there's anybody that you are competing against and you're
out in this market, and as we know, when it
comes to just all sorts of drinks out there, when
it comes to restaurants and grocery stores and convenience stores.
It is really competitive out there. How do you differentiate
yourself from said competition, Well.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
There is actually competition in this it's a new space.
It's a functional not alcoholic cocktails, and some people call
them mocktails, but in our world that's a bad word.
Is like, no, mocktails are just sugary, sweet, very cute drinks.
I look good, great in the glass, but no functional benefits.
We're a functional beverage with nutovia s adapogens that give
(06:55):
you a nicer fork filling without the fuzz from alcohol.
So in that category, functional beverage, not out functional beverages.
There's a set of other brands that are there and
we are all competing in the same space. The difference
with Hussy and the others in the space is not
only are we giving you a better buzz with the
functional ingredients, but one thing that is not talked about
(07:17):
or addressed with my competition is liver and gut health. Again,
no matter how much you drink or how little, you
impact your liver and your gut. So we add it
because of that purpose. We added pre products, we added
and liver, antioxidants, the chickory ginger, tumoric lions, main all
those are great for your liver. So they're cleansing the liver,
(07:37):
protecting the liver, repairing the liver.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
I think it makes a lot of sense. I think
so many people in twenty twenty five are health conscious
that you're actually making those extra efforts. I imagine the
feedback you're getting from people that are either purchasing the
drink to sell or direct to somebody out there. They're
pretty excited about what you're offering here.
Speaker 1 (07:54):
Yes, absolutely, we are getting great buzz. And we just
came back from the Natural Products Spo West show and
everyone the first they do and I know the rule
of marketing is if you're on the shelf, you have
to really capture someone's attention. And our branding is like
in your face, like, okay, what's this? Everyone stops. I'm
watching the attention of the buyer, the walker buyers, the
(08:14):
passer buyers is that going by the booth and they're like, oh,
what's that? And then they draw in and they see
that this is what it is and learn about it.
So we have to get them on site and then
on taste.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
So We're going to get the website at the end
of the interview. It's a gorgeous website. It's easy to navigate.
But I always like to ask a question when the
name of a company gets my attention. I'm excited about that,
and I might not know the origin of the name.
So what is the origin? Because it's a really cool name,
But what's the origin behind that?
Speaker 1 (08:44):
Yeah, another show stoppers people want to know why. That's
a good question. So hussey was a word, or is
a word that's typically reserved for a woman of low
more value, or of approach. But we are redefining that word,
like just like what we're defining what a cocktail. No
longer does it cops out to be alcohol based. It
could be non alcoholic based with functional gradients. It still
(09:05):
give you a good felling. And now hussey means a strong,
courageous boat woman taking charge of her life and her health.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
One of the things I've seen you do, and as
I researched talking with you today, is that you are very,
very on point when it comes to social media, and
you're on all platforms, and I imagine that's by design,
and you know, even with you know all the platforms
that are getting to young people as well as all
demos out there, because of course it's for all demos
(09:34):
out there. But maybe if you can impart some advice
to an entrepreneur in twenty twenty five when it comes
to marketing yourself and also the product about the things
that you have to do, realizing that your journey is
specific to you, but to see if you could give
general advice in that area when it comes to marketing.
Speaker 1 (09:48):
I like to mentor if you notice on my page,
I do a lot with helping minority women also who
have less resources and access achieve success of a nonprofit
that and I also do it you know formally too.
I've always been at one that people know they can
tap into. They need assistance, especially getting into retail, which
(10:09):
is a beast, and so I love to help with
my key notes that I like to say. And I notice,
even like on my show on own, that nine out
of ten business owners, female or not, that doesn't matter,
do not have a business plan. And that is a
that's a clear path to get to fail because we're
(10:30):
already at a disadvantage. Eighty percent of business has failed
within the first five years as we know, so if
you don't have a roape map and a plan to
get you through and to success, how do you know
how you can get there? What? How do you plan
for something if you don't even have it written down
and document it and strategize and being intentional, you have
to failing the plan is planning to fail. So do
(10:52):
that step number one. If you don't know or have
never written a business plan and you're not sure where
to go and it's a daunting experience, there are so
many resources. One that I went to when I first
started loved score score dot org like score a goal.
Score dot org is such a great organization. They offer
(11:13):
free business writing classes, marketing plan writing classes. They even
connect you with a mentor in your industry free of choice,
and they're an ever major city. They have chapters everywhere,
and I was in little Sacramento, California. We had a chapter,
so you can find score everywhere. That was a resource
for me to help me get where I needed to be.
Tap into resources because you don't want to go to loan.
(11:36):
You can go alone, but you're gonna spend a lot
of money, make more mistakes, and possibly not get to
where you want to be. So don't be afraid to
stop and ask for advice and assistance. I think if
you don't have anyone in your immediate circle and your
family or your sphere of influence, SCORE is there. And
then lastly, I want to make sure people understand that
(11:57):
knowing going into businesses more more than just having a
great product. People need to know that it exists. So
that's part of the marketing part, right. So I think
a lot of us are in this Internet stage where
we think we go to market, we'll go on Instagram
and TikTok and then we're going to blow up. It's
more to it than that. You need to have the
full comprehensive marketing strategy and plan to be successful. So
(12:22):
social is a part of it, of course, but there's
also ads, there's SEO, there's outdoor indoor advertising marketing, there's
press that can come with it, sampling and engaging in
activations with the end customer. But having someone that can
assist in that space to help you build a marketing
plan is super important. And again you can go back
(12:42):
to SCORE for that. So doing your due diligence, understanding
that you have a roadmap for success, planning ahead and
making sure you are marketing it to your audience, understanding
who that audience is, and then ensuring that when they
touch your product or your service to enjoy it. And
then you give the best you can give.
Speaker 2 (13:02):
Well, really great advice. I appreciate you sharing all that.
I want to circle back to the product because this
is what we're here to talk about. If we could
get into the weeds a little bit, how many different
products do you have when it comes to flavors or
types of styles and what are you offering right now
that everybody can get excited about.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
Yes, so we actually have six traditional We have six
cocktails in the under the Huey Smart SIPs umbrella, and
they're all inspired by the traditional cocktails are at all
inspired So hell our Honeypop Limon Drop is our version
of a Limon Drop. We have a Mascow Mule, We
have a bury Banger Margarita. We have a Cssip Sankkria.
(13:39):
We have a Spill the Tea Loong Islands our version
of a Long Island I see. And then we have
a Golden Lixur Whiskey Fixer, our version of whiskey sour.
And so all these six cocktails are all low carb
thirty five thirty five calories, low carb, locale, gluten free,
non GMO, vegan, no refined sugar, no caffeine. So they're
(14:00):
going to be good for your liver and your gut
because as I mentioned, we added prebodics and liver antoxidants,
so we're going to not only give you a better buzz,
but also give some goodness to your every sip. You
have a little goodness.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Make sure we have joke in this series that is
not always unicorns and rainbows when we're talking to CEOs
and founders and companies that are doing well, because I
know there are some challenges from time to time. Currently
in your industry. What challenges are you facing.
Speaker 1 (14:24):
Well, I'm transitioning from b to beverages, so that challenge
is really connecting in a new space. I still am
making my connections and it's really about getting our products
on the shelf. So we are going to sprouts. We
have that with Slimia.
Speaker 2 (14:38):
Congratulations, that's fantastic.
Speaker 1 (14:41):
Thank you, thank you. So right now we're on Amazon
and husismartships dot com. We're going to sprouts this year
and so it's really about the distribution increasing that that's
what we're up against now and making that grow because
that's going to be important for scaling.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
So I always like to talk about great stories, but
I realize you're still in the infancy stages with the company.
Lots of growth is going to be happening. But if
you were to share something that may be positively surprised
you about getting into this part of the business with
this company, or maybe there was a great story beside
the Sprouts and Amazon that you've had chance for distribution.
Is there something that either guy you really excited, maybe
(15:17):
surprised you or said, you know what, this is why
we get up every day. Something really cool happened here?
Speaker 1 (15:22):
Well, you know, I would have to say, so far
it has to be the Sprouts.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Yeah, opportunity because can you do this? Can share how
that happened, because I think the real cool thing is
that the work to get into a grocery store is very,
very difficult for any product. So if you could maybe
just quickly share how that partnership came about.
Speaker 1 (15:41):
That's a great question. Well, we were at theen Utopia
Now show and we were displayed and the buyer walked
by and like everyone else, stopped in their tracks and
said what is this? We love it? And so she
came in, We invited her and she tasted it. She said,
we would be honored to add this to our store.
She thought it would be great, rushing alternative because it's
(16:02):
shaking up the look of the space a bit. We're
not willing cutter like the rest. And that's the on
intention and it's very intentional while we're doing this, and
that's how it started and we have it's like it's
our drain because Sprouts is very intentional about the non
alcoholic space they've created and crafted out. It is carved
(16:22):
out and is very clear, and they're head of the
curve than others because they're doing it right. They actually
have the signage, they have multiple players, and they made
it a destination.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
And I think that's really important to point out that
when your values aligned with somebody that big, that's really
big for both of you, isn't it.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Yes, it is for us the biggest thing. For me.
That was the most exciting thing to date, because it's
worth six months officially going and that's quite unheard of.
That's why I was amazed and so so happy. I
in my previous world, it took me years to get
in retail years. This is probably the best news we've
(17:04):
had so far.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
Well, I want to put a pin in the company,
even though it might affect it indirectly. We do like
to talk to our founders and our CEOs and people
that are running companies. And I know you have a
very busy life when it comes to either some philanthropic
or charity work. You talked about paying it forward to
to feature entrepreneurs out there. What do you like to
be a part of.
Speaker 1 (17:21):
I love too. For me, I feel too much as given,
much as required, and that's my motto all my life.
My mother taught me about giving and the importance of giving.
And there's karma. There's a karmaic law. As you sow,
so you reap, and you reap and you sow. And
I believe that and I was taught that. So giving
to others, as I've learned, has been my It's been
(17:43):
a passion of mine. That's something I like to do,
so really it's me in any organization however, I can
give back and sow accede to help others that have
challenge and want to be an entrepreneur. I love to
step up there because if I have the answers. I
have the connections, I have the sources. I have to
know how whyt to help someone else.
Speaker 2 (18:03):
So we talked a little bit about that. At the
beginning of you being an entrepreneur, you've had two companies,
you're an author, your TV host on owned. It's a
lot and a family too. How do you juggle everything
because it's just a lot.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
You're right, and you should probably ask my husband this question. Well,
you know the work life balance. I've always I've always
known that I was a driven person who wanted more
in life. That's always in my DNA. But I always
manage and I always wanted a family. Family is super
important and number one, and I have a structure of
(18:39):
God first, family, second, business third. Do I get that
right every time? Absolutely not, And sometimes it's not in
sync or it's out of balance. I do have to
lean into my husband, who is phenomenally success supportive when
I'm out of whack or out of sync, out of balance,
for him to step up and so that I can't
do what I need to do for the business. So
(19:01):
it is about partnership. Finding the right person that believes
in your purpose and your mission, that's willing to support it,
and so what I try to do is while they're
at school, I get a lot done right. And I
managed to work from home most of the time with
my warehouse and office staff. Working at the office warehouse,
I go in when my kids were school, but I'm
(19:23):
home when they're home, and I make sure that anything
after hours I take in my home office. And I
try to just schedule my days where if I have
to do something like a four o'clock track meet, I'm
not on a call. I'm getting done at three. And
it's really balancing it. And really, I think women mothers,
we tend to be master jugglers, yes, and I think
(19:44):
that it's become second nature. I have four kids, so
I think it's comes second nature now. I think when
they were younger, it was more of a struggle. But
I think I'm mastered now. And plus they're older, so
I think it's been a juggle. But I think I
know without a doubt that my partner is the reason
why I was able to do it. So, ladies, when
(20:05):
you choose, if you're an entrepreneur or even men with entrepreneurs,
your mate matters, Oprah said to me, I remember this.
Your spouse can either help grow you or can help
or lead your demise in business. So choose wisely.
Speaker 2 (20:20):
Yeah, it's great advice from her and you too, and
Summing My wife and I and we only have the
one child who's twenty two now, but we always said
go with your strings, divide and conquer, and that's how
you usually make through it. And it sounds like you've
done that as.
Speaker 1 (20:32):
Well too, Divide and conquer.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
Yeah, so listen, I want to give some final thoughts
from me, and I really enjoyed the conversation. But you know,
let's recap everything that we've talked about for our listeners,
our future entrepreneurs, current CEOs and founders are also listening
to the show, and he shared the floor is yours.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
So you know, I'm so excited to be in this
new industry. I transition from beauty and now I'm in
beverages with a new purpose. People are drinking less and
less and we're seeing that the kline in alcohol sales
and the rise of sober, curious and mindful drinkers. And
so where I am, I'm happy to say, is on
(21:08):
the cusp of emerging market that is offering options for
those who don't want to be pressured to drink in
social environments, to have them have another option to choose
to enjoy while they're out at home during the day
after long day out with their friends. Some Hussy smart
SIPs can give you a better buzz without the fuzz
(21:30):
from alcohol and natural nootropics adoptogens that will give you
that nicer forkfilling. But you also not only have that filling,
but you'll also be protecting your liver and your gut
and all with under thirty five calories. So I look
forward to where this market is going to take us.
It's still new and we're still growing and it's still evolving,
(21:52):
but I'm happy to say that Hussy is a part
of this new booming industry.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Let's give the website to everybody and also where they
can get a right now.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
So you can purchase has He Smart SIPs on our
website at hassesmartsips dot com. You know, also buy a
click on Amazon and search has these smart SIPs and
we're coming to spots soon, so stay tuned for sprouts.
Speaker 2 (22:13):
Upstanding Mehsia, It's such a wonderful story. I mean, it's
kind of like a second act after Curls and what
you've done now with SIPs, it's just really extraordinary. I
know you're still in the beginning stages, but it sounds
like between Amazon sprouts and what the future looks like
for you and your team is just wonderful news. So
thank you so much for joining us on CEOs. You
should know we really appreciate your time.
Speaker 1 (22:33):
Thank you, it was a pleasure.
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