Meet the Makers Mini Interview: Benny
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Mini Interview: Benny
We’re thrilled to introduce you to the inspiring founders of Benny, the Vancouver-based beverage brand making waves in the wellness industry. Paige Cey and Julie Letizia, university friends turned business partners, have created a functional beverage line rooted in their personal journey towards better health. Benny offers jitter-free yerba mate energy drinks infused with brain-boosting adaptogens, crafted with the help of a naturopath. These low-sugar, all-natural energy drinks come in three delicious flavors: lychee peach, elderberry yuzu, and raspberry hibiscus. Dive into their world and discover the magic behind Benny! 🌟🍹
Share your story with us in 150 words or less
Julie, my co-founder, and I were friends of friends during university (Go Vikes!). Through school we were incredibly busy and doing the most—Julie was a varsity-level athlete and I was involved in every student society and club I could squeeze in. At the end of university and early post-grad we both hit a rock bottom for our physical and mental health and reconnected over a mutual search for better well-being.
We fell in love with the healing properties of the two main ingredient groups in Benny: yerba mate and adaptogens, and knew we had to share our wellness solution in a fun and efficacious way. With a mission to help people “fuel their best”, we partnered with an amazing Naturopathic doctor to help us with our formulation and we got to work.
The journey from conceiving an idea to establishing a small business is a lot of work! When did it first sink in for you that ‘this is really happening’?
Benny was launched just a short year ago, but it feels like it’s been decades. I remember so clearly on launch day, the first day Benny was available in stores, we received a tag on Instagram stories from someone who tried Benny that we didn’t know. That really solidified that Benny was a legitimate business that existed outside of Julie’s and my head.
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
Both Julie and I are obsessed with the elderberry yuzu flavour. We absolutely love all three flavours, but elderberry yuzu is such a unique taste unlike anything we’ve ever tried. One of our mentors said it tastes like a subtle cotton candy, which we love. Obviously, all three flavours make you feel amazing, too!
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
Our ‘Friends With Benny’ community is incredibly motivating. We host monthly wellness-inspired events in Vancouver and Toronto, and they’re by far our biggest marketing expense. We charge next to nothing, and all of the profits go to a local charity, which we love, and it is so nice to connect IRL on a one-on-one basis with our community. Whenever I’m feeling especially burnt out, these events totally reinspire me and pull me out of it.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
My ideal Sunday morning is spent with my wonderful fiancé. We like to play the New York Times games together (Wordle, The Mini, and Connections - in that order). I drink a ton of water, especially in the morning. I love doing a brunch with friends, so walking to a brunch would be great. I’m a big savoury breakfast girl, so eggs benedict or a hash is my typical go-to. Of course, a cold Benny in the morning is ideal!
What are your personal top three tips for feeling amazing?
1. Movement - I move every day, whether that’s weightlifting, a long walk, or dancing with my friends
2. Gratitude - I have a personal gratitude practice that really puts everything in perspective
3. Fun - I was lucky to grow up in a family that, on top of a lot of amazing values, really prioritized fun. For me, this looks like social time with people that I love, but I think every day you should be aiming to, for the most part, have fun
Benny: On Their Website | On Instagram | On TikTok