Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Giraldo

Hi Juan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My journey started in Quito, Ecuador, where I was born and raised. I’ve always been passionate about entrepreneurship and making a positive impact. In 2016, I moved to the U.S. to pursue my MBA at Babson College. Before moving to the US I was working in a Ecuadorian company, where I reconnected with my childhood friend Nico. We both shared a deep interest in business and social impact, especially in supporting indigenous farmers in Ecuador.

While at Babson, Nico and I began discussing how we could combine our passions to create a meaningful venture. We were both keenly aware of the challenges faced by indigenous farmers in Ecuador, many of whom live below the poverty line. We wanted to find a way to support these communities while also bringing something unique to the market.

We decided to focus on the beverage industry because Ecuador is renowned for its high-quality, natural ingredients. After extensive research and development, we created Waku—a line of delicious, teas with prebiotic fiber to support digestive health.

Starting Waku wasn’t easy. We faced numerous challenges, especially when the pandemic hit in 2020. Our sales plummeted, and we had to make tough decisions, but we persevered, refining our product and focusing on its potential.

We used this challenging period to reevaluate and refine our product. We engaged with our online community, gathered feedback, and made significant improvements to our formulations and branding. In June 2022, we relaunched Waku at the Fancy Food Show in New York, where we were honored to be selected as one of the hottest brands and won the People’s Choice Award.

This recognition opened doors for us. We launched in Whole Foods Market in New York City, and within four months, Waku became the top-selling tea in their ready-to-drink category, surpassing established brands. This success reinforced our belief in our product and mission.

Today, Waku is expanding into new regions and retailers. Our commitment to supporting indigenous farmers in Ecuador remains at the heart of what we do. We ethically source our ingredients, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable practices that benefit the communities back home.

Looking back, the journey has been filled with highs and lows, but every challenge taught us valuable lessons. I’m grateful for the opportunity to combine my passion for entrepreneurship with a purpose-driven mission. We’re excited about the future of Waku and remain dedicated to making a positive impact both in the beverage industry and in the lives of those we aim to support.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Starting a new business is never easy, and being an immigrant in the U.S. adds even more challenges. You’re navigating a new culture, building connections from scratch, and trying to understand a different business landscape—all while trying to bring your vision to life. For us at Waku, the road has been anything but smooth. Running a small team means long hours, wearing multiple hats, and constantly pushing ourselves to do more with less. Yet, this experience has been one of the most rewarding of my life. Each obstacle has been a chance to learn and grow, and seeing the positive impact we’re having through Waku makes all the hard work worth it. The passion and tenacity needed to build this company have made us stronger, and I’m proud of the journey we’re on, knowing that every challenge brings us closer to making a lasting difference.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Waku?

At Waku, we’re on a mission to bring fun and excitement to the tea category. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built, and I truly believe that we’ve created something special—something that’s worth knowing about. Our tea is not just another drink on the shelf! What really sets us apart is that we’ve infused Waku with prebiotic fiber, which is something no other tea on the market is doing right now. This makes our tea not only delicious but also beneficial for you.

We’ve just launched a new formula and packaging that’s designed to make Waku even more appealing to our customers. We listened to feedback, improved the taste, and created something that’s not only healthier but also more enjoyable to drink. It’s like drinking a Snapple, but better for you—no added sugars, no caffeine, just pure, refreshing flavor good for you.

One of the things I’m most proud of is our team. We’re a small but mighty group, and every person plays a crucial role in making this brand what it is today. I also couldn’t be more proud of my business partner, Nico. We’ve been through so much together, and seeing our vision for Waku come to life is incredibly rewarding.

Waku is more than just a product; it’s a reflection of our commitment to quality, health, and authenticity. We want our customers to not only enjoy the taste but feel good about what they’re putting into their bodies. This company represents our passion, and I couldn’t be prouder of the journey we’ve taken to get here.

What matters most to you? Why?

What matters most to me is offering an exceptional product that genuinely enhances the lives of American consumers. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made with Waku, and the fact that we’re bringing a unique, high-quality tea to the American market is something that deeply fulfills me.

Our commitment to using natural ingredients and creating a delicious, refreshing beverage reflects our dedication to quality and innovation. What drives me daily is not just the product itself, but the hard work and grit that have gone into making Waku a success. The journey has required relentless effort and determination, and it’s this drive that fuels our passion and pushes us to continually strive for excellence.

Pricing:

• $2,99 in most of our retail stores in NY, NJ and CT
• $35.99 per 12 cans case on Amazon and our website
• $29.99 per 12 can if you have a subscription

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.livewaku.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkwaku/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinkwaku/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkwaku