Today we’d like to introduce you to Reed Allen
Hi Reed, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Reed Allen, the founder of ISLES, a premium instant latte tea brand based here in Maine. My journey into the world of vegan lattes started after I lost a kidney at age 13. This life-changing event pushed me towards a vegan lifestyle in my teens, which led me to experiment with all sorts of exotic ingredients and spices.
Living in Maine, finding good vegan lattes was tough, so I began crafting my own at home. My friends and family couldn’t get enough of them, which got me thinking: why not create a powdered, shelf-stable version so people everywhere could enjoy them? And that’s how ISLES was born.
At ISLES, we’re all about simplicity, quality, and bringing a bit of cozy Maine comfort to your cup, no matter where you are in the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a pretty smooth road overall, but like any journey, we’ve had to make some adjustments along the way. One significant change was rebranding. We originally launched as LIV, but due to trademark restrictions, we had to pivot and rebrand as ISLES.
We used this opportunity to not only change our name but also to simplify our offerings and refine our brand aesthetics. This shift allowed us to focus on what truly matters to our customers: high-quality, vegan-friendly instant lattes that are easy to enjoy anywhere. The rebranding process turned out to be a great chance to streamline our vision and better connect with our audience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I come from a creative background, having attended art school for photography and design. This creative foundation has been a huge asset in building ISLES. In addition to ISLES, I also run a creative branding and design agency called Palms, right here in Maine. This experience has really helped me shape the brand’s aesthetic and ensure that everything from our packaging to our marketing materials is visually appealing and aligns with our vision.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I believe the most important key to ISLES’ long-term success is to stay true to our vision and not follow fleeting trends, whether in product or design. It’s crucial for us to remain authentic and consistent with who we are and what we stand for. While it’s important to keep an eye on the industry, our focus is on innovating in our own unique style. This approach ensures that we maintain the quality and character that our customers love, while continuing to grow and evolve in a way that feels genuine to us.
Pricing:
- Our Matcha Latte Mix is $25 / Bag and our Golden Milk Latte Mix, Chai Latte Mix, and Mocha Latte Mix are all $20.. Each bag contains 7 servings. Our mixes are formulated to be a yummy treat, something you would find in a coffee shop. The per serving price ends up being a lot more cost effective than it’s equivalent in a coffee shop so you can take your brews wherever you wander!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://islesco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isles_co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/islescompany/
Image Credits
All shots by ISLES Team + Perry Flowers (@rperryflowers)