We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Caitlyn Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Caitlyn , thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Caitlyn and Mike Smith’s journey to founding Herban Flow is deeply personal, rooted in their individual challenges and a shared vision to foster healthier lifestyles. Both originally from Connecticut, their backgrounds in corporate roles provided them with a robust foundation to navigate and ultimately innovate within the beverage industry.
Caitlyn’s personal health challenges significantly shaped her path. Diagnosed with endometriosis at age 16, she endured years of pain and discomfort, which traditional medical treatments did little to alleviate. Living in Oregon, a state known for its natural beauty and holistic health approaches, Caitlyn turned to herbal remedies. This exploration not only offered her relief but also a deep appreciation and understanding of the power of plants. Her positive experiences with herbal solutions became a cornerstone of Herban Flow’s ethos, driving her passion to share these benefits with others.
Mike’s journey into sobriety is another foundational pillar for Herban Flow. After deciding to live alcohol-free over four years ago, Mike discovered the limited options available in the market that catered to those choosing sobriety while still desiring social and flavorful drinking experiences. His personal commitment to a healthier, sober lifestyle fueled his desire to create a space where non-alcoholic beverages are celebrated, not just offered as an afterthought.
Together, the couple’s experiences catalyzed the creation of Herban Flow, a haven for those seeking non-alcoholic and functional beverages. The mission to “Change the Flow of Social Drinking” is not just a business goal but a personal crusade to enhance social environments by offering diverse, health-conscious beverage options. Their approach addresses a broader trend towards wellness, but it’s deeply personal, reflecting their life stories and the transformative impact of their choices.
With the success of their first location and the anticipation of opening a second in St. Pete in the summer of 2024, Caitlyn and Mike continue to advocate for a shift in how society views drinking culture. Their commitment extends beyond sales; it’s about community building, education, and providing a supportive environment for individuals exploring sobriety or simply seeking healthier alternatives. Herban Flow is not just a store; it’s a movement, spearheaded by two individuals who believe in the power of change starting with one’s personal health and extending into community well-being.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Caitlyn and Mike Smith, both originally from Connecticut, are the dynamic duo behind Florida’s pioneering non-alcoholic bottle shop, Herban Flow. With backgrounds rich in corporate expertise—Caitlyn in writing and public relations, and Mike in corporate relocation and customer service—they bring a blend of strategic communication and business acumen to their ventures. This foundation has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the cannabis industry, where Mike has garnered extensive knowledge in processes, products, and regulations.
Their entrepreneurial journey began with the creation of Pharm 2 Shelf Distribution, LLC, a Hemp & CBD distribution company that saw them traveling across the United States. Their shared commitment to promoting healthier lifestyle choices led them to identify a niche for high-quality non-alcoholic beverages. This realization gave rise to Herban Flow, which they first introduced through markets and festivals across Florida. The overwhelming positive response soon facilitated the establishment of a brick-and-mortar location in January 2023.
Herban Flow offers a diverse selection of non-alcoholic and functional beverages, including beers, wines, mocktails, spirits, and herbal-infused drinks, addressing the growing demand for healthier social drinking options. Building on their success, Caitlyn, Mike, and a partner also launched Functional Beverage Distribution, focusing on expanding the availability of non-alcoholic options in the Florida market through collaborations with bars and restaurants.
Looking ahead, the couple is excited to announce the opening of their second Herban Flow location in St. Pete, slated for the summer of 2024. This expansion underscores their commitment to “Change the Flow of Social Drinking” and marks another significant milestone in their mission to foster a new culture of beverage consumption that prioritizes health, wellness, and inclusivity.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
At Herban Flow, we believe our growing reputation within the non-alcoholic and functional beverage market stems from several foundational elements that we prioritize in our operations. Our commitment to offering a diverse and high-quality selection of products ensures that every customer finds something that meets their tastes and dietary needs. Exceptional customer service and creating an engaging, educational shopping experience are at the core of our business, fostering strong customer loyalty and community involvement. We actively participate in and host community events and educational sessions to deepen our local ties and enhance public knowledge about the benefits of non-alcoholic and functional beverages.
Our marketing strategies resonate deeply with our audience, reflecting their values and lifestyle, which is further amplified by our authentic and transparent communication. Staying adaptive and innovative allows us to keep pace with industry trends, ensuring we always offer the latest and most sought-after products. Lastly, the personal stories of our founders, Caitlyn and Mike, and their mission-driven approach to business, emphasizing health and well-being, truly resonate with our customers, making Herban Flow not just a store but a community advocate for healthier lifestyle choices. This holistic approach has been instrumental in building a strong, reputable brand that continues to attract and retain a dedicated customer base.
How’d you meet your business partner?
Caitlyn and Mike, co-founders of Herban Flow, are not just business partners but also a married couple. Their personal and professional journey together has been a significant aspect of their business’s narrative. They combined their strengths and shared interests in health and wellness to create Herban Flow, Florida’s first non-alcoholic bottle shop. Their partnership in both life and business reflects their mutual commitment to providing healthier, non-alcoholic beverage options, inspired by their individual experiences and challenges, including Mike’s journey to sobriety and Caitlyn’s use of herbal remedies to manage her health. This deep personal connection to their business mission adds a unique layer of authenticity and passion to their enterprise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.herbanflow.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbanflow/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/herbanflow
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/herban-flow
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEtwRfoxUoKYdMJLP8Lb9GQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/herban-flow-st-petersburg
Image Credits
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