We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heidi Radko . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heidi below.

Alright, Heidi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

I absolutely love being a business owner. It’s a completely different experience when you are working towards your own goals and dreams than working for someone else’s dreams and goals. I spent most of my life working at a ‘regular job’ and to be honest I hated it. I don’t do well with authority or being told what to do so being my own boss is an incredible feeling. There is also an opportunity for creativity when you own your own business. Running a business is more time consuming than a simple 9-5 but for me it’s much more rewarding. When I was working my 9-5 I felt trapped and lost. I felt as though I wasn’t helping anyone in a positive way. I want to change people’s lives in an impactful, visceral way, I have no desire at this time to ever go back to a ‘regular job’.

Heidi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In the year 2020 I left my corporate job to pursue my passion for helping women, I didn’t want to go back to school so I decided to become a health and life coach. While building my coaching business a friend asked if I wanted to work for him selling his tonics during a summer farmer’s market. I figured it would tie in well with my coaching practice, so I said yes! This was the first time I was introduced to the healing power of Apple Cider Vinegar. I found I absolutely loved selling the tonics and the market atmosphere. In April 2022 my friend approached me and told me he was selling the business and presented me with the opportunity to purchase it. I then became the owner of Awakened Tonics! I sell Apple Cider Vinegar infused tonics, where you get all the healing properties of ACV without the harsh taste. At the moment there are 6 flavors available. Our best seller is Spiced, with a flavor of apple cinnamon, this tonic is great for balancing blood sugar, boosting metabolism, anti-inflammatory and teeth and gum health. Straight Fire is our version of ‘fire cider’, this tonic is our most potent health tonic and is great for overall immune support, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial with a flavor of a spicy blood mary (sans alcohol of course). Next up is Sizzurp which is also great for overall immune support and has a bunch of antioxidants with a grape flavor. Island Sunrise is a vacation in a glass. This tonic is packed with vitamin C, energizing, mood enhancing and anti-inflammatory with a flavor of tangy pineapple. The last two flavors are our herbal based flavors. Here you will find ingredients you won’t necessarily find in your everyday diet. I worked with my good friend, Jessica Marcy, owner of Old Wisdom Wellness, to create the most nutritive tonics available. The Regulator was made for people with uteruses to help balance hormones and keep them healthy. Grateful 4 Greens (with 4 green herbs of alfalfa, dandelion greens, nettle and parsley) was made for those of you who do not get enough vegetables and fruits in your diets. It’s tough to change your habits but it’s easy to incorporate a shot of health. Our tonics are free from added sugar, natural and artificial flavorings and preservatives. We use real whole foods and the best ingredients available. My favorite part of this business is connecting with other women owned businesses and hearing the healing stories from our customers. When I was working behind a desk I felt like I was wasting my life and had no purpose. Now my purpose is to help as many people as I can on their health and healing journey. If you’re having digestive issues, heart burn, acid reflux, low energy, high blood sugar, high blood pressure (and so much more) than Awakened Tonics is for you.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I am not great at social media so I just do my best. I continue to show up messily. I don’t worry about perfection. I post as often as I can and I don’t only post about my products. I try to have fun with it and I respond to all the messages I receive as well as comments.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think the best way to build a reputation is consistently showing up. I signed up for a lot of markets to get our name out there and get our products into people. We have free sampling and our appeal is making apple cider vinegar taste good while still maintaining its healing properties. I think also having a positive attitude and respecting our customers helps build reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.awakenedtonics.com
• Email: Awakenedtonics@gmail.com
• Instagram: Awakened Tonics

Image Credits
Connie Weddle, Unfiltered Photography