Tropink with Sierra Thomas feature 122 of Together Talks

"Together Talks" feature 122: Tropink (fka Pink Cloud Beverages) presented by KLS, freight company

Some Background on Tropink (fka Pink Cloud Beverages)

For today's edition of "Together Talks" campaign, KLS had the opportunity to interview Tropink (fka Pink Cloud Beverages) and Sierra Thomas, Founder/CEO. Tropink transports you to white sands, palm trees, warm, shallow, brilliant and sparkling turquoise waters. They offer their fans intentionally-crafted non-alcoholic functional beverages with sunshine. They drew inspiration from modern mixology, the sober curious movement, and their founder's journey in sobriety as well as time living on the islands. An alternative to alcohol for the modern, health-conscious, time-starved female craving balance + living life on her own terms. Tropink's mission is to create an inclusive community where everyone has access to a premium non-alcoholic beverage that nourishes mind and body while transporting you to a Tropink state of mind.

When did the company begin?

The company launched to consumers at the Good Food Mercantile in Portland in April 2022. That said, for many months prior work was happening behind the scenes on recipe development and building the brand.

Story of how it was created?

I was a pro at drinking, like really good. My previous career was in the music and ad industry. Temptation was lurking around every single corner and I got sick of my wellness taking a back seat. In 2010, at the highest point of my career, I decided to cut out alcohol. Over a decade later, many hours of mixing, blending and experimenting I finally launched with Lilikoi Lounge Chair and Pining for Paradise.

The journey began with a drive home from Bend after New Years. That was always a challenging holiday for me in my early sobriety. Driving home my husband asked me if I ever thought of making my own NA beverage as I was constantly mixing and making them at home and for friends. At first, I laughed as I did not have CPG background nor was I a food scientist, but my head started spinning, on what the brand would look like, the drink would taste like, what purpose would it serve and for who.  I couldn't turn the thoughts off the entire ride home. That was the day Pink Cloud Beverages was born.

Meaning behind the name?

Pink Cloud is a term for sobriety but to most it meant a tropical escape with epic pink cloud sunsets on the horizon.  I decided to rebrand as Tropink to be more inclusive to everyone who craved an NA alternative no matter if they were sober like me, sober curious, a flex drinker or simply taking a night off.  Tropink describes a mental or emotional state associated with chill vibes, elation, connection and a carefree attitude associated with a tropical destination.  People who adopt a Tropink state of mind prioritize a slower pace, living the good life, and a positive outlook often embodying the spirit of vacation.

What separates your company from competition?

Our goal has always been to provide a Premium Non-Alcoholic Functional Beverage with a clean label that is made as an alternative to alcohol. 

Having been sober since 2010, I had a vast understanding of what was on the market. For years I had been creating solutions for myself. When I launched it was at the height of the bubbly seltzer phase. I brought something to the market with a little bubble, but not overpowering that left me usually feeling bloated. We use a swell of real tropical fruit juices and purees. NEVER any concentrates.

The functional ingredients were derived from personal problems I set out to conquer. I had lot of anxiety which led to the first ingredient (broad spectrum hemp). I found a good partner with SoRSE. it was crucial that it didn’t interact with the taste of the fruits. Efficacy and flavor was extremely important. Second, is the sunshine vitamin. I was deficient in D3 after moving home to Oregon from Oahu and for me it was important to have a ritual to increase sunshine in my daily life.

Define the strengths of the company?

It was my goal to create a well curated beverage with unique flavors and unique profiles. The goal is to transport consumers to a tropical beach when they consume Tropink from all five senses. When I close my eyes while drinking Tropink, it brings me back to the North Shore of Oahu at Kahuku Farms with my bestie or a trip to the Caribbean with my husband and daughter.

What have been the biggest challenges?

Being an entrepreneur there are always hurdles or challenges to overcome. I've learned they won't stop coming, it is all about how you navigate through them and learn. I do all my own sourcing with real fruit which requires dealing with changing tastes due to the climates and our ever changing environment. Scaling is hard as it is important to be strategic and deliver velocity. Broad Spectrum Hemp (cbd) is difficult as you must deal with compliance, individual states, and the constant changes. 

Reflect on a goal you set and how it made you feel to accomplish it?

Getting a CPG product from recipe formulation on my own (with no food science background) to scaling it and then having it co-packed and delivered into the stores. There is literally so much that goes into it. I set the goal to have it canned before an event that was near and dear to my heart. I accomplished that and I felt proud, energized and excited for what was to come next. 

This year, the rebrand, has been another milestone for the company. The long term portion was so valuable because I didn’t move quickly. Moving from Pink Cloud (term in sobriety) to TROPINK (term of mind). I took everything that I had invested into my company, literally dumped my entire soul into and essentially rebirthed it. It felt like this incredible adrenaline rush, almost like relaunching, but a better version.

Goals for upcoming year + Next phase of the company?

We have two new beverages soon to be released. Our first two SKU solved my own problems, so they will always hold a close place to her heart. They will remain part of the Tropink portfolio. The two new SKU will remain with our focus of creating premium non-acl beverages, however these will have new functional ingredients outside of CBD and the Sunshine Vitamin. We got feedback from consumers, both the diehards and the casuals and we listened. Many cannot consume CBD for a multitude of reasons. One of our goals is inclusivity, so by offering a product that anyone can drink it is important to us to have options for everyone. It opens up new paths for distribution and partners not having the cbd red tape. Both will play off my former life as a drinker, but be innovative spins off of my delicious fav cocktails with a couple surprising twists. My goal is to open up consumers to wonderful new fruits and ingredients.

I am looking to complete my third collaboration; I've done two already. I seek out companies that have a similar ethos as me to provide something consumers will use and benefit their daily lives. We have something pretty big in the works and cannot wait to share it. Part of our mission is giving back, we are part of the 1% for the planet and aspire to become a B Corporation.

What were your concerns about making this transition?

Any entrepreneur could have doubt before taking the leap of faith. Reflecting back on taking that leap, I didn’t think I'd ever be the entrepreneur typeas I'm not a huge risk taker, I don't like to gamble, but when It comes to myself, I'm willing to take that challenge. There was a huge risk of leaving an industry I had been very successful in for over a decade. The paycheck, insurance, all of those stable things went into consideration. The comforts of life I was risking, but 2 years later betting on myself was worth it and I wish I would have done it sooner.

Also having a family I had to take into account the strain it would place on them. Balance is a word people throw out, for me it is more like a teeter-totter. it will never be even, but constantly adjusting and giving or taking when needed. Raising a 10 year old girl and being involved, being present, and a part of her passions and a good partner to my husband are my top priority. Starting my own company and being bootstrapped or 100% self funded, is hard. But I've discovered you have to love what you do because there will be days that will knock you down but getting back up and persisting is what a true entrepreneur is. Having that perseverance, grit and knowing your why, propels you to continue pushing forward.

How have you learned to be the face of the company?

I appear energetic and outgoing which I am, but it is me feeding off energy from others. Covid was difficult for me, constantly being couped up. The hardest thing for me was I still felt shame or insecure from when I quit drinking in 2010. I hid it for a long time, I'd get to social functions within my industry early and pay the bartender to make me non-acl drinks regardless of what I said I ordered throughout the night. It wasn’t as mainstream as now with the cultural shift. Starting Tropink has helped me grow comfortable in my skin, be vulnerable, and proud to share I do not drink alcohol. When I am vulnerable is when others can relate or gather inspiration and that means the world to me. 

Describe the journey of being an entrepreneur?

Family.

Without them this could not be possible. My husband is beyond supportive. He works his full time job and will stay up late strategizing with me after. I'm grateful watching how this impacts my daughter. She has watched her Mom first hand from scratch create something she believes in and move through adversity.

I know I am contributing and making a difference for people, as they send me emails, DM me and those messages  never get old. I still get that giddy feeling when I go to the grocery store and my daughter yells out because someone is taking my products off the shelf to buy, my momma made that!

I've always told myself that if I get in a position whether it be a job or a career and I feel like I can't elevate any further or be challenged it is time to move on. The CPG industry is so so vast and detailed that each and every day I learn something new. I have no problem sharing that I don't know what I don't know, but I love the quest for knowledge. I joked in the beginning I was like "bring your daughter to work day"  but having the ability to ask questions, challenge myself, and finding new ways to enhance myself and the company is fulfilling.

What aspect of entrepreneurship do you appreciate the most?

Being able and ready to pivot at any moment. At this stage, not having to answer to investors, allows me to lead the company in the direction that is important and aligns with my values.   The flexibility to still be involved with my family and go to soccer games or help at a school field trip and of course  work still has to be done, but having the option to maneuver when something gets my attention really matters. Last it is building a brand I am proud of and showing my daughter it is all possible if you put your mind to it.

Share a mistake and what you learned from that experience?

Being an Oregonian, I am very conscious around sustainability. I decided to use shrink sleeve covering for our my first product run. After selling them we found out that the end user had to manually peel it off the can in order to recycle it. That completely went against the ethos of our company and my persona values. I had to share with our consumers and community and then find a solution. In the end I pivoted to digital printing on cans which was more expensive, but it aligned with our mission. While it wasn't ideal, it was the correct move in my eyes and to maintain the support of our community. Them allowing me to share what I learned, how I made the mistake like many others, and how I was going to rectify it was important. In the end I did it right which is what matters.

When was the first moment you felt like you could breathe?

Does that exist?!?! Running a company never sleeps or stops, so I can't say I've felt that yet. I do find myself constantly going back and reflecting. I work hard to find those moments of calm, simplicity and self care whether in a yoga class, blasting reggae in my car, sweating at OTF or simply a walk around the neighborhood with my husband and daughter.

Do you have a moment that brings you the most joy?

The fulfillment of learning and launching a product, consuming the product because you love it that much, and sharing it. It has been a crazy ride but I am all about it and I am all in.

Piece of Advice

Ask for help. This is the biggest one. I am stubborn, a taurus at heart. This was something I had to work on and overcome. Realizing you don’t have to do everything on your own. Look at companies you aspired to be like, regardless of the industry, and reach out.  Ask  questions, learn and always stay true to your believes being authentic in all you do.  People like sharing and want to help.

Visit www.tropinkbeverages.com and place an order using the coupon code below!

TROPINK---> 15% off

In Closing

KLS wants to thank Sierra Thomas, Founder/CEO, of Tropink (fka Pink Cloud Beverages) for today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for their journey with their social handles below!

Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Klimson Logistics Solutions - Together Talks with Tropink (fka Pink Cloud Beverages) feature 122