Mocktails with Marina

Join Marina Castillo as she chats with Tracy Roberts, a dynamic entrepreneur who successfully manages multiple businesses, including Trace Zen Yoga studio and Meraki Kava and Tea Bar. Tracy shares her inspiring journey, discussing the startup phases, the importance of community, and essential mindset tips for new entrepreneurs.

In This Episode:

• Founding Stories: Discover the decision-making processes behind Tracy's yoga studio and kava bar, and why she chose to create distinct identities for each venture.
• Building Community: Learn about the vital role of community in the kava industry, the challenges kava bar owners face, and how Tracy uses community feedback to make informed business decisions.
• Heart-Centered Branding: Explore the balance between profit-focused strategies and heartfelt, grassroots business development.
• Continuous Learning: Tracy highlights the importance of constant learning and innovation, while Marina reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome and acquiring new skills to enhance business marketing.

https://www.merakiaz.com/

This episode is packed with insights on entrepreneurial mindset, community building, and the importance of continuous growth and adaptation in business. Tune in for a deep dive into Tracy's multi-faceted approach to entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Marina's services here: www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail

Dive into a refreshing episode of "Mocktails with Marina" as Marina chats with Adrian of Kokoro Health, exploring the vibrant world of holistic practices and the elusive concept of flow. Adrian opens up about his unexpected journey from aspiring engineer to wellness guru, inspired by a life-changing mentorship that rerouted his career path towards helping others achieve their best selves.

This episode isn't just talk; it's filled with transformative stories, like Adrian's work with a young man struggling to find his place in the world—a tale that beautifully illustrates the profound impact of empathy and connection in healing and guidance.

As the conversation weaves through the challenges of post-COVID life, Adrian shares his passion for reconnecting with community and nature, revealing his personal strategy for building a resilient spirit through monthly nature retreats.

Highlighting the episode is the introduction of the Kokoro Warrior course available on the Functional Flow app, a program Adrian passionately details as a tool for anyone eager to kickstart a journey of self-improvement and discover their inner strength.

https://www.marinamars.com/challenge-page/kokorowarrior

Pour yourself a glass of water—Adrian's favorite mocktail—and settle in for an episode that's as nourishing for the spirit as it is for the mind, packed with insights on personal growth, overcoming adversity, and finding your flow in the everyday hustle. Don't miss this invigorating blend of stories and wisdom on "Mocktails with Marina," where every sip is a step toward a better you.

Learn more about Marina's services here: www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail

In this episode, we explore the craft of creating multi-award winning alcohol-free cocktail bitters, the evolution of functional mixology, and the wider impact these innovations are having on the beverage industry.

Today's conversation touches on the origins of All The Bitter, where a passion for botanical flavors and health-conscious alternatives to traditional cocktail bitters has led to the creation of a completely alcohol-free product line. The founders share their insights into the challenges of product development, from achieving intense flavors without alcohol to navigating the complexities of distribution in a market dominated by alcoholic offerings.

https://allthebitter.com/

Marina and Ian also discuss the growing importance of herbalism in mixology, highlighting how ingredients like dandelion and milk thistle not only enhance flavor but also offer functional benefits, supporting liver health and promoting wellness.

The discussion doesn't shy away from the obstacles faced by those transitioning careers into this emerging industry, reflecting on the personal and professional shifts required to forge a new path in non-alcoholic beverages.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the cutting edge of mixology, providing a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of creating non-alcoholic bitters and the broader implications for health and industry standards. Tune in to discover how All The Bitter is shaping the future of drinks, one botanical at a time.

Reach out to Marina: [email protected] Reach out to Ian: [email protected]

Learn more about Marina's services here: www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail

In this enlightening episode of the Mocktail with Marina podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of herbalism and its pivotal role in the North American beverage industry, featuring insights from Marina Castillo and Charlotte Mizrahi of Ley Line Labs. This discussion explores the rich history and evolving practices of herbal medicine, alongside the dynamic intersection of food as medicine.

Marina shares her critical views on the pharmaceutical industry's profit motives and the refreshing potential of plant-based alternatives like cannabis for pain relief. The conversation also covers the intricacies of product development in the botanical industry, highlighting the challenges of ensuring ingredient quality and the vital role of consumer education.

Charlotte brings a personal touch with stories of her family's multi-generational involvement in herbalism, which enriches Ley Line Labs' commitment to authentic product development. Together, they discuss the necessity of aligning business ventures with educational and ethical purposes, the power of storytelling in marketing, and the strategies for building consumer trust through authenticity.

https://leylinelabs.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-mizrahi-3a1963191/

The episode is packed with strategic insights for small business owners in the consumer packaged goods space, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear brand strategy and the courage to make decisions aligned with one's core values. Join us as we uncover the thoughtful approaches of Ley Line Labs to navigating industry challenges and their innovative contributions to the herbal beverage space.

Learn more about Marina's services here: www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail

Join Marina and special guest Evie Castillo in this invigorating episode of "Mocktails with Marina," where we dive into the heart of sober living and innovative event management. We kick off the conversation with an exploration of botanicals and athleticism.

Discover the calming and energizing alternatives to alcohol with a focus on kava and kratom. Learn about the practical benefits these botanicals offer, from enhancing physical endurance to promoting muscle recovery, and how athletes are embracing these natural supplements.

Evie shares her firsthand experiences with crafting functional mocktails that combine flavor, wellness, and style. We delve into the nitty-gritty of event planning in sober spaces, tackling everything from the challenges of new venues to the excitement of creating community-centered, alcohol-free events.

We also cover effective promotion strategies for non-alcoholic bars and events, ensuring every gathering is a hit. Whether you're curious about herbal supplements, looking to host your next big event, or just in search of a delicious mocktail recipe, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in to transform the way you think about relaxation and energy in your everyday life.

Want to learn more about running a kava bar? Check out www.marinamars.com/bulaboss today!

In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the refreshing world of botanical beverages, focusing on the launch of Lumenade—a brand that marries all-natural ingredients with essential electrolytes. Hosted by Marina Castillo and Tessa Morris, the discussion starts with a peek into Tessa's hectic life balancing real estate duties with her passion for crafting a unique drink option aimed at millennial women.

Tessa introduces us to Lumenade, describing its signature flavors: a classic lemonade and an inventive strawberry mint lemonade. She shares how personal experiences with dehydration, especially on the golf course, inspired the inclusion of electrolytes in the drinks to boost hydration. The conversation naturally flows into the challenges and importance of educating consumers about Kratom and Kava, elements central to their product but often misunderstood in the market.

https://drinklumenade.com/

The hosts emphasize the significance of quality and regulatory challenges, stressing the importance of GMP certification in ensuring product safety and consistency. They also discuss plans to film educational sessions to further enlighten consumers and dispel prevalent myths surrounding these ingredients.

The episode wraps up with reflections on the importance of quality ingredients and sustainable practices in the beverage industry. Marina and Tessa's enthusiasm is palpable as they outline their next steps, including content creation aimed at both enlightening and engaging their audience. It's an insightful session that blends entrepreneurial spirit with a commitment to consumer education and product integrity—a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the nexus of beverage innovation and business acumen.

Learn more about Marina's services here: www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail

In this enriching episode of "Mocktails with Marina," Marina sits down with Eddie Higginson, a Kavatender with extensive experience in community building within the kava bar scene.

Eddie recounts his personal journey into the kava industry, shedding light on the calming effects of kava and its potential to enhance community interactions. He reflects on the transformative role of kava bars in offering diverse beverage choices and fostering a welcoming environment. The duo discusses the essentials of customer service and the strategies they employ to ensure patrons have a memorable experience, highlighting the importance of education and teamwork.

Marina and Eddie also tackle the hurdles they've encountered, including transitioning to management roles and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in an increasingly commercial space. They stress the importance of safe consumption practices for kava and kratom, addressing common misconceptions and the need for community education to foster a well-informed clientele.

The episode concludes with Marina encouraging listeners to engage in community events at their local kava bars and Eddie sharing upcoming projects aimed at educating the public on the benefits and safe use of botanicals. Marina wraps up with a reminder for listeners to stay connected and involved, encouraging feedback and suggestions for future topics.

"As always, let me know if you need anything," Marina signs off, leaving listeners inspired and informed about the vibrant world of kava bars and the community-centric approach that defines them.

Want to learn more about running a kava bar? Check out www.marinamars.com/bulaboss today!

In this engaging episode of "Mocktails with Marina," we sit down with the passionate Ellie St. Aubin, the visionary owner and operator behind the lifestyle brand Dry in the Desert. Known for its focus on promoting a sober lifestyle and providing a plethora of non-alcoholic options, Dry in the Desert aims to revolutionize socializing in Phoenix and beyond.

Marina kicks off the conversation by expressing her excitement about collaborating with Ellie and compliments her for the impactful work she's doing in the non-alcoholic space. The duo delves into what the NA industry needs MORE of, and what we can do to help.

Ellie introduces Dry in the Desert as not just a brand but a movement, starting as an events company and evolving into an online bottle shop that caters to the Phoenix area. The discussion unfolds around the brand's journey, its role in fostering sober socializing, and the challenges and opportunities within the non-alcoholic industry. Marina and Ellie share their personal and professional experiences, emphasizing the lack of non-alcoholic options in Phoenix restaurants and bars and how Dry in the Desert is filling that gap.

https://www.dryinthedesert.com/

Have any more thoughts? Tell me about it! Head over to marinamars.com to get in contact today.

Welcome to a special episode of "Mocktails with Marina," where we blend the themes of sobriety, community, and the unique allure of kava bars into a refreshing conversation. Today, our host Marina delves into the intriguing world of kava bars with the help of Ariana Foshag, who brings a wealth of experience from her journey from traditional bartending to embracing the kava culture.

Ariana opens up about her search for a work environment that supports her sobriety journey, leading her to discover the welcoming arms of the kava bar community. She shares how this alternative social setting provided her with a sense of belonging and friendship, markedly different from her previous experiences in alcohol-centric venues.

Marina and Ariana then explore the vital role of kavatenders, discussing the unique challenges they face, including navigating conversations around sobriety and handling situations involving drug use and intoxication. The importance of setting boundaries to ensure a safe and welcoming environment is emphasized, alongside the measures taken to deal with inappropriate behavior and maintain the community's integrity.

The conversation shifts to the complexities of kava and kratom, highlighting the differences, potential misuse, and the critical importance of educating customers on these products. Ariana reflects on the importance of sourcing high-quality, reputable kava to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, touching on the regulatory landscape that surrounds kava and kratom.

As the episode wraps up, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the kava bar culture through Ariana's insights. The discussion not only shines a light on the challenges and rewards of managing a kava bar but also underscores the sense of community and support it provides for individuals on their sobriety journeys.

*NOTE FROM MARINA: In the episode, I accidentally said "Noble kava vs Tulsi kava instead of Tudei kava - apologies for the misspeak, it's been a very long week at the Castillo household. Downloading the above linked guide will give you the best deep dive info!

Want to download the FREE kava and speciosa brewing guide? Click here: https://tally.so/r/1A1Q4b

Want to learn more about running a kava bar? Check out www.marinamars.com/bulaboss today!

In this episode of "Mocktails with Marina," the host, Marina, delves into the critical topic of responsible serving sizes for popular botanicals, emphasizing the importance of serving kava and speciosa safely and responsibly. Marina shares her extensive experience and passion for creating safe, sober spaces and highlights the dangers of inappropriate dosages.

She offers detailed serving size guidelines for both kava and speciosa, discussing the importance of brewing techniques, quality of the botanicals, and the impact of varying serving sizes on individuals.

Additionally, Marina touches on other botanicals and the holistic herbalist perspective on serving sizes, cautioning against over-reliance on extracts and underscoring the value of understanding individual needs and the synergistic effects of herbs.

She concludes by announcing a free brewing guide available on her website and invites listeners to a live Q&A session, emphasizing her commitment to education and community support in the alcohol-free beverage industry.

Find the free kava and speciosa brewing guide here: https://www.marinamars.com/themodernmocktail