Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharelle Klaus.
Hi Sharelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was inspired to start DRY when I had just had my fourth baby in 7 years. Like many mothers, I stopped drinking alcohol altogether. I began feeling very left out when going to events and dinner parties as alcohol was often at the center and the non-alcoholic options were limited to a soft drink or a bottle of water. It was clear to me that there needed to be a change in the way people thought about drinking and that would impact the experience of the millions of women in the same position as I was. So, I created DRY as an elevated non-alcoholic drink that would pair with food, feel sophisticated, and most importantly taste good.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting and running a business always comes with lot of challenges and problems to solve. The biggest challenge for us and most businesses are finding capital and finding the right talent to help build your company.
We’ve been impressed with DRY Soda Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
DRY’s mission is Social Drinking for All. We aim to create products the help build a society where everyone feels included regardless of their participation in drinking culture or not. Nowadays, people are putting a bigger priority on both physical and mental health, and they deserve to have beverage options that mirror this emphasis on wellness. We are working every day to make the zero-proof lifestyle viable and affordable. My dream when founding this pioneer non-alcoholic beverage brand was to create a path where someone can walk into a bar, ask for a cocktail and the bartender asks “with or without alcohol” – that would prove to me that our mission was a success, that I’ve made a positive difference for anyone feeling sober-conscious.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
No surprise; I have had this entrepreneurial spirit as long as I can remember. It started with a business selling Christmas wreaths when I was 10; from that point on I knew I wanted to create my own company. In the late ‘90s when I was the mom of two young daughters, I started a technology company and had the opportunity to learn so much. The company eventually folded after the internet bubble burst, and we were not able to get our second round of financing. I vowed after that experience that the next company I started needed to be something that I was passionate about with a clear mission. So, after having two more children, I came up with the idea for DRY! I created a non-alcoholic beverage that would create an elevated experience and help me feel included at events, dinners, and celebrations even when I chose not to drink alcohol. Our goal today is to change the way people think about drinking. I want everyone to feel included in every celebration and want to show that alcohol does not have to be at the center.
Pricing:
- DRY Botanical Bubbly (Pack of 12) – $29.99 on Amazon
- DRY Botanical Bubbly Reserve (4 bottles) – $45.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://drinkdry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drysoda/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DRYSoda/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dry-soda/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drysoda?lang=en
Image Credits
DRY Soda Co.
