For this week’s Saturday Spotlight, I am proud to share an interview with a budding entrepreneur, my first frenemy/hero, and the founder of the tasty Apple Cider Vinegar Shrub elixir, Sister Shrub, my big sister, Mary Heim.
When did you first discover shrubs?
I was first introduced to Shrubs (a vinegar based drink) at one of our annual family events a few years ago by my sister in law. My only knowledge of a shrub at that time was a plant or bush. The timing of this introduction was so perfect for me because I was trying to incorporate Raw ACV daily for the health purposes, but the taste and smell made it nearly impossible for me to keep going with it. Once we came home from that weekend I began to play around with making my own versions. Many shrub recipes involve cooking the ingredients to some extent and adding sugar in fair amounts to sweeten up the end result. I was looking for a way to keep all of the benefits intact and not add a bunch of sugar, so that’s where the challenge and the fun began. Sister Shrub is entirely raw from start to finish and I only use a small amount of Agave to cut the bite just a tad.
Did you initially want to solely make shrubs for family and friends? Or did you immediately believe it could be a product you would like to bring to market?
I initially just started it for myself. Not only was it fun to play around with it, but I had actually begun craving ACV and therefore seeing and feeling the results. I think my enthusiasm for this elixir was an aha moment for me. I knew that if I could go from dreading ACV to loving and enjoying it then others could too. My friends and family were encouraging and I’m so grateful for that because it’s a very vulnerable experience to put something out there that is your own personal creation.
Why did you choose the name Sister Shrub?
When I started to think about bringing this to the market, coming up with a name was tough. I knew that I wanted Sister to be in it because I would never have started it without the encouragement and support from my sisters, and sisters in law, (all of whom are outstanding taste testers by the way). I also have two girls of my own who happen to be a couple of the sweetest little sisters I know.
How do you choose flavors?
The flavors can be a little tricky but they all come from the perspective of what sounds good and what ingredients will play well together and stand up to the strength of Apple Cider Vinegar. They have to have enough balance and offer a little natural sweetness and I am sure partial to the ones with a little spicy kick! There is something for everyone and a lot of love and care goes into each and every batch.
How does it feel to be a woman owned and operated business, especially since you are a mother of two daughters?
It feels good to have created something that is a positive addition to anyone’s routine. Apple Cider Vinegar has a myriad of benefits and my girls enjoy Sister Shrub regularly. I am still a one woman show so from creation to production, markets, shipping and customer service I’m pretty busy and while they can sometimes get a little frustrated with the time it requires, I think they appreciate it too. I remember on the way to my very first pop up event, my daughter Darby said, “I’m really proud of you, Mom.” I think that will stay with me forever.
For anyone who owns their own business knows it’s a lot, but as a mom who’s currently homeschooling and just trying to keep life moving it can feel overwhelming at times. I look up to a lot of other women who are doing it too and it’s very inspiring!
Currently you sell at two Farmer's Markets every weekend, but what are your aspirations for Sister Shrub?
That’s a great question! Right now the markets keep me pretty busy, but I’m hoping that school will return to normalcy in the next year and hopefully that will afford me a little more time to explore other avenues of growth. I think it would be pretty cool to get Sister Shrub on some menus out there, after all ACV is great before a meal!
Thank you for your time, Mary!!
I am very proud of Mary's creativity, hustle, and grateful that her delicious venture is right up my ally of health and wellness. Truthfully, I love her shrubs, and drink them as fast as I as can my hands on them! Also, I am honored to represent Sister Shrub on my Smasfest Queen custom kit on the race course this year, and beyond!
As Mary mentioned, she currently sells Sister Shrub at the following Farmer's Markets in North Country San Diego, AND online here:
Saturday:
Vista Farmer's market
8:00A - 12:00P
Sunday:
Leucadia Farmer's Market
10:00A - 2:00P
The song and video choice today is one of Mary's all-time favorite songs, En Vogue's, Free Your Mind.