Passionate entrepreneurs are driven by more than just the bottom line. They’re motivated by creating, innovating, and changing the landscape. Nicole is a natural foods veteran who has long been convinced that artificial ingredients, preservatives, and pesticides have no place in our pantry. Her commitment to clean eating began with her upbringing: both parents were early and enthusiastic supporters of the benefits of natural foods—a discipline she continued while raising her own family.
As Nicole’s kids grew, so did their affinity for fizzy forms of hydration. However, as a health-conscious mom, Nicole was dismayed to find that there was very little available to replace the sugary sodas and beverages that flooded the market. The solution? Craft a healthy alternative.
Drawing on childhood memories and a tenacious mindset, Nicole set out to create Nixie, a collection of organic carbonated beverages containing zero sugar, zero sodium, and zero calories. Made with purified water, filtered via reverse osmosis to remove lingering toxins and contaminants, Nixie’s libations are bursting with effervescence and nuanced flavors, and free from artificial additives. And with an eye always on the environment, Nicole is steadfast in her pledge to avoid the use of single-use plastic containers, opting instead to package in environmentally-friendly BPA-free cans.
Recently, we caught up with Nicole to learn more about her journey and hear her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start Nixie?
Growing up on the counter of my mother's natural food store in the 1970s and the factory floor of my father's company, Cape Cod Potato Chips, I was inspired to create companies that combined the best of both worlds. In 2003, I founded Late July Organic Snacks — one of the first brands to carry the USDA Organic seal — and in 2019, I founded Nixie, the most delicious zero calorie, zero sugar beverages in the market!
I've dedicated my career to transforming the food industry and proving that delicious, organic products can rival their conventional counterparts so customers don’t have to settle. Nixie’s mission is to eliminate sugar, single-use plastic bottles, and toxic forever-chemicals from your favorite beverages.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
With organic products, the biggest obstacle is making sure what you’re creating isn’t just healthy but also tastes amazing. My team and I spend months perfecting the recipes for every one of our beverages to make sure they taste just as good as, if not better than, their conventional counterparts.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Three things I’ve learned over the years is to have patience, because building a lasting brand takes time, to never forget taste is everything, and to always stay as driven as you were on day one.
4. What’s on the horizon for Nixie?
We are so excited about our Organic Zero Sugar Soda launch this past year, Classic Cola, Cream Soda, Root Beer and Ginger Ale, as well two new sparkling water flavors, Blackberry Raspberry and Grapefruit Tangerine, this spring! As for what’s next, we're working on some delicious new flavors!
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
As an entrepreneur, the work never stops, but I always make time for my family and to support my two sons who are working hard to achieve their own dreams! Plus, since I grew up on Cape Cod, we have beach days in the summer whenever we can! Nothing recharges quite like a day on the beach with people you love!
I feel grateful every day that I get to do what I do! I'm inspired by knowing that the products we make help people live healthier lives in an easy, fun, joyful way!
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