Yerbana | Seattle Refined

Local company Yerbana started out in the UW Entrepreneurship Program, in a class where students simulate starting a business. The concept has clearly paid off, as the four-person operation – known for its artisanal organic yerba mate – is up and running and is gaining a solid fan base in Seattle.

“When we started we didn’t have the full vision in mind,” said CEO James Tan. “But through experiences with the health benefits and culture of connection surrounding yerba mate, we have found that it is the perfect plant to combine our passion for promoting health through nutrition and community.”

Their energizing and rejuvenating drinks are subtly sweetened with organic agave and preserved with vitamin C.

“Typically, beverages are mass-produced by mixing extracts, concentrates, and syrups with soda water,” Tan said. “We believe nature does things best, so we kept things simple.”

Tan became enthusiastic about Yerba Mate through his research into plant medicine and its ability to restore, energize and optimize the body. Wes (his business partner) developed a passion for mate when he traveled to South America and was included in “Mate Circles, a ritual of communion and sharing where people meet in a circle to drink mate and connect” became.

“Together we realized that yerba mate was the perfect herb to use to create a wellness brand that encourages physical activity [nutrition], emotional [community] and mentally [balance] Health, “said Tan.

One great experience he’s had in the food industry is that too many products are being made to prioritize the health of business profits rather than the health of the consumer.

“Although we were told by consultants to use yerba mate extract, we wanted our products to give you the same feel and taste that you would get if you soaked the leaves,” he said. “That’s why we decided to make yerbana a craft brewed yerba mate.

Tan admits that business was incredibly tough during the pandemic. Their original plan was to host events and tastings, both of which were not feasible until recently.

“Because our vision is so focused on bringing people together, we hope that regardless of what happens in Seattle, people will stay open to connection and realize that life is better when our love for one another overcomes our fear,” said he. “We’re a group of friends with a vision, and it’s a huge roller coaster ride. Every day is exciting, but it’s not always a good excitement. Two of us live in a van, and we all live minimally to resources save. ” , compete in an industry of giants. “

Tan and his team share a view of health that goes beyond the physical.

“We have seen how community support and empowerment can help us overcome life’s emotional challenges and how mindful practices all contribute to well-being,” he said. With this philosophy in mind, Yebana created a popular free yoga series at Gas Works Park that will run every Thursday evening until September 2nd.

“As a wellness brand, we want to spread our passion for holistic health by creating an authentic community that enables people to lead balanced and healthy lives,” said Tan. “With yoga in the park and other future events, we hope to create a safe place based on inclusion and openness where everyone can come and find wellness and community.”

Tan says that perhaps the greatest lesson of the whole experience is that wealth in life does not come from money, but rather from spending time with people and passions that are “close to your heart”.

The team looks forward to launching its online store this fall, which means customers can get Yerbana for free along with a subscription program option anywhere in the US.

“Our Yoga in the Park series will continue throughout the summer,” adds Tan, “and we’re partnering with the Day In Day Out music festival this fall. We have a lot in the pipeline with big ambitions, so stay tuned! “

For the time being, Yerbana products can be found at QFC, PCC, Met Market and most Natural Food Co-Ops.

“We can do what we love, and that’s very exciting indeed,” says Tan.