Meet Melanie Nelson and Anita Goodson | Co-founders of Spirited Brands

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melanie Nelson and Anita Goodson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie and Anita, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey wasn’t merely about launching a business; it was a fusion of passion, expertise, and a vision to revolutionize the ready-to-drink cocktail landscape. Our journey began with a shared love for cocktails and a commitment to living a healthy and active lifestyles. Anita’s mastery of crafting unforgettable cocktails and my deep understanding of consumer purchase behavior from many years in retail buying set the foundation for Spirited Brands.

Driven by our desire to make exceptional cocktails accessible to a wider audience in the convenience of a can, we identified a gap in the market: canned cocktails that offer refreshing flavors while prioritizing transparency, natural ingredients, and lower alcohol content for those seeking moderation. We launched with two Brands: Soula & Sokē. Soula is a canned Margarita inspired by Anita’s Mexican heritage; it captures the vibrant essence of agave wine margaritas with unique flavors like pineapple chili & mango citrus. Sokē is an innovative sake soda cocktail that celebrates extraordinary Asian flavors like lychee and yuzu ginger.

What should our readers know about your business?
Spirited Brands Holdings is a female-owned and operated premium adult beverage innovation company dedicated to providing alcoholic beverage options tailored to today’s consumer preferences.

What sets us apart is our commitment to offering lower-alcohol, higher-quality beverages that never compromise on taste or experience. We believe consumers deserve transparency, which is why all our products are labeled with ingredients and nutrition facts. Our beverages are lower in calories, with just 140 calories per can, and have a lower ABV of 5%, catering to consumers looking to moderate their consumption.

Navigating the alcohol industry has been a journey filled with challenges, particularly due to stringent regulations and the complexities of the three-tier distribution system. However, our passion and commitment have been key drivers in overcoming these obstacles. We view every challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow.

The launch of Spirited Brands was a heartfelt commitment to crafting cocktails that resonate with various consumers. We believe that those pursuing a healthy lifestyle can still enjoy alcohol in moderation, and our beverages are crafted to support these choices.

Our journey to where we are today has been anything but easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. We want the world to know that Spirited Brands is more than just a beverage company – we’re a symbol of innovation, integrity, and female empowerment in the alcohol industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends visit L.A., we have some go-to spots that always make for a great time. We’d start the day with breakfast at Huckleberry’s bakery in Santa Monica, then bike along the strand to the farmers market in Santa Monica on Sunday mornings. For lunch, Café Gratitude in Venice and shopping the boutiques on Abbot Kinney are a must-visit for us.

Next, we’d spend a day exploring the Hollywood Forever Cemetery for its beauty and unique history, then head to The Broad Museum for some contemporary art and Little Tokyo for udon noodles at Marugame Monzo.

We’d also drive down the coast to Laguna Beach and hike the gorgeous Laguna Canyon, followed by lunch at Wild Taco or Kitchen in the Canyon. After some beach time, we’d visit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center to see sea lions and seals —it’s always a moving experience to see the marine mammals up close while they rehabilitate.

The next day we’d drive to San Diego and visit Coronado for some biking around the island, taking in the beautiful views of downtown San Diego on the bayside. You’ll find us on Stake’s rooftop for happy hour or the Islander for a fun beach vibe. We’ll wind down the day with a concert in the park and bonfires on the beach, enjoying a refreshing Sokē and Soula! These are just a few of our favorites, there are so many amazing places in SoCal!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We’d like to extend a heartfelt shoutout to our supportive husbands, Maikel van de Mortel (partnered with Melanie) and Ron Goodson (partnered with Anita). Their dedication and involvement in our business have been nothing short of remarkable, serving as our greatest champions along the way. Maikel embodies the essence of a marketing visionary, constantly propelling our brands forward with his innovative ideas. Meanwhile, Ron’s expertise in operations has been instrumental in ensuring the smooth functioning of our business. Their unwavering support and expertise have truly been invaluable assets to our venture.

Website: www.SipSpiritedBrands.com

Instagram: @soulacocktails & @sokesoda

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spirited-brands/about/

Facebook: Soula Cocktails & SokeSoda