Meet Michele Freeman | CEO, Co-Founder
We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele Freeman and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michele, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
At Venice Beach Beverage, our passion for healthy living drives everything we do. We are a company named after our CEO’s favorite beach city and the dream of sharing her family’s tea recipes with the world. Our CEO, a woman-owned and minority-owned business owner, dedicated her entire career to making this dream a reality. Saving her entire paycheck for two decades, she invested in her vision, determined to bring her family’s creations to a wider audience.
She convinced her husband, an expert in the corporate beverage world, to join her in this passion project. With his background in manufacturing and fleet management for top beverage companies, he brought invaluable expertise to the table. Together, they knew they could create something truly special.
And they did. Venice Beach Beverage launched in March 2020, backed by years of planning and a commitment to excellence. Our company quickly gained recognition for our outstanding functional beverages, packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. We believe that healthy living should be easy and accessible to everyone, and our drinks are the perfect embodiment of that belief.
Our flagship products, Vitamin Iced Tea and Vitamin Ginger Tea, are not only delicious but also shelf-stable. We have developed a proprietary vitamin blend that ensures each can provides 100% of your daily vitamin needs. Say goodbye to time-consuming juicing and handfuls of vitamins – we’ve simplified the process of fueling yourself and your family with our functional, tasty drinks.
What should our readers know about your business?
Venice Beach Beverage’s mission is to provide delicious and healthy beverages that promote wellness and vitality while celebrating the unique and vibrant spirit of the Venice Beach community.
Our teas are different from other teas on the market because they are specifically formulated to provide essential vitamins and nutrients in a delicious and convenient format. We use high-quality, natural ingredients, such as 5,000mg of organic cold-pressed ginger juice in our ginger teas, which is much higher than other ginger tea brands. Our Original Vitamin Sweet Tea is a unique blend of southern-style sweet tea and essential vitamins, providing a healthier alternative to traditional sweet tea without sacrificing taste.
Our target audience includes health-conscious individuals who are looking for convenient and delicious ways to stay healthy and energized throughout the day. This includes anyone who wants to supplement their diet with essential vitamins and nutrients, as well as those who are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional carbonated drinks and sweet teas.
We are in the growth stage of development. We have achieved a significant level of market penetration by being sold in over 500 independent grocery and health food stores nationwide which continues to expand.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Imagine this: you’ve got these friends who absolutely insist on getting a tarot reading on the Venice boardwalk, and of course, you can’t resist the temptation of gawking at the ripped muscles at Muscle Beach’s outdoor gym, where some of the strongest athletes gather every day under the scorching L.A. sun. It’s a sight that leaves most tourists in absolute awe! But no matter what brings you to Venice, one thing’s for sure: you’re bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, this vibrant neighborhood has an array of incredible restaurants to satisfy every craving. Now, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite eatery in Venice, the very place where the iconic Venice Beach Beverage logo was first doodled on a napkin: C & O Trattoria. Nestled just a few blocks away from the ocean and the bustling boardwalk, this open-air gem serves up the most tantalizing pasta dishes you can imagine. And let me tell you, the garlic rolls? They’re simply out of this world! I’ve been a loyal patron of this place since the 90s, and it never ceases to amaze me. This itinerary aims to showcase the vibrant culture, art scene, outdoor activities, and culinary delights that Venice Beach has to offer.
Day 1:
• Start the trip with a stroll along the Venice Boardwalk, taking in the vibrant atmosphere, street performers, and unique shops.
• Have lunch at C & O Trattoria, my favorite restaurant known for its delicious pasta and garlic rolls.
• Explore the Venice Canals, a picturesque area with charming beach houses and pedestrian bridges.
• Watch the talented skateboarders at the Venice Skatepark and witness their impressive flips and turns.
• End the day with a visit to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, a trendy street with boutiques, galleries, and excellent dining options. Have dinner at Gjelina or Felix.
Day 2:
• Spend the day at the beach, enjoying water sports like surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking.
• Grab lunch from one of the food stands or beachside cafes along the boardwalk.
• Take a leisurely bike ride along the bike path, exploring the coastline and enjoying the ocean breeze.
• In the evening, catch a stunning sunset over the Pacific Ocean from Hotel Erwin’s High Rooftop Lounge and restaurant.
Day 3:
• Join a guided art walk or explore the Venice Public Art Walls to admire the vibrant street art in the area.
• Visit L.A. Louver, a contemporary art gallery showcasing the work of local and international artists.
• Take a guided tour of the Mosaic Tile House, a unique attraction adorned with colorful mosaics.
• Attend a performance at Pacific Resident Theatre, an intimate venue featuring local performers and a range of plays.
Day 4:
• Continue exploring the boardwalk and indulge in people watching while sipping coffee from a beachfront cafe.
• Visit the famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym and witness the impressive workouts by local bodybuilders.
• Browse the shops and boutiques on Abbott Kinney Boulevard, keeping an eye out for celebrity sightings.
• Enjoy dinner at The Waterfront Venice along the boulevard, trying out unique cuisine and enjoying the lively ambiance.
Day 5:
• Head to Venice Pier for a peaceful and picturesque sunset stroll, taking in the stunning views of Venice and beyond.
• Explore the Venice Canals again, this time renting a paddleboard for a different perspective.
• Join a reading or performance at Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Centre to immerse in the vibrant writing and literature scene of Venice.
• End the day with a visit to Small World Books, a beloved bookshop on the boardwalk, to pick up a good read.
Day 6:
• Spend the morning surfing or participating in other water sports at the beach.
• Join a cycling tour to cover more ground and discover hidden gems in and around Venice Beach.
• Have lunch at a local seafood restaurant, indulging in fresh catches and beachside vibes.
• Relax in the afternoon at one of the quieter stretches of the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying a cold drink.
Day 7:
• Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which stretches from Venice Beach to Will Rogers State Beach.
• End the trip with a final dinner at C & O Trattoria again because one meal is not enough! Drink wine and reminisce about the amazing week spent in Venice Beach.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
For my shoutout, I would like to dedicate it to my husband, Stefan Freeman. He has been an incredible source of support, inspiration, and motivation throughout our journey with Venice Beach Beverage. Stefan’s unwavering belief in our vision, coupled with his strong operational expertise, has played a pivotal role in our success.
As the COO of our Venice Beach Beverage, Stefan has brought his exceptional skills in operations management, logistics, and quality control to the table. A former vice president at the world’s largest soda company, Stefan spent more than 30 years as an executive in the beverage industry’s top three companies. Combining his vast knowledge and love of tea, he joined his wife making functional beverages that are delicious and good for you. His meticulous attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and ability to optimize our processes have been instrumental in shaping the growth and success of Venice Beach Beverage.
Beyond his professional contributions, Stefan’s unwavering support and encouragement have been invaluable to me personally. His belief in my abilities and our shared vision has fueled my determination and drive. He has been my confidant, sounding board, and partner every step of the way.
Stefan’s complementary skill set and his ability to seamlessly collaborate as we navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship have been remarkable. Together, we have been able to leverage our shared vision, trust, and open communication to make sound decisions and propel our business forward.
I am grateful for Stefan’s constant presence and his unwavering commitment to our shared goals. He has been not only my partner in life but also an exceptional partner in business. I attribute a significant part of our success to his dedication, hard work, and expertise.
He deserves recognition for his integral role in shaping the growth and achievements of Venice Beach Beverage.
Website: https://www.venicebeachbeverage.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venicebeachbeverage/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venicebeachbeverage
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/venicebeachbeverages
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnTE7ZzrHQKk-1_0UgcIpDg
Other: ORDER OUR PRODUCTS HERE :https://www.amazon.com/stores/VeniceBeachBeverage/page/75285005-4B92-461E-887D-024D0F40A4C6?ref_=ast_bln
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
