LOCAL: Brands, Businesses + Entrepreneurs | #23 | Retreat Drinks
Kitsap is full of incredible brands, businesses and entrepreneurs who make shopping for unique items in Kitsap a fun adventure.
Retreat Drinks
About Anne
What was your first job?
“A pet salon in Tacoma! I wanted to work so badly - they were the first business I found that would employ a 15 ½ year old. It was not glamorous - I envisioned cuddling dogs and putting bows in their hair. My job was to move the dogs from their crates (teeth bared) and express their glands before they got shampooed. I will let you google what that means if you do not know. I earned every dollar of those paychecks and I was grateful for the opportunity to work!”
Where do you draw inspiration/creativity in your life?
“Nature. Books. God. Meditation. I love to read. I am currently reading Giada’s new cookbook “Eat Better, Feel Better” (Giada De Laurentiis), “You are the Placebo” by Dr. Joe Dispenza, “The Power” by Rhonda Byrne, and re-reading “Firefly Lane” by Kristin Hannah so I can compare it to the Netflix show. Disclaimer: I am getting a lot of reading done right now because I am recovering from surgery and can’t walk!
I love listening to podcasts during walks & hikes. My favorites are Crime Junkie, How I Built This, Mission Matters Business, East2West_WLS, Dateline, The Overwhelmed Brain, Juicy Scoop, and Move to Costa Rica.”
About Retreat Drinks
How did the idea of starting Retreat Drinks begin?
“I became interested in how certain foods were affecting the way I feel (energy, mood, digestion) in my 30’s and made efforts to eat more whole foods vs. processed and artificial foods. I started making clean hot chocolates and mochas at home on the weekends. During the week I traveled for work and drinking conventional coffee made me feel like crap. I figured out how to make a dry mix version of what I was making at home, and it tasted incredible! I brought it on all my work trips and drank it on the airplane and in my hotel room before meetings.”
The Genesis
Tell us the story of how Retreat Drinks came to fruition.
“A good friend of mine, J Muenz, leads wellness retreats and graciously let me launch a tasting of the mix during one of her retreat weekends. We named the mix, ‘Hot Cacao’ and the company ‘Retreat Drinks’ after getting great feedback from the attendees!
A few months later, we (my husband and I) bought a booth space at the Gig Harbor Farmers Market – in July. I figured it would be a slow start, who launches a hot chocolate business in 80-degree weather? I could not believe peoples’ reactions - we sold out that day, and a lot of days after! People loved the convenience of the mix and had many uses for it in the summer season: Boaters kept it stocked in their galleys, hikers kept packets in their backpacks, campers put jars in their RVs, Air BNB owners welcomed their guests with Hot Cacaos on their pillows, realtors included them in thank you baskets, and on and on. I am still grateful every time I see someone’s positive reaction to tasting it for the first time!”
The Drive
Tell us what/who drives you to keep working hard towards your goals.
“I am driven and goal-oriented when it comes to working, it is part of my personality. The last few years have taught me that I do not have to hustle at the expense of my health and family to be successful. I am more intentional with my time and continue to work hard to help Retreat Drinks grow because I love it, and because I love my family, friends, and community. I want us all to have the life of our dreams! I am always happy when fellow entrepreneurs and business owners reach out with questions. We started from scratch and learned a lot along the way, and I love sharing any and all information to help them.”
Love Kitsap
Tell us your fave local drink spot - coffee, tea, wine, tequila, whatever!
“Mexican Mocha from Bluebeard Coffee (Tacoma) – it is worth the drive off the Kitsap Peninsula! The Sunset Margarita from Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (Gig Harbor) is so good, it has muddled oranges and is not too sweet. I order it “skinny”, but it tastes like the real deal every time, so I am pretty sure they don’t make it skinny, and that’s fine with me! I love a glass of red or white wine at Morso Wine Bar, with a view of the harbor (Gig Harbor), and the Dragonfruit smoothie from The Harbor General Store (Gig Harbor).”
Tell us your fave local spot for a comfort meal - what do you always order?
“Puerto Vallarta again – everything I have ever ordered is amazing. My comfort meal favorites: Camarones en Crema (shrimp in a spicy cream sauce with veggies), Traditional Tostada, and Tacos al Pastor. Do not forget to order the Queso Dip!”
Live Kitsap
Out-of-town guests are coming for the weekend. What is the most important thing you share with them about the Kitsap Peninsula? Where do you absolutely have to take them?
“We stroll the Gig Harbor waterfront to eat. We love taking friends to Devoted Kiss Café, shop at Dolly Mama, and paddleboard (right next to Anthony’s). And we always visit the Hood Canal!”
Thrive in Kitsap
Where are your favorite places to get outside? What do you do when you go?
“My go-to is Alderbrook Resort. I go for work and life inspiration, and to relax and soak in the scenery. I drink coffee in the Adirondack chairs at the water’s edge, hike the trails behind the resort, play in the water, golf if my husband or friends are with me, and try and always visit the spa.
For a natural setting that is close to home, I drive to Narrows Beach. I also love to fish! We carry our poles and licenses in the car, especially during camping/road trips. I have fished off the dock at Alderbrook!”
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