Women in Business | Chloe van Dyke, Chia Sisters. Growing up with a sister who was a competitive athlete and having a swimming champion as a father fueled the launch of Chia Sisters, a Nelson-based beverage company, with drinks formulated to support the mind and body effectively.
"I have a background in neuroscience and herbal medicine, so I was interested in plant nutrition and bioactives and how they could contribute to health in a way that could be backed by science," said Chloe van Dyke, founder of Chia Sisters.
Beverage production was not the natural progression for the sisters, Chloe and Florence. Still, their passion for health and sustainability led them to create a 'good business' that benefited the communities and environments with which they interacted.
The beverage industry is one of the world's worst polluters of single-use plastic. Hence, creating healthy options and environmental solutions is a crucial driver for Chia Sisters. In the past year, they have successfully trialled pressed juice on tap (in kegs) to reduce single-use packaging.
"EVT hotels are rolling us out into their buffet breakfasts, along with Cardrona and Treblecone and other outlets working to reduce their waste. We expect to save 45T on plastic from being created in the next few years."
Since its inception, the brand has had various accomplishments, from meeting the Obamas, being Edmund Hillary Fellows and speaking at the parliament this International Women's Day. However, working with her sister and a supportive team to contribute to people's everyday health is van Dyke's biggest highlight.
She also shared that although it might be challenging, especially initially, familiarising yourself with the skill sets you do not possess is essential.
"My younger self thought that if I made a good product with high nutrition, where people would feel better, the job would be done. Ultimately, that has been fundamental to our success, but I didn't have a business, marketing, or sales background."
Chia Sisters is climate-positive, ranking in the top five per cent of B corp businesses globally for environmental impact. They have now developed many ranges that support immunity, energy, cognitive function, and gut health that suit everyone, not just athletes.
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