RISING ICON #91: Orleatha Smith
What name do you prefer to be called?
Orleatha
What are your pronouns?
she/her
Where did you grow up?
Illinois
What city are you currently based in?
Los Angeles
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
I start by saying my name to take some pressure off because many people struggle with it.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I’m an extroverted introvert
Who do you help?
People who miss their daily ritual! We understand that people don’t just miss the taste of coffee—they miss how it makes them feel. The ritual of brewing a cup, the warmth in their hands, the moment of solace before a busy day, and the energy boost that helps them tackle their to-do lists with confidence and clarity. We set out to recreate that emotional connection and sense of well-being without the negative side effects.
What are you building now?
We’re building a coffee alternative that is crafted to provide sustainable energy and mental clarity without the crash. Our unique blend of herbs and natural ingredients offers a gentle yet effective boost that supports mental clarity, focus, and a calm, steady energy throughout the day.
What were you building ten years ago today?
A SAAS company that was rooted in the wellness industry. We exited that company in 2019 and launched Sip in 2021.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
Another successful exit!
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
As a co-founder of Sip Herbals, one fact I wish everyone knew about the coffee alternative industry is that nearly 70% of consumers who seek coffee alternatives do so primarily for health reasons, including reducing caffeine intake, managing anxiety, and improving digestive health. This highlights a growing awareness of the impact of caffeine on overall well-being and underscores the industry's role in providing healthier, functional beverage options that go beyond just replacing coffee.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
As the co-founder of Sip Herbals, I believe our work matters because we’re empowering people to make healthier choices that align with their lifestyle and wellness goals. We provide an alternative to coffee that not only reduces caffeine intake but also supports overall health with clean, functional ingredients.
Our mission goes beyond just offering a beverage; it’s about fostering a community around mindful consumption and breaking the reliance on caffeine for energy and focus. We’re challenging the status quo in the beverage industry by prioritizing health, sustainability, and inclusivity—creating products that everyone, from those with dietary restrictions to those seeking better balance, can enjoy. Our work matters because it addresses a real need for alternatives that nourish the body and mind without compromising on taste or experience.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
I have a few mentors but my first (and best) mentor is my mother. She encouraged me to always remain curious. She once told me “Be willing to be wrong.” This piece of advice allowed me the space to be open to other ideas and to try to see things from another perspective.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
As the co-founder of Sip Herbals, the piece of content I’m most proud of is our pitch on Shark Tank. Stepping into that room and sharing our story with some of the most influential investors in the world was a pivotal moment for us. It wasn’t just about seeking investment; it was about putting a spotlight on a rapidly growing coffee alternative movement that prioritizes health, wellness, and sustainability.
Our pitch captured not only the passion and hard work we’ve poured into Sip Herbals but also the larger mission we’re committed to—creating a better, healthier way to start the day. The feedback we received, the national exposure, and the connection with consumers who resonated with our story were game-changing. It validated our belief that people are ready for something different and inspired us to keep pushing boundaries in the coffee alternative space.
Being on Shark Tank was more than just a pitch; it was a statement that coffee alternatives are here to stay, and Sip Herbals is leading the way. It’s a piece of content that continues to drive awareness, connect us with new customers, and remind us why our work matters every day.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
Goop: Known for its emphasis on wellness and lifestyle, Goop’s audience is perfectly aligned with Sip Herbals' target market. A feature or product recommendation in Goop would lend credibility and reach consumers interested in clean, functional products.
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
As the co-founder of Sip Herbals, I would love to be interviewed by Dr. Mark Hyman on his podcast, The Doctor’s Farmacy. Dr. Hyman is a respected leader in the health and wellness space, known for his focus on functional medicine and helping people make better, more informed choices about their health. His audience is deeply aligned with our mission at Sip Herbals—people who are proactive about their wellness and eager to explore alternatives that support their overall well-being.
An interview with Dr. Hyman would provide an incredible platform to share our story, the benefits of choosing coffee alternatives, and how Sip Herbals is redefining the morning routine with cleaner, healthier options. It would be an opportunity to dive deep into the science behind our products, discuss the impact of reducing caffeine on health, and connect with listeners who are passionate about making mindful dietary changes.
Being featured on The Doctor’s Farmacy would not only amplify our message but also validate our work within the broader health community, helping us reach even more people looking for better alternatives to coffee.
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
If I were to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, the title would be: “Savor the Slow: Finding Balance in a World Obsessed with Hustle”
This talk would focus on the importance of reclaiming moments for ourselves in a culture that glorifies busyness and constant hustle. I would explore how making simple, intentional choices—like swapping your coffee for a calming, caffeine-free alternative—can be small but powerful acts of self-care that help us avoid burnout. The talk would challenge the notion that productivity defines our worth and encourage listeners to prioritize wellness over relentless hustle, embrace a slower pace, and create space for what truly matters.
What award would mean the most to win?
As the co-founder of Sip Herbals, the award that would mean the most to us would be the Good Food Award. This award celebrates food and beverage products that are not only delicious but also made with sustainable, ethical, and responsible practices. Winning a Good Food Award would be a testament to our commitment to creating a coffee alternative that prioritizes health, quality, and environmental consciousness.
This recognition would validate the heart and soul we put into every product—sourcing the best ingredients, supporting sustainable agriculture, and crafting blends that bring joy without compromising on values. It would be an honor that reflects not just the taste of our product, but our dedication to making a positive impact in the world of food and beverages.
What makes zero sense to you?
As the co-founder of Sip Herbals, what makes zero sense to me is the continued glorification of hustle culture at the expense of health and well-being. We live in a world that often equates being busy with being successful, pushing people to sacrifice rest, nutrition, and self-care just to keep up. This mindset not only leads to burnout but also overlooks the value of being present, mindful, and nurturing our bodies and minds.
At Sip Herbals, we challenge this by promoting a slower, more intentional approach to daily routines—starting with what you drink in the morning. Choosing a coffee alternative like ours is more than just a beverage swap; it’s a small act of reclaiming balance and saying no to the constant hustle. We believe in empowering people to prioritize their well-being without compromising on enjoyment, and that’s a message that deserves a louder voice in today’s world.
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
I hope gets re-evaluated is “alternative.” In the coffee alternative space, this term often implies that these products are just second-best substitutes rather than valuable, stand-alone options. The word "alternative" can carry a stigma that suggests you’re settling for something less, rather than embracing a different and often healthier choice.
We want to change the narrative around alternatives. Our products aren’t just replacements—they’re thoughtfully crafted beverages designed to support wellness, reduce caffeine intake, and offer a unique experience that stands on its own. It’s time to reframe “alternative” as something empowering and exciting, representing a conscious decision to prioritize your health and well-being, not just a fallback option.
What game are you changing?
We’re changing the game of how people start their day and rethink their relationship with coffee. The coffee culture has long been dominated by caffeine dependency, leaving people feeling like they can’t function without that morning jolt. At Sip Herbals, we’re challenging this norm by offering delicious, caffeine-free alternatives that provide the ritual and comfort of coffee without the downsides.
We’re not just offering a drink; we’re creating a movement that prioritizes health, mindfulness, and balance over the relentless hustle. We’re shifting the narrative from fueling productivity at all costs to nourishing the body and mind with clean, sustainable ingredients. By redefining what a morning beverage can be, we’re empowering people to break free from caffeine dependency, take control of their wellness, and enjoy a more intentional start to their day. That’s the game we’re changing.
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
As the co-founder of Sip Herbals, the next thing we’re excited to be a part of—and want to invite more people to join—is our Sip & Savor Wellness Challenge in January. This community-driven initiative is all about redefining your morning routine, taking a break from caffeine, and exploring how small, mindful choices can have a big impact on your overall well-being.
The challenge includes guided tips on integrating our caffeine-free alternatives into your daily life, recipes, mindfulness practices, and support from a community of like-minded individuals who are also seeking a healthier, more balanced start to their day. It’s not just about swapping your morning coffee; it’s about embracing a new way of living that prioritizes wellness over hustle.
We’re inviting everyone to participate—whether you’re a long-time Sip fan or just curious about trying something new. Together, we can create a space where mornings are less about rushing and more about nurturing ourselves. Join us on this journey and experience the Sip difference!
Where can we follow you online?
https://instagram.com/drinksipherbals
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
As the co-founder of Sip Herbals, I believe one thing that makes every leader better is embracing empathy. In any leadership role, especially in a small, growing business, understanding the needs, challenges, and emotions of your team, customers, and partners is essential. Empathy helps you connect on a deeper level, build trust, and make decisions that are not just strategic but also human-centered.
Leading with empathy allows us to create products that truly resonate with our customers' needs and to foster a supportive and collaborative environment within our team. It helps us listen more, understand better, and ultimately lead in a way that inspires and uplifts everyone involved. Empathy is the key to creating a business that isn’t just successful, but meaningful and impactful as well.
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Orleatha, for sharing your story!
LAUREL is a media relations partner for bold leadership. For nearly a decade, we’ve helped leaders build effective strategies for scale and growth specializing in key opinion leadership and go-to-market strategy for emerging brands. To follow along with the RISING ICONS series, nominate a leader or subscribe to our weekly email newsletter. To accelerate your own rise, get our free guide to elevating your leadership profile, FIT(lite). RISING ICONS is made possible by grant funding from Knight Foundation.
“Empathy is the key to creating a business that isn’t just successful, but meaningful and impactful as well.”
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