"My favorite ways to #spreadgood is sharing knowledge and empowering others to follow their dreams whatever that means to them. My ultimate goal in life is to help people and provide tools, resources, and create safe spaces to just be. Whether that space in beverages, food, skin care, mental health, self care etc."

Meet the next gal in our She's Empowered Series, Cydnie, founder of Drink Mamey! She is passionate about health + wellness, and created the business with the desire to share this passion with others. Her juices are refreshing, tasty and full of plant-based goodness. We're excited to introduce you to Cydnie!

Tell us a little about you!

I’m Cydnie Smith-McCarthy, the Founder of Drink Mamey. 

I was born & raised in Portland, Oregon. I graduated from a small liberal arts college in the middle of nowhere Santa Fe, NM, and it was arguably some of the best years of my young adult life. I learned so many important things there that I don't think I could've learned anywhere else. I don't have a favorite color, but I love pastels and muted neutral tones. I am a sucker for some good witty word play, which is why my favorite show of all time is Gilmore Girls. I’m big on doing everything with love and using language that’s meaningful but empowering. I’ve never worked in the food + beverage industry before starting Drink Mamey. Drink Mamey started as a passion project and turned very serious in less than two weeks launching. Lol 

I have a Siamese lynx named Stormy. He's the most energetic cat i’ve ever met in my entire life. My favorite food is my mom's baked Mac & Cheese, but i’m really lactose intolerant so it’s only for special occasions. I’m 26, i love pickles, i’m (mostly) plant based, but i love eggs and sometimes sharp cheddar lol

Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in starting a business?

Don’t think you have to know everything in order to start a business. Just start. You don’t really know how to run a business until you're running your business 24/7. Also, don't give up and never let the internet rush you. You got this! We’re all winging it, too!

What are your favorite ways to #spread good in your community?

My favorite ways to #spreadgood is sharing knowledge and empowering others to follow their dreams whatever that means to them. My ultimate goal in life is to help people and provide tools, resources, and create safe spaces to just be. Whether that space in beverages, food, skin care, mental health, self care etc.

Who is one person who inspires you and why?

Hannah Bronfman. She’s inspired me since the beginning of my college career, I’ve followed her from the start of HBFIT and the middle of her beginnings as a DJ. Instagram has changed and the media has shifted but she has always been true to herself. Everything she does looks so effortless because you can tell she truly loves what she does and what she has to offer. She has dominated a part of the wellness industry that is hard to break into as a Black Woman. I Stan. She made me believe I could do it too. 

How do you work to stay centered and practice self-care in your busy day-to-day reality?

Making lists has helped me keep my mind clear! Meditation and stretching first thing in the morning has really helped me get my day started with intention and building a routine that works for me. Morning routines are so crucial!!

What do you like to do for fun, when you aren't working?

I love nature & adventure. I love short distance road trips to new beaches, hikes, and swim spots! I  love to try new things and cross things off my bucket list! I love to travel. I love experiences!

Drink Mamey is available at Tea Bar Pearl, or online, for PDX locals.