Today we’d like to introduce you to Renica Powers.
Hi Renica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been a food-as-medicine gal and studied Naturopathy and Nutrition at College of Naturopathic Medicine in London. Moved with my family to Austin, TX from Oakland, CA the summer of 2020. Worked at a holistic pharmacy doing marketing for about 3 years and that’s where I met Hiking Pony Co-Founder Nicole Pinedo. We were fast friends. Shared a love of the outdoors, music, good food, good coffee, living your truth, and all things health and wellness! She was developing some recipes for an all-in-one collagen coffee and I was an enthusiastic taste-tester, and cheerer-on. Serendipity struck when I left my job around the same time her initial marketing person left what would soon become Hiking Pony Coffee Co. Nicole asked me to join on as CMO and I said ‘Heck ya.’ It’s been about 10 months now of us alongside our other founder Ariel Patterson doing it all! Sourcing the best ingredients, mixing up product, labelling, packaging, selling at pop-up markets and small shops, experimenting with branding, navigating tariffs, building our web presence and social media. It’s been a wild ride. CPG is a new space for me but I am learning a lot and get to not only use my natural health knowledge and my design/photography/marketing chops, but I get to work alongside one of my favorite people and to share an incredibly delicious and functional product with the world. Hiking Pony is growing. A big win for us was getting into Central Market and more retailers are knocking every day. We are expanding our team and playing with some new recipes for future product additions. I feel like I am really embracing the entrepreneurial spirit that is so prevalent in Austin, and the sky is the limit!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The changing landscape of tariffs has been a challenge. And our commitment to clean, ethical, environmentally responsible ingredients, packaging materials, partners and practices is really important to us, but is certainly not the easiest or cheapest path. Also, balancing other jobs (this is still a labor of love; other income still required!), family time, and other commitments while keeping our foot on the gas to build our baby company takes a lot of determination and perseverance. Fortunately we really believe in our product and people love it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In addition to my naturopathic nutrition background and my marketing experience, I am also known for my work in the non-profit space. I have helped push forward the missions of many great nonprofits in the spheres of arts and literacy, human and health services, and even a palliative care program for kids with life-limiting illnesses. I am at my best when I know I am doing some good in the world.
What makes you happy?
Quality time with my family. Reading. Writing. Dancing. Yoga. Traveling. Taking great photos. Eating a great meal. Drinking good wine. Walking/hiking/swimming in nature. Meeting new people. Nourishing conversation. Big questions and big ideas. Holding the door open for the next person regardless of their age, gender, ability… or if anyone’s is looking to see me do it. Taking the dog to the beach. Letting the cat insist that petting her right now is the most important thing (she is the boss!). Feeling strong in body and serene in mind. Simple pleasures. A good chocolate covered frozen banana.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hikingpony.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiking.pony/
