Today we’d like to introduce you to CC Salzman
Hi CC, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As an athlete, staying hydrated has always been essential to me. But if I’m being honest, drinking water was never something I enjoyed, and I often found myself forgetting to drink enough throughout the day. That’s when I decided to create something that would “Freeze the thirst, not the fun.” It all started in my kitchen in Austin, where I invited friends over to try the freeze pops and get their feedback.
My goal was simple: to create a hydration product free from artificial dyes and added sugars, while still utilizing the natural sugars from fruit. This is important because sugar plays a key role in helping electrolytes absorb into cells, ensuring optimal hydration. I also wanted the product to have lower sodium content compared to many others on the market—since most people get enough sodium in their diet alone—and to focus more on electrolytes like potassium, which so many people are deficient in. Above all, I wanted it to be easy and convenient—something you could grab, enjoy, and hydrate without having to wait for a tablet to dissolve or powder into water after a long day.
From there, we took the product to the Austin Farmer’s Market, where we connected with our community and refined our vision. I then moved to Boston to attend Harvard Business School, continuing to develop the business while earning my MBA. After graduating in May 2024, I spent the summer scaling up to commercial production, and by September 2024, we launched in retail.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been an adventure! One of our biggest challenges has been navigating the complexities of manufacturing. Finding the right partners who align with our commitment to the highest quality—whether it’s the ingredients, packaging, or overall production process—has taken time and persistence. Ensuring every detail meets our brand standards has been a learning experience, but it’s been worth it to deliver a product we’re truly proud of.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I began my career in consulting before transitioning to brand management and emerging channels at Kraft Heinz. At Kraft, I thrived on identifying whitespace opportunities and turning them into impactful initiatives, such as disrupting distribution, launching celebrity partnerships and ghost kitchens to bring our brands to consumers in innovative ways. I take pride in fostering connections, aligning teams, and creating new opportunities that resonate with consumers, all while ensuring that quality and taste are never sacrificed in the process. I’m passionate about creating products that promote health and wellness.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is persistence and adaptability are key. There will always be obstacles, but it’s crucial to keep pushing forward. When setbacks arise, it’s not about stopping—it’s about finding new ways to approach the challenge and re-routing when necessary. I’ve also learned the importance of always asking ‘why.’ Just because something has been done a certain way doesn’t mean it has to continue that way. Use past approaches as references, but don’t let them dictate your future.
Pricing:
- 11.99 a pack
- 31.99 for a 3 pack
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehydrashop.com
- Instagram: hydra.hydration
Image Credits
Alex Schwarz – https://www.instagram.com/alexcotner/?hl=en
