An interview with Raphael Ogunrinde

Founder and CEO of

Q &

QWhat led to the creation of your brand?

ALong story short, when we lived in Nigeria my mum always made the drinks. So I brought over her love for making them when I moved to England. I started taking them to work to give to my colleagues and friends. After getting positive reviews and comments from my peers, it only seemed right to start a business. I began slowly brewing the hibiscus on the stove and peeling mountains of ginger. As the products are 100% natural, I saw a gap in the market and took my chance. I then pitched my idea to Chester University and our first commercial products were created. We derived our name from the ‘calyx’ of a flower which is the green outer whorl of a bud that encloses the petals to form a protective layer around the bloom.

QWhat is unique about your brand? What makes you stand out?

AAs I said before, all of our products are made with 100% natural ingredients and we use real flowers (not extract like other brands). Our traditional craft-brewing process extracts huge amounts of nutrition and flavour from organic flowers, fruit and spices to create soft drinks that positively impact wellbeing and taste naturally delicious. The result is as close to nature as you can get in a bottle. Additionally, looking after the environment is important to us. To contribute to a cleaner planet, we have used glass bottles which can be recycled. People will choose Calyx Drinks to enhance significant moments throughout their day because they know each drink will be enjoyable and good for their overall wellbeing.

QHow would you describe your products to a potential customer?

AAs a lot of Generation Z are looking for healthier options, our drinks provide lower fat and sugar alternatives. The drinks are also vegan friendly, caffeine free and eco-friendly. Our drinks are made from organic flowers, spices and fruits and can be consumed on their own, served chilled or even warm. They can be used as a mixer with alcoholic drinks such as gin but are equally a great alternative to alcohol.

QDo you have a favourite flavour of your drinks? Why do you love it so much?

AThe Calyx Zobo Original is my favourite. The complexity of the flavours tick all boxes. It is a drink that you either love or hate. There is no in between as it is a very rich flavour. You can use the product five different ways including cooking with it and using it as a mixer. It really is a versatile product and that is why I love it. A

QWith the recent new branding of your company, how did this come about? What made you decide to change the branding and website?

AWe listened to what our target audience wanted. Our packaging and branding has become brighter to represent the amazing flavours we use. It represents more of our story and helps identify our ingredients we use as images are now included on our packaging. Funnily enough, a lot of people didn’t know what ginger looked like. We now provide pictures of our ingredients. The branding has also included answers to our most asked questions.

QWhat does a typical day look like for you?

ATwo days are never the same. A good day consists of brewing products in the factory. I always love going out and talking to our customers as well as our suppliers. After a long day, a bike ride or playing basketball with my son is what I look forward to.

QHas your company been affected by the pandemic?

AIt has absolutely been affected by the pandemic. We were affected by over 90%. The whole of the hospitality industry was. It was a heavy shock for everyone.

QWhere do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?

AWe want our brand to be recognised as a lifestyle brand as we offer an alternative drink which helps the health and wellbeing of our consumers. We already supply a lot nationally and our products are being sold in mainstream shops such as Booths and TKMaxx as well as online. We have also begun exporting our products to the USA and finalising the exportation to Eastern Africa. A big goal for our company is to export to more international countries. Hopefully this will be happening soon.

QWhat advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own company?

AThere are no blue prints to creating your own brand. The process will be different for everyone. All I can say is that if you believe in yourself and work hard then you can achieve anything. But you must try your very hardest.

QPersonally, how do you switch your mind from business mode to relaxation mode?

AI try to spend as much time with my son as possible and we both like playing basketball together. I must admit it is hard to switch between work mode and relaxation but I try my hardest. I do drink some of my products when trying to relax, as a mixer. Along with playing basketball and going on bike rides, I also love to swim.

You can now buy Calyx Products with a click of a button at our online shop: calyxdrinks.co.uk

If you would like to become a certified Calyx Stockist please contact our sales team via email at: hello@calyxdrinks.co.uk

CALYX WILD

A delicious and intriguingly moreish, beautifully balanced blend of red hibiscus flower, not from concentrate apple juice and ginger.

CALYX BLUSH

A luscious and uplifting medley of culinary lavender flower and delicious natural strawberry with a refreshing twist of not from concentrate lemon juice and warm cinnamon spice.

CALYX SHINE

A beautifully balanced blend of red hibiscus flower, not from concentrate pineapple juice and lemon. Your natural no added sugar, flower-powered health boost.

CALYX ZOBO

A blend of delicious white grape with hibiscus flower and four ferociously fiery natural spices.

CALYX CALM

A blend of soul-soothing camomile, not from concentrate apple juice and (heart) warming botanicals.

Why you might want to include chia seeds in your daily diet: BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS

There are many reasons why you may want to start eating chia seeds; they are a source of soluble fibre to aid digestion, they are rich in anti-inflammatory omega 3’s, as well as being nutrient dense (high amounts of protein, calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc and B vitamins)

Strawberry and Chia Seed Jam

INGREDIENTS: • 180g Fresh Strawberries • 2 1/2 Tablespoons Chia Seeds • 1 - 2 Teaspoons Maple Syrup or Honey • 1 Lime (1/2 juiced, 1/2 sliced) • Squeeze of Lemon Juice

This is super easy, fresh and low in sugar. It is not like normal jams that contain high amounts of sugar as a preservative which means it will only last a week in the fridge.

Method Mash up the berries with a fork or potato masher, alternatively blend in a food processor. Mix in the chia seeds and the other ingredients. The mixture will need an hour in the fridge to set or leave overnight before using. Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Use as you would normal jam.

Overnight Chia Yogurt Breakfast Pudding

SERVES 2 INGREDIENTS: • 1/2 cup (125g) Greek Yogurt or Coconut Yogurt • 1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds • 1 Tablespoon Milled Flaxseeds • 1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract • 1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Seeds • Handful of Fresh Raspberries

Method Mix together the yogurt, milled flaxseeds, vanilla extract and chia seeds.

Leave in the fridge overnight. Before serving top with pumpkin seeds and berries. If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add a little milk to thin.