Marissa, the founder of Shot of Gold, is at the forefront of the turmeric revolution! Keep reading to learn about how she started her own business, what she does every morning to stay balanced, and where she sees herself in five years.
Can you tell our readers how and why you started Shot of Gold? What inspired you to get into this emerging industry?
I lived in India for 6 years and had my own vegan food business there. After moving back to Toronto, I knew I wanted to be in food space, while also giving back to communities in India. I started doing some research and noticed that turmeric was trending, which I found funny because we have turmeric every day in India. I kept seeing turmeric lattes and turmeric shots at cafes and restaurants, and I knew I had an opportunity. I spoke with friends, and most of them either said they had heard about the benefits but didn’t know how to use it, or they stained their hands cooking with turmeric once and never wanted to use it again.
I realized there was a gap in the market - turmeric was becoming extremely popular, but people are intimidated by it or don’t know how to use it. I thought to myself, if I could bridge that gap by taking away the mess and making it portable, then people can experience the incredible benefits of turmeric every day, while on-the-go.
A year and half ago I started planning the design, and I knew I wanted to create single-serving sachets for the convenience. I’m super excited to launch our new packaging this summer!
Shot of Gold gives back 5% of all sales to girls in India - can you tell us why supporting girls is so dear to your heart?
I’ve always been passionate about supporting girls and women; it’s especially important in India where there is still so much discrimination and inequality. In building Shot of Gold, I knew I wanted to be associated with a reputable charity and ensure our consumers could see the faces of the girls they are helping every time they order our shots and apparel.
A little over a year ago, I had the chance to visit two different communities in India through the Magic Bus program, one in the urban slums and one in a village. The girls I met there were so bright, energetic and intelligent. When I met the girls in the village, I knew they were the girls I wanted to give back to. I’m hoping to go back to India later this year and give the girls the proceeds of our sales.. It is hard to give away profits as a startup from day one, but I think people really believe in the vision and mission.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I like to think that I think big. I really want to build a global brand that moves beyond the sachet to beverages and other products in the health and wellness space. I’m really excited that we are starting to partner and collaborate with cool restaurants and cafes.
A huge focus for me is sales - not just because I want to build a big business, but because the more I make the more I can give back. I dream of having Shot of Gold turmeric farms in India, where female workers are paid fairly and everything is natural and organic. I want to be a part of making our planet and people healthier and to give people in India pride of work, fair wages, and the quality of life they deserve.
What would you say to your 18 year old self?
"Believe in the kind of life that you want to build,
and believe in what kind of person you want to be."
Have faith in yourself and your journey. Every day will be different, there’s ups and downs. Believe in the kind of life that you want to build and believe in what kind of person you want to be. Just work tirelessly every day as much as you can to be that person and get into that place, and it will happen.
I still tell myself this and always will.
Do you have any morning routines or evening rituals to keep you stay balanced?
I don’t leave my bed without having a French press of dark roast coffee with turmeric, raw honey, and cinnamon. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are so powerful that I really love to start my day this way.
I try to go for a bike ride most mornings to watch the sunrise and meditate. I like to be in nature and be grateful for each day, grateful to do what I want to do. In the evenings, I always try to catch the sunset no matter where I am. It’s a way to appreciate life.
In terms of skin care, I do turmeric face masks and scrubs once a week. I like to keep things natural and I experiment with natural products. I like Three Ships' cleansing oils, I personally use coconut oil to remove my makeup, and try to keep my skincare routine cruelty-free.
What's one skincare product you can't live without?
Aside from turmeric, I love coconut oil. It’s so incredibly healthy and pure, and it takes my makeup off, does not bother my eyes, and helps moisturize my skin. I also use it in my food because I know it’s good for me, inside out.
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