Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Douglass.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
The idea behind Ryla was actually hatched after a trip to a local juice shop in Echo Park. Growing up and all through college, I was an avid consumer of Emergen-C. I had also always been someone who was food conscious, doing my best to eat clean organic foods and limit my sugar consumption.
One day I made the mistake of looking on the back of one of my tasty Vitamin C packets and was shocked to discover that in a 9 gram packet anywhere from 5 – 7 grams of it were refined sugar. This naturally went against everything I was attempting to do when it came to healthy eating habits.
My next option was fresh-squeezed juice shots which I started purchasing from a local juice shop I lived near. While the ingredients were exactly what I was looking for the time inconvenience, perishability, and cost of $5 or more, made it so that this was more of an occasional luxury than a healthy habit.
Then a few years ago, my cousin (and eventually Co-Founder) Will was out visiting. I suggested we go pick up a fresh Ginger Lemon Cayenne Pepper shot from the juice shop down the street. On the way there, I was airing my frustration about my two incomplete options, either an inexpensive Vitamin C packet loaded with sugar or an expensive inconvenient juice shot that required 30 minutes of my time and a serious dent in my wallet.
Will was actually the one to have the insight, he asked: “Has anyone done what you’re describing? Created an all-natural organic Emergen-C or a dried organic juice shot?” The idea seemed so obvious once he said it out loud. When we got back to my place, I immediately starting googling to see if something like this existed. When it became clear it didn’t, Ryla was born.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
If only… There have been a few moments in our business where we have had to decisively solve a problem. Whether it be a manufacturing issue, a packaging flaw, a trademark dispute, or a potential partner closing up shop right before we were set to launch with them.
In moments like this, it can feel quite overwhelming. Will and I have developed a bit of a motto that we say to each other often: “We’ll figure it out.” And what we’ve come to learn is we have always been able to “figure it out.” We may not sleep for a night or two while figuring it out, and we may have to put in a ton of extra hours. But with enough determination figuring it out is always possible.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ryla story. Tell us more about the business.
Ryla offers plant-based immunity support blends in powder form that contain 500mg of Vitamin C and organic superfoods that are easy to take on the go. Just add Ryla to 4-12oz of water, stir to dissolve, and you have a ready to drink wellness shot made from organic plants.
The packets are non-GMO, gluten, soy and dairy-free. Like a wellness shot, Ryla packs a punch that will kick your immune system into high-gear. But, unlike other immunity support products, Ryla is made with a short ingredients list that’s simple, pronounceable, with no added sugar, so you’ll feel confident of what you’re putting into your body.
We offer three plant-based immune support blends all with 500mg of Vitamin C.
– Orange Strawberry
– Turmeric Orange Ginger Black Pepper
– Ginger Lemon Cayenne Pepper
All the plants we use are organic, and our Ginger and Turmeric are also full spectrum. This means that the Gingerol (the active compound in ginger that is really good for you) and Curcumin (the active compound in turmeric that is really good for you) in our products are testing at the same levels both fresh before they are dried, and then after when they are dried and packaged.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve always loved this question. We’ve been the beneficiaries of a lot of luck. We have parents who are not only supportive but also incredibly capable and knowledgeable business minds who have offered advice and ideas. We have friends who have made introductions and connections that have led to valuable partnerships. And we both have partners (Kayla and Anna) who have not only believed in us but also taken care of tasks and jobs when we needed help.
With good luck also comes the need for hard work. Without working all of our good luck would have been lost, and so it has been important to both of us that we honor all of that luck by trying our hardest to make Ryla as successful as possible.
Pricing:
- We also offer a Variety Pack with 6 shots in it for $14.95
- Orange Strawberry (20 packet box) – $39.95
- Turmeric Orange Ginger Black Pepper (20 packet box) – $39.95
- Ginger Lemon Cayenne Pepper (20 packet box) – $39.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rylawellness.com
- Email: hello@rylawellness.com
- Instagram: @rylawellness
- Facebook: @rylawellness
Image Credit:
Extra Hours Creative Agency
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
