Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Pualani Houston
Hi Michelle Pualani, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My path of personal development and entrepreneurship have gone hand in hand. Through which the personal growth of believing in myself, finding myself worthy of being present or enough in a world of expectation has been the throughline. I started my career journey in the fitness world—teaching barre, yoga, functional fitness, and personal training. Eventually, I moved into the online space, where I created programs, corporate workshops, and retreats aimed at helping women align their well-being with their busy lives.
At some point, I realized my own mental health wasn’t where I wanted it to be. I noticed that drinking made me feel more anxious and less motivated, which didn’t align with the healthy habits I was promoting. So, I decided to stop drinking—not with any grand plan, but just to see how I felt. A couple of years later, I realized how much better I was without it.
Around the same time, my husband, who’s been in the craft beverage industry for years, had been thinking about creating a non-alcoholic option. So, we decided to give it a shot, and in the fall of 2023, we launched To Be Honest Beverage Company, a non-alcoholic hemp-infused spirit alternative.
Now, I’m running a program called FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony, where I help high achievers balance their work with well-being, while also growing To Be Honest Beverage Company. My focus is on helping people live healthier, more intentional lives, while doing the same for myself.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—far from it. I think we’re all meant to face challenges, setbacks, and failures along the way. Without them, the journey would be too easy, and who wants to hear a story without any struggle?
For me, most of the challenges have been internal. I’m really fortunate to live in San Luis Obispo, California, with a supportive husband and family nearby, so my external environment has been pretty stable. But internally, I’ve wrestled with feelings of worthiness, self-belief, and some deep-seated issues from childhood. There were times when everything felt heavy. I was anxious, struggling to keep up with responsibilities, and often found myself avoiding social events. I even got stuck in a cycle of watching TV and scrolling through social media just to distract myself from how I was feeling.
It took a lot of different approaches and plenty of reflection, but I eventually worked through what felt like my own personal dark night of the soul. Coming out on the other side, I feel more empowered, capable, and confident in who I am and what I offer. What once felt like failures now seem like valuable lessons that have shaped me and my business.
These struggles have built resilience, confidence, and a sense of hopefulness for the future. Every so-called failure has actually been a step forward in my journey, helping me grow into the coach, mentor, and entrepreneur I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of To Be Honest Beverage Company. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What should we know?
To Be Honest Beverage Company is a pioneering brand in the non-alcoholic beverage space, specializing in hemp-infused spirit alternatives. We offer a sophisticated and wellness-oriented drinking experience for those who are sober curious or simply seeking a mindful approach to alcohol consumption.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
We craft premium non-alcoholic spirits infused with CBD and botanicals, designed to replicate the complex flavors and textures of traditional spirits. To be mixed up in your favorite cocktail to replace the alcohol or liquor. Our products are known for their quality, unique flavor profiles, and ability to provide a relaxing, stress relieving experience without the effects of alcohol. Our first inaugural style ‘Focus’ is gin-inspired with a botanical, herbaceous flavor profile that mixes well with flavors of botanicals, citrus, floral and berry.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets us apart is our commitment to both flavor and function. Unlike other non-alcoholic options that may lack depth in taste, our products are carefully crafted to deliver a sophisticated drinking experience that also includes the added benefits of CBD. We focus on high-quality, natural ingredients, and proprietary blending methods to ensure our beverages stand out in terms of both taste and wellness benefits. The replication of traditional spirits is also not common whereas many brands create their own flavor profile with CBD options.
What are you most proud brand-wise?
That our customers have found a product they never knew they were missing. The love and appreciation of filling a part of their day with indulgence and joy is immeasurable. Also, allowing anyone who isn’t drinking alcohol for tonight, a week, month or forever to feel at the forefront of their choices instead of the afterthought. We are proud of our ability to fill a significant gap in the market by offering a product that not only tastes great but also supports a healthy, mindful lifestyle. The positive feedback from our customers and the growing demand for our products validate our mission and drive to continue innovating in the non-alcoholic space.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
We want readers to know that To Be Honest Beverage Company is more than just a beverage brand; it’s a lifestyle choice. Our hemp-infused non-alcoholic spirits are perfect for those looking to enjoy a crafted cocktail experience without alcohol. Whether you’re taking a break from drinking, exploring sober curiosity, or simply looking for a healthier alternative, our products are designed to enhance your experience and support your well-being while giving you the cultural or social depth of imbibing that not a lot of alternatives provide. We are committed to delivering quality, flavor, and function in every bottle, making every sip an honest and enjoyable choice.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Success means different things to different people, and I think it’s crucial to have the awareness to define what it looks like for you personally. Too often, we get caught up in what others expect of us—whether it’s our parents, our partners, or society at large. But real success isn’t about meeting those expectations; it’s about finding fulfillment, happiness, and freedom in what you do.
For me, the most important quality that’s led to success is self-awareness. When you’re tuned into yourself—really paying attention—you can start to see what needs to change, what actions to take, and where to focus your energy. That awareness is what pushes you to go for it, whether it’s applying for the job, launching a business, or scaling to the next level.
Along the way, you’ll build resilience, confidence, problem-solving skills, and all the other qualities that contribute to success. But it all starts with self-awareness. That’s the foundation for making the changes needed to become the person you want to be and achieving what you define as success.
Pricing:
- 45/bottle of To Be Honest Bev Co
- 997/FitCEO: From Hustle to Harmony Program
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tobehonestbev.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tobehonestbev/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tobehonestbev
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themichellepualani
Image Credits
Derick Santiago
