Name: Anna Malsam
Occupation & Company: Hytropics, Co-Founder

Tell us about your current role.

I am the Co-Founder of Hytropics, a functional beverage company I started this with my partner Dave having both left our jobs as Boeing 737 pilots. Whilst in the air we used pink Himalayan sea salt in water as an effective hydration solution which helped us navigate our busy schedules. What started off as a simple solution for us, turned into the initial idea for Hytropics.

Today, we produce sparkling electrolyte drinks with B Vitamins and Ginseng, available in 3 delicious flavours. As with most startups, we both wear many different hats and juggle everything from product development to logistics, accounting and sales, from business courses to photoshoots and social media campaigns, all whilst trying to navigate the daily chaos of being a new business owner.

How did you first get into the food/drink industry?

Hytropics started as a passion project at 36000 feet between Dublin and New York. We experienced first-hand how effective, clean hydration with electrolyte salts helped us get more balanced energy and better focus. That feeling inspired us to create something unique which we felt was missing on the current market: A healthy refreshment with 0 calories, 0 sugar and 0 harmful ingredients. Our mission is to bring that same benefit to everyone. Our drink supports both a healthy body and mind, without any compromises.

What is your favourite part about working in the industry?

I love making all of these new connections with people. Throughout our journey I met many great mentors, inspirational business owners and fantastic customers who all showed me the way. I love a good challenge and learning new things.

We’re meeting up for a drink after work – what are you having?

Easy! Mine is Gin + Salty Raspberry & Elderflower, and Dave’s is Tequila + Salty Lime & Grapefruit, and we are both obsessed with Vodka + Salty Mango & Pineapple.

You can only have one drink for the rest of your life, what’s in your glass?

Hytropic! I have a different favourite every day, but I do love a Salty Lime & Grapefruit to start my day and a Salty Mango & Pineapple as a midday pick me up or refreshing treat. Dave’s current favourite is the Salty Raspberry & Elderflower.

It’s Saturday night, what restaurant are you going to?

I would try and find a roast in a local pub, failing that, probably Japanese.

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Is there a bucket list drink you want to try, or a dream drink destination you’d love to visit?

All of our flavours are derived from actual fruit, and I always wanted to be there for a Mango harvest and see how these delicious, ripe fruits will be turned into our beautifully defined flavour. In fact, I would love to see that for every one of our flavours. I can almost smell the Lime and Grapefruit zest as I am typing this.

The most memorable experience of your career?

For me, it was that moment when I held the first can in my hand and saw our labels on all of them for the first time; that was an unbelievable feeling!

One thing you’d like to see more of in the drinks industry?

I would love to see more female entrepreneurs and also more exciting non alcoholic drink options on menus all around the country.

Any particular women you admire in the industry?

Honestly, I admire them all. I know how difficult it is to even get started in this industry, then staying on track while the odds are stacked against you, but despite it all, many people managed to make it a success. A few women whom I admire are Mary O’Sullivan from Beara Bitters, Katie from Katies Kombucha and Anna & Orla from Valentia Island Vermouth. Each of them is bringing something very unique to the table, and they are contributing to a more exciting, diverse drinks industry in Ireland.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a career in the industry?

Work hard, seek as much advice from as many people who have done what you want to do as you can, get some good mentors, prepare for delays and setbacks, have some good friends to lean on and get ready for a wild ride. It’s not always going to be easy, but it will definitely be worth it!

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