What do you get when you mix Hawaiian nostalgia, Asian flavors, and a passion for sustainable beverages? Kirra Iced Tea! Founded by model-turned-entrepreneur Amanda Paige and her husband Jerrod, Kirra has reimagined the classic iced tea with better-for-you ingredients and a deep connection to their roots.
In this interview, Amanda shares how growing up in Hawaii shaped her vision, why sustainability is at the heart of their brand, and how they're putting a fresh spin on the beloved POG (passion orange guava) drink. Let's dive into her journey of creating a beverage that's as refreshing as it is meaningful!
Tell us about Kirra Iced Tea!
Kirra is a better-for-you iced tea, think of a new and improved Snapple with Asian flavors inspired by growing up in Hawaii. We only sweeten our iced tea with our juice, so there's no added or artificial sugar. We keep it simple and classic.
Do you have any fond memories of starting Kirra Iced Tea?
I think the first time I saw a stranger holding Kirra in their hand and sipping on it was a huge moment for me. It was validating that someone outside of my network was enjoying it organically.
How has your heritage influenced your approach to building Kirra Iced Tea, both in terms of product development and brand storytelling?
I say Kirra is my husband and my baby! Every inch of that can is a representation of our childhoods. Everything from the name “Kirra” which is the surf spot my husband Jerrod grew up surfing in Australia, the design of the sunset which was inspired by a graphic of a sunset behind diamond head on a vintage t-shirt I once had, the flavors of growing up with an asian mom in Hawaii, the nostalgia of drinking a cold ice tea on the beach.
As an Asian founder, have you faced any specific challenges?
Contrary to how some other founders feel, I am proud and love being Asian. Growing up in Hawaii exposed me to a huge melting pot of different cultures, with a heavy emphasis on different Asian cultures. I never felt different or like I didn't belong because essentially everyone is a mutt. Growing up with this pride of being Asian has actually catapulted me to having an edge by incorporating it into my business.
What is your signature iced tea flavor? What is the significance behind this iced tea flavor?
This is controversial, I’d say my favorite flavor right now is the mango, it’s just perfectly balanced and a little more punchy. However, I do believe our signature flavor is the passion fruit guava black tea because that was the first flavor that inspired the business. I grew up drinking POG (passion orange guava), a staple in Hawaii. In my early adulthood I became more interested and aware of nutrition as I dove into the health and wellness space it became very apparent that guzzling a can of POG with 40g of added sugar was no longer aligning with my life!
Looking at the next generation (like us!), what trends or behaviors do you think will shape the future of the non-alcoholic beverage industry?
I think we will go back to simplicity, I’m seeing these extra added adaptogens, functional ingredients, and superfood ingredients that I think are just really a buzz word of the moment. I think simple, better for your drinks will be standing the test of time.
Looking back at your journey with Kirra Iced Tea, what is one key lesson you’ve learned that you wish you had known from the start?
I think something I have learned not only in this business but in my other businesses is be careful who you let in your court, make sure they are there for the right reasons and truly believe in you as a person. A business is only as good as the people involved so I always make sure to only allow in the right people.
What role does sustainability play in Kirra Iced Tea, and how do you balance eco-friendly practices with running a profitable business?
This is my favorite question so far because it's one of the ones that feels most near to my heart. To us, sustainability is probably the MOST important practice while running a business. Growing up in Hawaii, it was instilled in me to respect our oceans and preserve their beauty. Since we are creating a product and adding more into this world, it was super important to try to be as sustainable as possible. One of the biggest decisions we made was choosing to put it in a PRINTED can which is 100% infinitely recyclable. A lot of people don't know that not all cans are fully recyclable; often times, cans have a shrink wrap on them made of plastic. Even when you make choices to have a sustainable product, you have to also consider packaging. We use only paper to pack and send our products, even down to the paper tape.
My other job is a model, and having been in the fashion industry for 15 years, it really opened my eyes to the constant barrage of marketing and creating more "stuff," especially in fast fashion. I swore to myself that when I created something of my own (which I always felt I would), I wouldn't bring more "stuff" into the world unless it was an absolute F* YES and it had intention. Something that's always suggested to us is merch because our brand can translate really well to it. While I agree our brand would make some kick-ass merch, I don't want to just throw our logo on a t-shirt. That being said, stay tuned - we are going to do one little merch drop and it is definitely a F* YES.
Thank you, Amanda!
As a student who both cares about the environment and wants to start a business someday, Amanda's story is truly inspiring. She shows that you don't have to choose between success and sustainability! I love how she thought through every detail - from recyclable cans to paper tape - proving that eco-friendly choices can be built into your business from day one. Her approach to avoiding unnecessary "stuff" (even waiting on merch until it felt right!) shows that you can grow a brand while staying true to your values. Her journey gives me hope that I too can create something successful that's good for the planet!
Check out Kirra Iced Tea!
Website: https://kirralife.com/
Kirra’s Instagram: @kirralife
Amanda’s Instagram: @amandapandapaige
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