Taranaki’s Sip: A New Drink Venture Inspired by TV Success

The launch of Sip, by Hello Audrey, a new drink venture in Taranaki, has taken the local market by storm. Founded by Shannan Totorewa and her friend Ngapera Hohaia-Aiton, the business debuted its unique offerings at the Taranaki Whānui Māori Rugby League Tournament in October 2023. The idea emerged from a popular television show, paving the way for an innovative concept in non-alcoholic beverages.

Inspiration and Concept Development

The duo, who previously operated a wedding drink service, sought to expand their offerings beyond traditional events. Initially considering a food truck focused on matcha drinks, the idea evolved after watching the show Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Totorewa explained how the program showcased women enjoying colorful, non-alcoholic beverages, dubbed “dirty sodas,” which sparked their creativity.

“These women indulge in extravagant soda drinks, featuring syrups and creams,” Totorewa noted. “We thought these drinks were really cool and decided to explore the trend.” Their research revealed a growing market for similar beverages in both the United States and Australia, prompting them to launch their own unique take.

Successful Market Entry and Customer Engagement

Sip, by Hello Audrey, has quickly made a name for itself, appearing at various local markets such as the Inglewood Car Boot Sale. The business offers an impressive selection of 21 custom-flavored sodas, designed to appeal to a diverse customer base, including children. Totorewa and Hohaia-Aiton have received positive feedback and are witnessing an increase in repeat customers.

“For many, this is a new experience, and we enjoy discussing flavor options with them,” Totorewa said. “We focus on giving each customer personalized attention, as we believe that is part of our branding.” Their approach has proven effective, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages customer loyalty.

“When someone comes up with a loyalty card, it’s truly rewarding to see them return,” Totorewa added. The women pride themselves on crafting their own recipes, continuously experimenting with flavors to find the best combinations. Although not every attempt has been successful, feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.

Previously, the duo had operated as a wedding service under the name Hello Audrey, inspired by the iconic actress Audrey Hepburn. They first discovered the business when it was up for sale in 2019 but hesitated due to personal commitments. Two years later, with the business still available, they decided to take the plunge and become owners.

“We realized that if we were serious about business, we had to think beyond weddings,” Totorewa explained. “We needed something sustainable that would allow us the financial freedom we desired.” With both women having extensive experience in the hospitality industry, they approached their new venture with an eagerness to learn and adapt.

“We focused on understanding what worked before making changes,” she said. After organizing a handful of weddings, they began to refine their service and expand their vision.

Their goal was clear: to create a vibrant drink experience that could flourish alongside their existing commitments, including Totorewa’s responsibilities as a parent. This determination led to the successful launch of their food truck, which they see as a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey.

The story of Sip, by Hello Audrey highlights the successful blending of inspiration, innovation, and community engagement. As they continue to grow, the duo remains committed to providing a unique and enjoyable beverage experience in Taranaki and beyond.

For those interested in the region’s food truck culture, Food Truck Taranaki will feature stories about other local ventures. Interested parties can reach out at [email protected] to share their stories.