Three Texas friends have turned their shared struggles with alcohol into a thriving business. Ashlyn Knox, Darean Rhodes, and Shanna Watkins created Sensori, a non-alcoholic wellness brand that offers healthy alternatives to traditional drinking culture.
The trio discovered adaptogens and natural ingredients during their personal wellness journeys. Now, they’re helping others make mindful choices about what they put in their bodies. Their friendship-based business represents a growing movement toward alcohol-free living and mental health awareness.
Black Female Entrepreneurs Launch Innovative Alcohol Alternative
Sensori stands out in the crowded wellness market with its unique approach. The brand focuses on “feel-good seekers” who want the social experience without the negative effects of alcohol. Each founder brought different expertise to create their signature product.
Watkins discovered adaptogens while working as a public relations manager for MUD\WTR. This coffee alternative brand introduced her to ingredients like lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms. Her experience with these natural compounds sparked the idea for Sensori’s formulation.
The pandemic played a crucial role in their business creation. All three women noticed increased drinking habits during lockdown. However, they also used this time to focus on wellness, reading, and virtual workouts together.
From Personal Struggles to Wellness Solutions
Each founder faced unique challenges that led them to natural wellness solutions. Watkins admits to having “so many horror stories” from blackout drinking episodes. Her friends witnessed these struggles firsthand, creating a shared understanding of the problem.
“I’ve always been the friend that, when I get drunk, I get like blackout,” Watkins recalled. Her passion for wellness grew significantly in 2020, alongside her friends’ similar journeys.
Knox discovered adaptogens while seeking alternatives to ADHD medication after college. As a personal trainer, she already understood the importance of natural health solutions. She researched herbs like ashwagandha and various mushrooms to support her mental clarity.
Adaptogens and Mental Health Drive Product Development
Rhodes experienced severe anxiety and depression in 2019 and 2020. She wanted alternatives to traditional antidepressants and anxiety medications. Through research, she found adaptogens that worked for her specific needs.
“I hate to say that 2020, it was such a pivotal time, but for me, it was a pivotal time,” Rhodes reflected. She focused on mental health through physical activities and natural supplements rather than conventional therapy routes.
The connection between drinking and anxiety became clear to Rhodes recently. She realized her intense drinking habits since age 14 might have contributed to her lifelong anxiety issues. This revelation strengthened her commitment to alcohol alternatives.
Sisterhood and Shared Vision Create Business Success
The business began with a simple phone call between friends. Watkins reached out to Rhodes two years ago with her product idea. Rhodes initially waited to see if the concept would develop into something concrete.
A year later, Watkins called again with a fully formed vision: Sensori. The timing aligned perfectly with all three women’s wellness journeys and shared values. Their friendship provided the foundation for a successful business partnership.
Their bond extends beyond business into genuine care for each other’s well-being. They supported each other through virtual workouts, book readings, and even online church services during the pandemic. This shared experience of growth and healing became central to their brand’s mission.
The Future of Mindful Drinking and Wellness
Sensori represents a growing trend toward alcohol-free socializing and wellness-focused lifestyles. The brand targets consumers who want to maintain social connections without compromising their health goals. Their approach combines ancient wisdom with modern wellness needs.
The founders’ diverse backgrounds in fitness, public relations, and personal wellness create a comprehensive approach to product development. They understand both the social aspects of drinking and the health benefits of natural alternatives.
Their success story demonstrates how personal struggles can become powerful business opportunities. By sharing their authentic experiences, they’ve created a brand that resonates with others facing similar challenges. Sensori continues to grow as more people seek mindful alternatives to traditional drinking culture.
