Whisp Drinks launched in September 2020. Created by personal trainer Harriet Cuming, these hard seltzers are perfect drinks for those who want to drink less and drink better. Whisp Hard seltzers are 100% sourced and made in the UK, they even contain a milk thistle to help tackle inflammation and support a healthy liver.
Whisp is a plastic-free, plant-based, and climate positive brand. Trees are planted per month to offset their CO2 emissions. Whisp is also one of only 19% of UK startups founded by women. Whisp hard seltzers are available in two amazing flavours Cucumber & Mint and Raspberry & Elderflower. We asked Harriet a few questions about how she started her journey.
Hi Harriet, we are dying to know — how did you become a founder of the hard seltzer brand and what was your journey into your current role?
WHISP was launched centered around the idea of balance. I was working for Bacardi and also a PT on the side, this involved a lot of late nights (with alcohol) and early mornings. Whisp was the answer to enjoying a few drinks the night before and still being fresh eyed and bushy tailed the next morning. I think in today’s world, people are more and more interested in what goes into their body so creating a drink with minimal ingredients that is delicious and healthIER than a lot of other alcoholic drinks is a win win to me.
Did you start the venture alone? What were the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I originally left my full time job with a business partner to launch the company with, after multiple occasions where he let me down we went separate ways. It is now just me and it has definitely had its highs and lows. I think not having a business partner is tricky, no one to bounce ideas with, no one to celebrate wins or get through the hard times. My family and boyfriend are great and listen to me endlessly talk about Whisp but i guess someone on the same page as me is fairly different.
The biggest challenge to date is that large brands (such as Coca Cola) are launching hard seltzers and have a lot of £££ behind them in order to win the large accounts that we are also after. Hopefully people will prefer the underdog and support us in the long run.
Hard seltzers continue to grow in popularity. Why do you think they hold such appeal?
I touched on this earlier, but an increasing awareness of our own health, what we eat/drink and also the planet’s health is huge. A strive as a business to be environmentally friendly and also create a product where the consumer understands exactly what each ingredient is that is going into their body. This coupled with the low calorie, low sugar and guilt free way to enjoy a drink is a no-brainer!
Aside from its all-natural ingredients and incredible taste, what sets Whisp apart from other hard seltzer brands?
It is female founded - to date I don’t think there are any other solo female founded hard seltzer brands. We also add milk thistle into our drinks - this is our secret detox hero to help tackle inflammation and liver function.
When the Covid-19 pandemic is over, what’s the first thing you’re going to do?
Take Whisp to any and every festival I can and get it out to the world!
How do you like to unwind after a hard day at the office?
With a chilled Whisp in a hot bubble bath!
What advice would you give to people on how to deal with stress at a lockdown?
Change your surroundings - get out for some fresh air. A brief time out can change your perspective a lot. I think we have been living, working, eating, exercising etc in the same 4 walls for too long and a change in scenery can work wonders.
Or… get a dog! My dog has been a life saviour - she knows when I’m upset and need a hug and also drags me outside multiple times a day.