Today we’d like to introduce you to Enriqueta Coll.
Hi Enriqueta, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started making Limonazza® from home approximately 25 years ago. It was created looking to help two of my three kids with their digestive problems. Flax seeds, even though it is an ancient seed, had just become known in Venezuela, the country we are originally from. I was so fascinated by the benefits of flax seeds to the digestive and anti-inflammatory systems that I created and tested many different recipes aimed to incorporate flax seeds in a drink that would naturally help my kids with their problems while substituting carbonated drinks or juices that are high in sugar. That was the beginning of Limonaza, as was named by my husband.
Limo-from limon (the translation of lime in Spanish) and Naza-from linaza (the translation of flax seeds in Spanish). Many years later, we incorporated Aloe Vera (Zabila in Spanish) to the recipe and the letter “Z” was added to the name converting it to Limonazza. After moving to the United States in 2003 and working as a Research Scientist for 13 years, I was laid off in 2018 when the Research Department came to an end, just one year after my husband passed away. At that point, following a period of praying and searching for a new job, with the support of my children I decided to change my life completely, bringing the wellness of Limonazza to the people because I love to live a healthy life, we love Limonazza and we know how beneficial it can be to the body.
Limonazza® is now a registered trademark drink that combines the countless health benefits of flax seeds, limes and aloe vera, made by the family-owned company E5 Drinks. Its name is the integration of the five members of our family in which all members have names that start with the letter E. It has been a family tradition to be identified as the E5 family and although one of the members (dad) is not physically present, we kept him in the name E5Drinks, because in one way or another, we are all integrated in the business. We are committed to bringing the richness of family traditions in our drinks to contribute to the well-being of the consumer.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. First, starting a new business in an area completely different to what I have done during my whole life, but guided by God and the passion in my heart, with the help and effort of the whole integrated family. Then, the pandemic. We started our business with a lack of resources but full of energy and motivation, on May 31st of 2019, offering Limonazza in various Farmers Markets throughout Central Florida. With only a few months attending farmers’ markets, we had to close due to COVID19.
We were shut down, and for some time, without a direction to follow. But because we were so inspired, we used that period to learn more about business and marketing strategies, while we started selling and delivering directly to friends, family, and some of the few customers that we had from the markets. We also increased our presence in social media and improved our website to start selling online. It has been extraordinarily challenging; however, we are blessed to keep going during and after the stroke of the pandemic and continuing fighting against the circumstances.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Limonazza is a very novel drink prepared with organic flax seeds, fresh squeezed lime juice and organic aloe vera. It is the first and only drink with flax seeds as its main ingredient as well as the first and only drink that combines the three ingredients (flax seeds, limes, and aloe vera). Limonazza is 100% natural, gluten-free, 93% organic and without artificial color or preservatives. Our homemade family recipe combines the numerous benefits of an ancient seed (flaxseed) with the therapeutic properties of a cactus-like plant (aloe vera) and the refreshing and healthy components of lime. Their combination creates a blend of omega 3, lignins, soluble fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Some of the health benefits related to the ingredients of Limonazza are associated with the digestive, cardiovascular and immune systems, inflammation, control of cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar. We have very much listened to client testimonials of the refreshing flavor and the benefits of the product specifically related to the digestive system, in particular for constipation, when taken on a daily basis.
Offered in 16 ounces bottles, half-gallon, and gallon; unsweetened or sweetened with either organic brown sugar, organic stevia or honey, this beverage can be taken as a refreshing and healthy drink or as a therapeutic drink, when is desired to incorporate its health benefits in your daily routine. Limonazza can be purchased on our website and some local shops, as well as in farmer’s markets. Our social media have the most up-to-date locations and events in which we will participate. Furthermore, because we are committed to be part of the people and organizations that are putting effort to support healthiness and education to enjoy a healthier life, we also offer to bring Limonazza to corporate meetings, reunions, or private events. Because our vision is to contribute to the well-being of the people through a healthy and refreshing beverage, supporting noble causes and keeping alive family traditions, we have donated Limonazza to employees of health centers, honoring those who care. It is our commitment to sustain serving, collaborating with diverse communities, engaging each other with empathy and compassion.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
COVID-19 has forced us to learn many important lessons. I would say that the most important is perseverance, do not stop pursuing your dream, no matter the circumstances. We have learned new ways to be connected with the world and the customers through social media and the many platforms developed in the last years. We learned to adapt to the situations, to survive by being positive of the future, creating new plans, shifting gears to continue being alive, opening minds and doors for new opportunities; learning that something could always happen that could be bigger and stronger than your plans and we must be ready for the change.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@limonazza.com
- Website: www.limonazza.com
- Instagram: @limonazza
- Facebook: @limonazza
Image Credits
Dovetail Photo
