Trust your vision — If you believe in it, so will others. Stick to your guns and don’t let anyone sway you.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dianna Aguilar and Tanya Major.
Dianna Aguilar has a multifaceted background within the product market and entertainment industry. A classically trained actress, she’s a natural visionary and creator — talents that have always lent themselves to entrepreneurship. She has worked directly with clients like Bacardi, Greygoose, Titos, and Patrón on displays for award shows and celebrity parties. She has been a product specialist for GMC, OnStar, and BMW; the latter at which she’s helped generate financial growth as a promotional sales representative for their Performance Center. Dianna lives in Los Angeles for ongoing commercial and theatrical work and travels frequently to Austin — the home base for élevé.
Tanya Major is an actor and entrepreneur, hailing from Montreal, Canada. She has worked in film, television and commercials for 15 years and is equipped with over a decade of experience in marketing and sponsorship strategy. She has traveled throughout Canada and the U.S. as a brand ambassador, product specialist and event manager. Clients include L’Oréal, Visa, Maybelline, Jaguar/Land Rover, Hennessy, GMC, and many more. Tanya worked very closely with Cinco, an experiential marketing agency in their head office in Montreal and on location, developing several projects from conception to execution. She currently splits her time between Los Angeles for acting and Austin, élevé’s headquarters.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Picture this: two best friends, a shared obsession with sparkling water, and a relentless pursuit of wellness. That’s where our journey began. We scoured the market, searching for a sparkling water that was as pure as it was delicious. But after endless taste tests and disappointing labels, we had a lightbulb moment — why not create it ourselves? It wasn’t easy. It took us two years of trial and error, research, and countless late nights before we held that first can of élevé in our hands. But every obstacle made the victory that much sweeter. Today, we’re not just business partners; we’re trailblazers in a healthier, happier way to hydrate.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
Oh, the stories we could tell! One of our favorite moments happened when our best-laid plans went completely awry. We originally wanted to use powdered adaptogens in our drinks, thinking it would be the perfect addition. But during testing, the powders refused to dissolve. Instead, they burned and floated to the top — total disaster! We were devastated, thinking we had hit a dead end. But then, like a miracle, we discovered a small company in Hawaii that specializes in organic liquid adaptogen extracts. These blends mixed seamlessly with our organic flavors, creating a taste that was even more refined than our original concept. The lesson? When life gives you burnt adaptogens, switch to liquid and make magic!
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Our first major blunder? A misprint on our very first batch of cans. We had poured every penny into that production run, only to find out that one tiny, overlooked word was wrong. Imagine our horror — 5,000 cans, and not a single one was perfect. We were mortified. But rather than wallow, we learned to double, triple, and quadruple-check every detail from that moment on. Now, whether it’s a label, a website update, or even a quick email, you can bet we’re scrutinizing it with a magnifying glass. Perfection may be impossible, but we’re determined to get as close as humanly possible.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
At élevé, we’re not just selling sparkling water; we’re selling a movement. We’re all about clean, quality ingredients that nourish the body without any of the junk. So many so-called “healthy” beverages sneak in sugars, sweeteners, or artificial flavors. Not us. We’re on a mission to change that, one can at a time. We’re active in local health and wellness communities, collaborating with other like-minded brands to spread the word. Our goal? To make clean, simple ingredients the norm, not the exception. And if we can play even a small role in helping people live healthier lives, we’ll consider it a success.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
- Drink more water — We’re not just saying this because we sell sparkling water, but hydration is key. Elevé is a great way to stay hydrated while enjoying the added benefits of adaptogens.
- Move your body more — Who says you have to sit during phone calls? We love to take ours while strolling through our neighborhood, getting those steps in while staying productive.
- Limit sugar intake — Ditch those sugary drinks. Trust us, your body will thank you. Elevé offers a delicious alternative without any of the sugar or artificial sweeteners.
- Connect more with loved ones — Life gets busy, but make the time. Whether it’s a quick text or a spontaneous phone call, reconnecting with friends and family is the best kind of therapy.
- Limit screen time before bed — We’re all guilty of it, but try swapping your phone for a good book before bed. You’d be amazed at how much better you’ll sleep.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
We dream of the “élevé lifestyle” — a holistic wellness brand that extends beyond sparkling water. Picture this: podcasts, an app, even a streaming channel dedicated to wellness content. It’s about providing resources for people who are ready to take their health to the next level. We want to be the go-to for anyone looking to elevate their wellness journey, from what they drink to how they live.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
- It’s going to take more time and money than you think it will — We can’t stress this enough. Double your budget, then double it again.
- Don’t wait for the “perfect time” — Perfection is a myth. Start now, learn as you go, and adjust along the way.
- Get comfortable with problem-solving — You’ll spend most of your time troubleshooting, so embrace it as part of the process.
- There are no days off — Building a business is a 24/7 commitment, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.
- Trust your vision — If you believe in it, so will others. Stick to your guns and don’t let anyone sway you.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is near and dear to our hearts. Running a business is tough, and life throws challenges at everyone. It’s vital to take time for yourself before you reach the breaking point. Treat yourself, take those moments to breathe, and remember that it’s okay not to be okay sometimes.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
We’d love to connect! You can follow us on Instagram at @elevewater or visit our website at elevewater.com. Join the movement!
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
