Entrepreneur Interview: Julia Kessler

July 25, 2023

As part of our Entrepreneur Series, we had the pleasure of getting to know Julia Kessler, co-founder & CEO at Nix & Kix – an all natural, low calorie and vegan beverage company with refreshingly different flavours that lift the spirit. In this interview, we chat to Julia about her background and experience prior to Nix & Kix, and her main inspirations for starting the business. She also shares her insights into the beverage sector, advice for any aspiring entrepreneurs and much more…

 

What was your background prior to starting Nix & Kix? 

Prior to starting Nix & Kix, I had a few years of experience in hospitality and retail and then moved into Supply Chain and Operations. My experience expands from looking after semiconductors, tyres and mobile phones to software and payment devices. At BlackBerry I was leading a global B2B/vendor managed inventory program, with top 5 carriers in EMEA reducing the lead time from 8 weeks to 1 week, resulting in cost savings of + $150m.

 

How would you describe your business in one sentence?

The drink with a ZING! All natural, low calorie, vegan with refreshingly different flavours that lift the spirit. No added sugar, great taste.

 

What was the main inspiration for you starting a business in the drinks sector?

The main inspiration for starting Nix & Kix in the drinks sector stemmed from Kerstin Robinson, and my desire to offer a healthier alternative to traditional soft drinks, which are often loaded with sugars and artificial ingredients. We wanted to create flavorful beverages that not only taste great but also contribute positively to consumers’ well-being.


How did you initially obtain finance for your company, and can you share some tips for those seeking funding?                 

We initially financed Nix & Kix through our own investment and a start up loan. Later on we started raising money from friends and family and business angels. For those seeking funding, my top advice is to have a robust business plan and to network diligently, as building relationships with potential investors is often just as important as the financial support they can provide.


Have you encountered any significant obstacles in your career to date? If so, how have you dealt with them?

Being an entrepreneur, you have to embrace obstacles all the time. From production challenges to misprinted labels to money challenges when a customer goes into administration before paying you. When you experience the first challenge it can feel like it’s the end of the world, but over time you build up resilience and experience to deal with challenges and turn these setbacks into opportunities. 

 

What key trends do you think will impact the drinks sector through 2023 and into 2024?

According to Mintel 2023, Consumers are demanding formulations that help them optimise their mental performance at work, home and play. Trends to watch out for are drinks with Adaptogens, Nootropics and other functional ingredients. Consumers will also pay more attention to ingredients. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has created a lot of noise around the use of aspartame

 

What are your hopes for the future of the business?

My hope for the business is to reach as many consumers as possible and get them to taste the drinks. We provide clean refreshment with a zing which is a very differentiated flavour combination. Once you try it, you want more. 

 

What did you initially look for in a business partner? 

My business partner and I have been friends for a long time before starting the business. We both studied together and have worked together on uni projects. We compliment each other. I am decisive, Kerstin is considerate. I am a big picture person, Kerstin is great at working through the details and feasibility. It works out really well. 

 

If you could have dinner with anybody (past or present), who would it be and why?

David Attenborough. He’s my absolute hero and would love to talk to him about his great ideas on how to save the animal kingdom. 

 

If you could offer a first-time entrepreneur only one piece of advice, what would it be? 

Don’t fall in love with the idea, fall in love with the problem you’re solving and gain a fast understanding if the market is big enough. 

 

Quick fire:

Are you a morning or evening person? Definitely evening.

Where is your favourite place you’ve ever visited? – South Africa. I just love the diversity of the country. 

One item you would bring to a desert island? A notebook.

Your go-to beverage order?  Day time, Nix & Kix.  Evening, Aperol Spritz.

What’s top of your bucket list? Seeing the great migration in Tanzania.

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