A Modern Spin on Native Wisdom

Words by Guadalupe Triana Photo By Eric Morales

For co-founders Vicente Reyes and Oliver Shuttlesworth, Mayawell is a project that’s been years in the making. The innovative prebiotic drink is the result of a collaboration between two people aiming to put a modern twist on a treasured succulent.

Mayawell, as the bottle’s label clearly states, is a bubbly prebiotic tonic that offers numerous scientifically-backed health benefits: the main one being essential prebiotic fibers that support an immune system boost and aid digestion. But with its playful agua fresca-like approach, it’s easy to forget that, at its core, Mayawell is an agave-based health drink.

The bubbly tonic is the result of two entrepreneurs hoping to make a social impact with a beverage that draws people in, not only for its benefits but also with its story and adaptability.

As an early pioneer in the mezcal industry, Vicente began researching the benefits of the agave plant with a team of scientists. While working in Mexico, Vicente hoped to find a way to bring his new-found knowledge to the States.

Meanwhile, Oliver was in New York participating in an accelerator program where he realized where his true passion lay: creating a socially-
conscious business. It was through their shared goal of making a social impact that the two were connected by a mutual friend.

“A beautiful coincidence,” Vicente admits. “It was perfect timing, perfect synchronicity—which is [what] happens when something is meant to be.”
For both Oliver and Vicente, the vision for Mayawell remains the same: to find new ways to introduce the health benefits of the agave plant. They believe there’s a huge opportunity to create a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, both in the United States and in Mexico.

“It’s an opportunity to introduce prebiotics” into the everyday diet. Oliver says that their goal is “to be one of the pioneering voices as people start to [value] the benefits of both prebiotics and a fiber-rich diet.”

The multi-occasion beverage touts several appealing flavors like Pineapple Mango Turmeric, Pear Lime Green Tea, and Strawberry Ginger Hibiscus. The duo explain that the drink is meant to be enjoyed whenever and wherever: post-workout, with lunch, or as a mealtime aid.

However, the drink’s versatility doesn’t stop there. Mayawell can also be enjoyed in a mocktail or cocktail, making the tonic a great mixer and, above all, an adaptable, innovative, tasty beverage.

Native Knowledge
Mayawell beverages can be found at various establishments around town, including Royal Blue Grocery, Quickie Pickie, Mr. Natural, Cherrywood Coffeehouse, Rebel Cheese, and Mañana, the coffee and bake shop located inside the South Congress Hotel, where Oliver suggests ordering a house-made paleta and pairing it with any of the three Mayawell flavors.

Contact:
drinkmayawell.com
@drinkmayawell