The Story Behind Hippie Water with Sasha Pieterse & Taylor Eileen Sewell

As I always like to tell people the cannabis beverage industry is still in its early stages, but certain brands are already setting the standard for what’s possible. Hippie Water, co-founded by actress-turned-entrepreneur Sasha Pieterse and food scientist Taylor Eileen Sewell, is quickly carving out a niche for itself with a brand that balances sophistication with accessibility. I sat down with Sasha and Taylor to discuss their journey, the challenges of creating a premium cannabis beverage, and what sets Hippie Water apart from the growing competition.

From Acting to Entrepreneurship: Sasha Pieterse’s Journey

Balancing an acting career with running a business is no easy feat, but for Sasha Pieterse, it was a challenge she welcomed. As CEO and co-founder of Hippie Water, Sasha is deeply involved in shaping the brand, managing responsibilities alongside her acting projects, podcast hosting, and motherhood.

“Honestly, it’s a lot,” Sasha admitted. “But I thrive on that. I love Hippie Water—it was born from a personal need, and I’m all in. It’s about having the right support system, making sure my calendar is structured, and staying passionate about what I do.”

The transition from actress to CEO was an adjustment. “At first, it felt like I was acting,” she laughed. “I had to learn on the spot. But the more I embraced it, the more I realized how much I enjoyed leading and growing something meaningful.”

The Science Behind the Sip: Taylor Eileen Sewell’s Expertise

Taylor, an experienced food scientist, has worked on beverage formulations for major brands, but Hippie Water was the first time she could fully create something from the ground up.

“Making beverages is my muse,” Taylor said. “I’ve developed for many brands, but this was the first time I could design something that I would personally drink every day. We wanted something familiar yet unique, something that fits into everyday life effortlessly.”

A Business Built on Friendship

Unlike many brands that start as business ventures first, Hippie Water was born from a long-standing friendship. Sasha, Taylor, and their husbands have known each other for over a decade. “We joke that we started this business on a double date,” Sasha shared. “We had a game night, and Alex [Taylor’s husband] threw out a business name—Hippie Water. We all looked at each other and said, ‘Wait… that’s actually good.’”

But it wasn’t just about a catchy name. Sasha was looking for a solution to a real problem. “I was never a cannabis user, but I was struggling to find an alternative to alcohol that felt satisfying. When Taylor introduced me to cannabis beverages, I saw the potential. The only problem? I didn’t like anything on the market.”

Crafting the Perfect Product

Creating Hippie Water wasn’t a straightforward process. Taylor conducted extensive research, evaluating 161 different formulations before landing on the final recipes.

“We weren’t just making another cannabis seltzer,” Taylor explained. “Every detail matters—the aroma when you open the can, the mouthfeel, the balance of flavors. We wanted it to feel indulgent but still clean, so we avoided added sugars and artificial ingredients.”

The lineup includes three flavors, each carefully crafted for a specific drinking experience:

• Island Getaway: A vibrant mix of watermelon, lime, and chili with a slight heat reminiscent of a spicy margarita.

• Garden Party: A refined combination of peach, lemon, and ginger designed to feel like an upscale cocktail.

• Winter Groove: A bold blend of pomegranate and blood orange, mimicking a classic sangria.

“The colors, aromas, and taste profiles were all intentional,” Taylor said. “I wanted people to feel excited to pour it into a glass, like a proper craft cocktail.”

The Audience: Who’s Drinking Hippie Water?

While many assumed that Gen Z would be their primary audience, the data told a different story. “Our biggest consumer base? Millennial women,” Sasha revealed. “It’s women who are balancing careers, families, and self-care. They want something that helps them relax without feeling sluggish the next day.”

Sasha had a vision - “That’s the goal. We want this to feel familiar and inviting. You don’t have to go outside and smoke in the corner. You can enjoy it in the same way you would a glass of wine or a cocktail.”

Overcoming Industry Challenges

Developing a cannabis beverage comes with hurdles beyond formulation. Regulations, licensing, and compliance create additional layers of complexity. Fortunately, Taylor’s background in food law made the process smoother than most startups experience.

“Ensuring compliance isn’t the fun part, but it’s necessary,” Taylor said. “That’s why so many companies get stuck. But because I’ve worked with regulatory processes before, we could fast-track a lot of what slows other brands down.”

What’s Next for Hippie Water?

While Hippie Water is still a young brand, the team is already thinking about the future. “We’re working on new formulations,” Taylor teased. “Hopefully, we’ll have something new by summer.”

Sasha added, “We want to expand, but in a way that makes sense for our community. Whether that means new flavors, new product formats, or collaborations, we’re always thinking about what serves our audience best.”

Final Thoughts: The Brands They Admire

When asked about other brands in the space they respect, Taylor immediately pointed to Liquid Death. “They’ve built something beyond the product. Their branding is next-level.”

Sasha highlighted Pamos and Dope Water. “Pamos is redefining the cannabis cocktail experience, and Dope Water makes an amazing sparkling alternative to LaCroix. Both are raising the industry standard, and I love that.”

As for me? I’ve tried a lot of THC beverages, and I can confidently say Hippie Water stands out. The taste, the branding, and the story behind it all make it a brand worth watching.

Final Note: If you haven’t tried Hippie Water yet, it’s worth experiencing. Whether you’re canna-curious or a longtime cannabis consumer, this is one of the brands truly elevating the space. Use code HERBAL20 at check out or just click here for 20% off!