October marks National Women's Small Business Month in America, and what better way to celebrate than by highlighting one of our own: Ashley Epperson, the co-founder of Salacious Drinks! Ashley’s story is one of passion, serendipity, and a little bit of bottled water magic.
The Beginning: A Grocery Store Encounter
The origin of Salacious Drinks is as refreshing as the bottles Ashley and her partner sell today. It all started in an ordinary grocery store, where Ashley worked. One day, she was taking a break with her bottled water—a store-brand variety she picked up out of convenience. As fate would have it, a fellow employee walked by. Without even introducing himself, he simply pointed to her bottle and declared, "My water is better. You should try it."
Intrigued by his confidence, Ashley swapped bottles with him, taking her first sip of the brand he offered. She immediately noticed a difference but couldn’t put her finger on why it tasted so much better. She asked him what made it superior, and with a shrug and a grin, he admitted, “I don’t know, it just is.”
That unpretentious honesty sparked a connection, and what started as a casual water swap soon turned into deeper conversations. They bonded over their curiosity about the nuances in bottled water and began to explore the possibilities together.
A Passion for Discovery
As Ashley and her partner spent more time together, they discovered a shared passion for exploring new places and tasting new water brands. Every trip they took—whether it was to the coast, the mountains, or another state—became an opportunity to hunt for unique waters. They’d bring back bottles from small springs, family-owned brands, and international varieties. Their fascination with the differences in taste, mineral content, and origins became the cornerstone of their budding relationship and, eventually, their business idea.
From Passion Project to Business Plan
It didn’t take long for Ashley and her partner to realize that they had amassed an impressive collection of waters—ones they loved and ones they were curious to share with others. But when they looked around, they found there was no centralized marketplace for people like them who wanted to explore the world of bottled water beyond the grocery store shelves. The market was filled with purified and tap options, but where were the natural, single-source waters that highlighted their uniqueness?
That’s when the idea for Salacious Drinks was born. They decided to turn their passion project into an online marketplace that offers consumers an avenue to explore imported and domestic bottled waters from natural, single-source springs. From small brands with rich histories to international favorites loved by locals, they built a platform to showcase waters with stories worth telling.
Building Salacious Drinks
Launching Salacious Drinks was not without its challenges, but Ashley’s commitment to sharing their love for bottled water with the world kept her motivated. She and her partner worked tirelessly to source water brands that met their high standards—natural, untouched, and distinct. They expanded their knowledge, connecting with experts in the field, visiting sources, and partnering with brands that aligned with their philosophy.
For Ashley, it wasn’t just about selling water; it was about creating a community and educating people about the significance of where their water comes from. Today, Salacious Drinks offers a curated selection of waters from around the globe, allowing customers to build their own cases and experience the diversity of water that Ashley and her partner fell in love with.
A Toast to Ashley and Women Entrepreneurs
Ashley’s journey with Salacious Drinks is a testament to the power of passion, curiosity, and partnership. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to bringing something unique to the market demonstrate what National Women’s Small Business Month is all about—celebrating the achievements of women who turn their passions into thriving businesses.
This month, we raise a bottle (or two) to Ashley Epperson and her contribution to the world of natural, single-source waters. We’re proud to share her story and even prouder to have Salacious Drinks as a beacon for what it means to blend passion, discovery, and entrepreneurship.
Here's to exploring more water together and continuing the journey Ashley started, one bottle at a time!