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Pioneering Her Product

On her path to healing, Prendy came up with the idea for a form of wellness water. She began experimenting with chia seed water, known to aid digestion. However, she did not enjoy the texture of the seeds, so Prendy looked for alternatives. 

Soon after, Prendy came across algae — a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids. Intrigued by its potential, Prendy conducted thorough research and discovered its numerous health benefits. 

“These acids not only promote gut health but also help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, both of which I’ve struggled with,” said Prendy. 

Omega-3s, primarily found in fish oil and certain marine algae, have been widely studied for their ability to reduce inflammation in both the gut and the brain. Research suggests that these essential fatty acids support the gut microbiome, enhance cognitive function, and even improve mood regulation by influencing neurotransmitter activity.

Trial Run

To evaluate the efficacy of algae, Prendy conducted a 10-day trial period involving 25 fellow ������Ƶ students as test subjects. 

Twelve students were administered lime water, while 13 students received water infused with algae. The participants in the algae-based group reported experiencing regular bowel movements, increased energy levels, and reduced bloating. 

“It was a small study, but it gave me a lot of starting insight into my customer discovery and feedback process,” said Prendy. 

The identification of tangible improvements in the participants’ health provided Prendy with the motivation she needed, confirming that her venture was progressing in the right direction.

Why Trust Beverages

Prendy’s drive to create Trust Beverages was also fueled by her passion for entrepreneurship. 

“I’ve always aspired to be an entrepreneur because I have a creative side that I don't get to fully utilize in my everyday life. I find myself constantly coming up with new ideas and solutions, and the thought of bringing them to life excites me,” said Prendy. 

Prendy credits one of her biggest sources of inspiration to the podcast How I Built This, which features interviews with entrepreneurs from the founders of recognizable startups. 

She shared that listening to their stories and learning about their journeys has been deeply inspiring, especially when she hears how they found the courage and determination to transform their ideas into successful products.

Inspired by Innovation

Prendy has also found inspiration in two beverage companies, Poppi and Liquid Death. She admires their marketing and advertising strategies, from featuring influencer Alix Earle in Super Bowl commercials to redefining drinking water as “cool.” Drawing from these examples, she envisions her own brand not only reaching retail shelves but also becoming a product that people genuinely love and seek out. 

Her ultimate goal is to create something that resonates with consumers, adds value to their lives, and stands as a testament to creativity, hard work, and passion.

Milestones and Momentum

Since launching Trust Beverages in September, Prendy has achieved significant milestones. She has been invited to present her product at the TIA Entrepreneur Showcase in April and selected to compete in the regionals of the New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC). These opportunities not only validate her hard work and vision but also serve as exciting steps toward expanding her brand’s reach and introducing her product to a larger audience.

Looking into the Future

With her vision coming to life, Prendy is eager to refine every aspect of her product. As she continues its development, she plans to perfect the flavor by experimenting with the resources available on campus. Beyond that, she is focused on presenting her product in the best possible way and seizing investment opportunities at both the TIA Entrepreneur Showcase and the NYBPC, pushing her brand one step closer to success.

Words of Wisdom

One of the most impactful pieces of advice Prendy has received didn’t come from an entrepreneur, but from her writing and rhetoric professor, Jeff Spires: “No one will care unless you care.” This lesson has stayed with her, reinforcing the belief that passion and dedication are essential to success. 

“I truly believe that if your heart and passion aren’t in your venture, it will show — and people won’t want to buy your product or invest in your idea,” said Prendy.

More than a Product, a Mission to Inspire

Prendy understands that building a successful brand goes beyond just creating a great product — it is about embodying a mission that resonates with people.

 “I hope that my dedication and passion behind the development of this product, as well as how it’s presented on the market, are evident,” began Prendy. 

“My goal is for people to see how much I care about supporting those in eating disorder recovery, struggling with mental health challenges, or simply looking to improve their gut and brain health because these are such vital parts of our overall well-being.”