The CEO of a ‘funky’ powdered latte company, financially backed by Meghan Markle, is a California free spirit who travels the world hoping to convince the world of the power of mushrooms and stress-relieving plants known as’ adaptogens ‘.
Hannah Mendoza founded Clevr Brands in January 2019, after initially selling her powdered drinks in a pop-up coffee shop.
It emerged on Sunday that Markle had invested in the brand, after Oprah Winfrey – who attended Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding – promoted the products on her Instagram.
‘On Christmas Day, my neighbor’ M ‘sent me … a basket of goodies! (Yes that M), ‘said Oprah, with a crown emoji.
‘My new favorite drink for the morning and evening.
‘I wish I had Clevr Blends sooner because I would have added it to my favorite things list,’ she told her 19 million followers.
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Markle appeared on CNN Monday to thank the “ silent heroes ” of the pandemic
Oprah posted the products to her Instagram page on Sunday night, giving the brand a massive plug for her 16 million followers
Markle then issued a statement confirming her investment in the company. She has not specified her commitment.
“This investment is to support a passionate female entrepreneur who prioritizes building a community next to her business,” said Markle.
“I am proud to invest in Hannah’s commitment to source ethical ingredients and create a product that I personally love and that takes a holistic approach to wellness. I believe in her and I believe in her company. ‘
Mendoza co-founded the company in January 2019 with 31-year-old Roger Coppola.
The couple both attended UC Santa Barbara, and Mendoza graduated in 2014.
Clevr Blends CEO and co-founder Hannah Mendoza, who graduated from university in 2014
Some of the goods sold on the Clevr Blends website include a ‘golden’ turmeric ‘super-latte’ and ‘macha super-latte’
Her address is listed as a $ 1.2 million home in Berkeley, and her social media feed is full of posts promoting wellness and positive thinking.
In October, Mendoza posted a photo of itself in hiking gear, beaming next to a giant mushroom growing out of a tree trunk.
“Hannah had one of those mushroom awe moments (a common theme on the Clevr team),” she wrote.
‘Mushrooms should make you believe in magic – they are ancient organisms that talk to each other, live every inch of the earth, and heal our bodies in unimaginable ways.
Did you know that the largest living being ON EARTH is a mycelial network !? Aka a mushroom! ‘
In November, Mendoza showed a photo from one of their suppliers in Santa Barbara, describing the Sweet Mountain Top farm as “a tough team of peasant women, on a mountain, growing flowers and medicinal herbs in the clouds.”
Markle is said to have contacted the company after tasting their products for herself in 2017.
Mendoza confirmed Markle’s investment, saying, “Entrepreneurs need financing, but they also need consultants who care deeply about what they are building.
‘I am grateful to have found both in the Duchess of Sussex.
‘Her passion for what we create is palpable, and I couldn’t imagine a more harmonious partnership.
“We are excited for the road ahead.”
Clevr Blends has a range of powdered ‘superlattes’ that cost $ 28 for each 14-cup pack, and come in flavors like turmeric and matcha.
They also sell what’s billed as ‘organic Colombian arabica coffee mixed with oat milk and coconut cream powered by adaptogens, mushrooms and probiotics naturally sweetened with monk fruit’.
It also sells an $ 18 milk frother and a sold-out travel mug.
They all contain adaptogens – natural compounds, usually derived from plants, that supposedly help the body counteract and adapt to stress.
Mendoza founded Clevr Blends after setting up a ‘funky coffee pop up bar’.
We traveled along the California coast mixing adaptogenic lattes and mushroom coffee in the back of a van. It was great, ”she writes on the company’s website.
‘Our drinks made people feel great, but it was hard to recreate at home.
‘We needed an easier way to bring these magical elixirs into people’s daily rituals … so we went to the kitchen!
‘We went on a mission to make the most delicious, nutrient-rich instant latte in the world.
“After 1 year of formulation and meticulous sourcing of ingredients later, our SuperLattes were born!”
The company says it sources and makes all of its goods in Santa Barbara.
It says it uses only organic or non-GMO ingredients, and they also want to donate “a percentage of our revenue to organizations fighting for food justice in the US.”
Before Mendoza started working in the superfood sector, he worked as a volunteer English teacher in Brazil.
The company sells prepackaged superfood based latte powders that require only water
Clevr Blends is also partnering with a ‘queer BIPOC main group’ that focuses on ‘regional mutual aid and community resilience – to improve food justice projects’
Markle’s investment is the first since she and Harry left royal life earlier this year to pursue a private life and seek ‘financial independence’ from the royal family.
Their departure caused shock waves from the royal family and came after months of rumors of disagreement.
In their role as senior royals, they could not have made private investments.
But now they are free to make business deals with the likes of Netflix, with whom they’ve struck a deal for a reported $ 100 million.
They have also collected checks for speaking at private gatherings since they quit royal life in January 2020 after complaining about press intrusion.
On Monday, Meghan also appeared on CNN in a pre-recorded video message to thank the “ silent heroes ” of the pandemic.
She also recently wrote for The New York Times and revealed that she had miscarried.