Hidden Gems: Meet Divya Yoder of Original Elderberry

Today we’d like to introduce you to Divya Yoder. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Original Elderberry Company was founded in 2019 by a mom on a mission to boost her family’s immunity. Mother to two young boys, Divya Yoder was looking for a natural health product to cure common ailments, but was unable to find one locally that was palatable and effective in boosting immunity.

After extensive research, Divya decided to put her desire to provide a healthy solution for her family to the test by creating her own recipe. Drawing upon memories of ancient and time-tested medicinal remedies from her native India, Divya concocted a potent blend using pure ingredients, such as Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and local raw honey. In addition to being powerfully curative, Divya’s boys LOVE the taste of Original Elderberry products. These products have made a huge impact on her family and the local community which is why she wants to share this great product with you!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle so far has been inflation. We have kept most of our pricing the same as we want to keep providing affordable prices to our customers. With many items on the rise, we don’t want our customers to have to worry about another item increase.

Even though this business has had its challenges, I’m happy to say that, overall, it has been a smooth, upward trajectory.

We’ve been impressed with Original Elderberry Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Original Elderberry Co. brand focuses on all-natural, organic products targeted to boost the immune system.

Each ingredient is selected intentionally for its benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants and vitamins, and much more. Original Elderberry Co. prides itself on not using any artificial sweeteners or refined sugars, like other similar products in the market – our Elderberry Syrup contains local, raw honey, which not only deliciously sweetens, but helps fight allergies as well. And it’s only 3 grams of sugar per tablespoon! The health of our customers is what we care about, which is why each and every ingredient is chosen with such care.

Not only has our Syrup been tested and nutritional facts acquired, but we have streamlined our production process to ensure that every single one of our products meets all safety measures and standards and NK. This change to our process has definitely improved efficiency so that we are able to meet the needs of our customers.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and are any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Starting a business is always challenging, regardless of your intentions and knowledge of the market. I started the Original Elderberry Company because I wanted to share these products with my local community and because I wanted the personal challenge of building something from the ground up. The biggest obstacle so far was the emergence of COVID-19, which effectually caused our products to skyrocket.

At first, the business struggled to maintain any inventory at all, and the increase in the cost of elderberries significantly altered prior working capital levels. It was definitely a learning experience, and I have since become a member of the Elderberry Trade Association – I am grateful to have the additional knowledge and support from our counterparts all over the country.

Pricing:

• $31.99 Organic Elderberry Syrup
• $39.99 Organic Elderberry Gummies
• $39.99 Organic Elderberry ON.THE.GO Tincture
• $14.99 Organic Elderberry Tea

Contact Info:

• Website: www.OriginalElderberryCo.com
• Instagram: www.Instagram.com/OriginalElderberryCo
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/OriginalElderberryCo
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCnC7DedovNxYLeBzUuoiIng
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/QBKnvaC6Ysb

Image Credits
Life Created and Brittany Christine