In the ever-evolving world of wellness, where health-conscious consumers are constantly seeking innovative ways to boost their well-being, Rosa Li stands out as a trailblazer. She is the founder and CEO of Wildwonder, a company on a mission to make wellness accessible, starting with a better drink for gut health. But Rosa's journey to becoming a wellness entrepreneur is as unique as the products she offers.
Inspired by Family: Rosa Li spent the first 12 years of her life in Beijing being raised by her grandmother, while her parents embarked on a journey to the United States for their own education and stability. While living with her grandmother, Rosa got to drink her grandmother's tonics. The tonics were brewed traditional herbal tonics with wild herbs. These tonics weren't just about flavor; they were packed with health benefits, from immune-boosting properties to stress relief. However, the taste wasn't always easy to savor. As Rosa grew up, her love for food deepened, and she recognized the untapped potential in combining the wisdom of these herbal remedies with modern taste.
Path to Entrepreneurship: Rosa's path to entrepreneurship was marked by various experiences. After graduating from Northwestern undergrad, she pursued a career in finance and worked in private equity in New York City. However, her path eventually led her to San Francisco, where she shifted her focus to early-stage companies and startups. It was during this time that Rosa began experiencing some health issues, which prompted her to seek the expertise of a gut health doctor. The experience was transformative, leading Rosa to a deep exploration of food as medicine. Her journey took her to Stanford Business School, where she honed her entrepreneurial skills and gained valuable insights. Rosa volunteered with various startups to learn the ropes of the business world, and her commitment to learning and gaining practical experience became evident.
The Start of Wild Wonder: Rosa saw an opportunity to create a beverage company founded by a woman of minority ethnicity, inspired by the tonics her grandmother brewed. The result was Wildwonder, a line of pre and probiotic drinks focused on gut health. Each Wildwonder drink is a carefully crafted combination of low sugar, 1 billion probiotics, 5g of dietary fiber, USDA organic certification, vegan, and GMO-free.
Shark Tank: Rosa's journey as an entrepreneur hit another milestone when she appeared on the hit TV show "Shark Tank." She closed a deal with Doordash CEO Tony Xu, securing $500,000 for 9% of her company. The exposure on a national platform catapulted Wildwonder to even greater heights.
Learn more about Rosa by listening to her on Driving Performance.
