What are you working on?
I’m the Co-Founder and CEO of Altina Drinks. We’re a Canberra-based social enterprise on a mission to shake up the Aussie drinking culture by creating beautiful, innovative and interesting Zero Proof Craft Cocktails that are accessible to everyone. We aim to have an impact through providing an alternative, using our brand as a vehicle for change and partnering with organisations working in the alcohol advocacy and support space.

We’ve just launched our Rethinking Drinking Crowdfunding campaign, where you can buy tickets to our super secret Speakeasy event. We also have other great rewards, such as a Crafty Cocktails eBook, tickets to our launch party and our high sobriety packages, which combine our craft cocktails with a delicious platter for the perfect treat.

Why is innovation important to you?
Innovation is what drives us forward as a society. In my work, it’s the fun part! Creating innovative drinks that surprise and delight people is really important to us as a business, and to me personally. I get a lot of fulfillment out of doing something that no-one else has done before. For example, we just created a drink to help local consulting company Synergy Group launch their new values. I sat down with them to understanding the rationale behind the new values and what it meant to the company, their staff and clients and then created a drink that represents that as an experience – look, taste, smell – that’s exciting!

What drives you to make a difference?
I started Altina Drinks because of my own experience with drinking. I had become caught up in the drinking culture of the consulting industry. I eventually changed my relationship with alcohol, but found that there were no real alternatives that had a complex flavour profile or that magic that made an occasion feel special. Having a background in Chemical Biotechnology and Plant Biology meant that I was uniquely qualified to re-invent methods traditionally used for creating alcoholic drinks to create really interesting cocktails without the alcohol. I want to empower people to spend more time feeling, being and doing good and less time feeling suboptimal because of what they drink. Making a difference drives me to keep making more of a difference!

Do you have any advice for getting more women into the innovation ecosystem?
My advice to any woman thinking about getting into innovation or entrepreneurship is to just get started. Too often we hold off until we have more or know more. Taking that first step really is the hardest. That brings me to my second piece of advice – surround yourself with the right people. People who will encourage you, challenge you, teach you. Your tribe is so important!