CEO of Ghai, Mélanie Masarin, On The Power of Community for Success
November 6, 2024
Melanie founded Ghia, a nonalcoholic aperitif, to change the way we think about drinking and socializing.

Before Ghia, she was the Creative Director and Head of Marketing of Dig Inn, followed by a role as the Head of Retail at Glossier.

"Make sure to listen to your customers! It’s easy to really focus on the business but being customer-centric is what will help your business and keep your customers coming back."

Tell us what’s happening in the N/A spirits market from your vantage point?

There’s a growing awareness and appreciation for quality N/A options, and people are increasingly looking for sophisticated and interesting alternatives to alcoholic drinks. This shift is driven by a broader movement towards wellness and mindfulness, where consumers are prioritizing how they feel and what they consume. Interestingly, we’re seeing that our customer base isn’t just people that don’t drink, but instead 90% of our customers identify themselves as drinkers seeking moderation.

What inspired you to start your business? Did you have an aha moment?

I wanted to make a drink that was better in many senses of the word and that also felt like an invitation to participate since non-drinkers so often feel excluded.

How much do you rely on community to drive your success?

I can’t stress enough how much I rely on the incredible network of founders and friends I’ve built along the way. Having people who truly understand the challenges of entrepreneurship makes a world of difference. We share our wins and our struggles, and it creates this amazing environment where we can lift each other up. I’m also very lucky to have a small but mighty Instagram following that has been very supportive along the way. Sometimes support means sharing feedback as well.

What great tips do you have for running a successful CPG business?

Make sure to listen to your customers! It’s easy to really focus on the business but being customer-centric is what will help your business and keep your customers coming back. There are so many tips for running a successful CPG business but I would say that another important one is to really manage yourself and only get upset about things that can hurt your business long term. It’s a marathon, not a sprint!

Do you have one secret to your success?

One secret to my success is staying true to my vision but also being flexible at the same time. I believe in what Ghia stands for, but I also make sure to adapt to feedback and changes in the market. You have to stay steadfast in your goals but also flexible in how you achieve them.

Who is a woman you admire?

One woman I really admire is my grandmother. She had an incredible knack for hosting and made every gathering feel special. She also had this amazing ability to make everyone feel welcome and at ease, and she always had a delicious spread ready for her guests. Her passion for creating memorable experiences really inspired me to bring that same energy into my own life and work.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

My annual January trip to Costa Rica. It’s my little reset ritual and is really a big thing that I can’t live without. Even when things feel hard I know that eventually, I’ll be in warm water with only my surfboard and no phone which always brings me back to this place of calm.

What is one big trend you’re excited about in 2024?

I'm really excited about the growing focus on mindful wellness. People are becoming more aware of their health and how they approach social situations. It’s all about celebrating moments without compromising on how we feel, and I’m excited to be part of that journey!

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