Three Friends Raise $100K in Seed Funding for Non-Alcoholic Beverage Startup

A Friendship Turned Business Venture

Shanna Watkins, Darean Rhodes, and Ashlyn Knox have built a powerful bond through years of friendship, and now they are combining their strengths to launch a groundbreaking non-alcoholic beverage brand. The trio is determined to make an impact in a market that is expected to reach $2.18 trillion by 2030. With diverse career experiences, they have come together to create Sensori, a drink designed to offer a unique state of euphoria through the use of functional ingredients like kanna, reishi, lion’s mane, and green tea.

The development of Sensori began with months of experimentation with their first flavor, raspberry cucumber. After refining the recipe, the team reached out to a formulator and established a formal partnership. Their journey was influenced by several key moments, including encouragement from Watkins’ fiancé at the time, Julion Pearre, who is now her husband. He inspired her to create an alternative to alcohol after hearing her frustrations about existing products not meeting her expectations.

Wellness and Intentionality

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the trio became more mindful of their health and wellness. Although their drinking habits increased during this time, they also adopted positive routines such as reading, virtual workouts, and exploring wellness topics together. This shift in focus led them to discuss supplements and natural ways to manage stress and anxiety.

Watkins, who left her eight-year PR career to fully commit to Sensori, shared on the “Sistervention” podcast that their journey has been a long time coming. She emphasized how their conversations around wellness and self-care have shaped their vision for the brand.

Early Success and Recognition

Since its official launch in February 2025, Sensori has gained popularity, especially among women in major cities like Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. The brand has seen significant success, including a viral moment on TikTok and selling out of all 5,000 cans within 115 days.

Sensori has also received recognition and support through various opportunities. They participated in Impact Ventures’ accelerator program and were named a semi-finalist in Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize. Additionally, their product is available in boutique wellness studios and spas, including Float Wellness Spa, Wesley, Evolve Human Optimization Labs, and WorldSprings.

Raising Capital and Building Trust

In a significant milestone, Sensori raised $100,000 in seed funding. Investors included companies like Block/Square, 19keys, and Johnson & Johnson, as well as medical sales leaders, real estate developers, a former retail executive, and Crystal Chanel, founder of “Sistervention.”

Watkins shared her excitement about the funding round, highlighting how it came together organically. She noted that the team had been transparent from the start, sharing their journey openly on social media. When they announced their fundraising efforts on Instagram, they received numerous messages from people who had been supporting them quietly.

“We’re already making our way into wellness studios across Dallas and are in early conversations with Whole Foods as we expand our footprint,” Watkins said. “Right now, we feel incredibly energized and laser-focused on helping people drink different — to feel good today, tonight, and tomorrow.”