Meet the Founder Behind Vitaminis, Nutritious Vitamin Drink Shots for Kids and Families

Today we had the opportunity to pull Leslie Danford, founder of Vitaminis, aside to ask a few questions about her nutritious vitamin drink shots and how they might be beneficial to new mothers in a hurry. Try a Vitaminis 12 pack for yourself for 20% off with the discount code CNMG20, go ahead and give it a shot!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

Prior to founding Vitaminis, I had a traditional corporate career in hospitality, management consulting and consumer products.  When I lost my corporate role because of the pandemic, I decided to combine my personal passion for children's nutrition and my formal training in consumer products by launching my own business.  My mission is to provide better, more nutritious snacks and beverages for families, that address common health concerns and always taste delicious, without added sugar or mystery ingredients.

My mother reminded me that when I was seven years old, I wrote and illustrated a short story, asked to borrow money from her to make copies of it, and then sold it on the corner outside the local drug store for 5 cents apiece.  I guess you could say the entrepreneurial spirit started early!  In high school I told my dad I wanted to be a CEO, and in college I founded a club called the Chicago Entrepreneurial Group (where I ended up meeting my husband!), so although the decision to start my own company seemed risky and a huge change from the corporate career I had been in for many years, it almost seems destined in retrospect.

Why did you create Vitaminis? How did you come up with the ideas?

In 2020 I got laid off from my job in hospitality as a result of the pandemic and our daycare and school were shut down.  I had more time on my hands and was thrown into primary caregiver role.  I have always been disappointed in the convenient family friendly snacks and beverages I saw in the market, which were full of sugar and void of nutritional value.  This was really brought home when I was fully in charge of feeding the kids all of their meals and snacks!

When we were getting ready to send our kids back to school, there were few natural and convenient options to boost their immunity aside from super-sugary gummy vitamins.  We also dealt with a bout of constipation during this time and wanted a more natural solution than laxatives.  I had my aha moment!!  The market needed a natural food and beverage solution for minor health concerns that suits the whole family, with no added sugar or mystery ingredients. The idea for Vitaminis was born.

Why can Vitaminis be beneficial to new moms?

Whether you are working or stay at home, there is no one being pulled in more directions than a mom!  We are all look for convenience and ways to save time, but we also don’t want to compromise when it comes to the products we feed our kids.  For those moms looking for no added sugar, nutrition and tasty, convenient servings, Vitaminis is the total package.

Share a bit more about the benefits to families?

Vitaminis offers the vitamins and probiotics needed to support Immune System function and gut health that can be hard to work into your diet through fruits and vegetables alone.  It’s small and shelf-stable, so easy to throw into a lunch box or mix into a smoothie to ensure you are getting the nutrients you need to prevent bigger health concerns.  We have moms, dads and kids working Vitaminis into their routines.  It’s great for the whole family!

Who do you recommend Vitaminis for? 

Anyone ages 4 and up!

How do you incorporate Vitaminis into you and your family’s day?

We love grabbing Vitaminis for a quick and easy small snack, particularly if it’s getting close to mealtime and we don’t want to spoil little appetites.  We also mix them into smoothies and toss them in lunch boxes.  My husband has a Vitaminis with his breakfast, since he loves orange juice, but doesn’t want a huge amount of sugar in his diet (it hits the spot!)  We are also looking for ways to incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar into our routine, and it mixes really well with Vitaminis Immune Support. So many ways!

What’s next for Vitaminis?

Two big things on the horizon: 1) we are launching Gut Health, a one-of-kind shelf stable drink shot with probiotics and fiber for gut health and regularity.  It took us almost a year to develop this formula, and we are so excited to work it into our routine, and to have a natural alternative to address constipation and tummy troubles.  2) We are working hard to get into retail this year!  Shipping juice is expensive, and many families don’t shop online for their groceries and supplements.  We are in conversations with a couple of local and national retailers to get broader distribution soon.

Where can we purchase Vitaminis?
On our website and on Amazon.  We are working hard to get into retail… stay tuned!

Right now Chicago New Moms Group blog readers receive 20% off their purchase of a Vitaminis 12 pack to try for themselves with the code VITAFAM20. Discount applicable only to purchases made on the website vitaminisbrand.com.