Infinite Games – Creating a Healthier Coffee Alternative with Lopa van der Mersch of Rasa

“Right now my question is, is this something that I and only I can do? And I'm prioritizing even more not just for time, but also my energy, and the amount of bandwidth that it takes.” – Lopa van der Mersch

Lopa van der Mersch is Founder and CEO of Rasa, a brand of adaptogenic tonics often used as coffee replacements. Her background in molecular biology and yoga studies led her to seek a healthier alternative to coffee. She founded Rasa in 2018, and the brand now boasts 20 employees, a lineup of eight adaptogenic products, and a $5 million run rate.

To listen to Lopa’s bonus interview and learn more about the habits and routines that support her success, click here.

For more, explore the transcript of this episode. 

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Chapters in Part 1 of this interview:

• Rasa as a company and an adaptogenic blend
• Lopa’s background and the creation of Rasa
• The concept of energy intelligence
• The Rasa product line
• The importance of herb sourcing and trained staff to Rasa’s success
• How branding and product quality breeds customer loyalty
• The challenges and rewards of being a founder

Links from Part 1

• Connect with  Lopa: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | Website
• Celestial Seasonings
• Changbai mountains
• Yogi Tea
• Pukka Tea
• Forbes
• Daily Beast
• EOS - Entrepreneurial Operating System

Terminology

• Adaptogens
• Cortisol
• Melatonin
• Adenosine
• Neuroendocrine system
• HPA (Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis
• SAS (Sympathoadrenal)
• Ayurveda
• Shatavari
• Ashwagandha
• Hashimoto's Disease
• Theobromine
• Elderberry
• Kanna
• MDMA
• Reishi
• Chaga
• CPG - Consumer Packaged Goods

Books Recommended by Lopa

• Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans by Michaeleen Doucleff
• Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
• Conscious Leadership: Elevating Humanity Through Business by John Mackey
• Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown

Key Takeaway

Lopa does a fantastic job of explaining the allure of a coffee substitute, and how adaptogens can fill that role in a healthier way:

“I like to think of coffee as a little bit of a blunt object for your energy. It's going to work, it's going to do the thing. But the reason that you get such a lift from it is that it is directly stimulating your central nervous system. And if you think about it, like, a loud bang also stimulates your central nervous system really well.“

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