Okay, grab your mate gourds, friends, because I'm about to tell you a story – a love story, actually, but not the kind you might expect! It all began through my partner, a true Argentinian, born and raised in the breathtaking Ushuaia. He introduced me to something that has now changed my life: Yerba Mate. Seriously, it was love at first sip.

Now, I've never been a coffee person. It just never felt right – the jitters, the underlying anxiety, it wasn't for me. I knew mate was known for its natural energy, but I hadn't really explored it beyond that. Initially, that energy boost was what I noticed most. But later this started to develop. After a while of enjoying my daily mate, I began to feel further positive effects. I started to notice a straight line focus, a mental clarity I'd never quite experienced before. & that clarity then blossomed into a peaceful, more centered headspace. It felt exciting & a little surreal to suddenly hold this revitalised feeling. Then, I started noticing even more benefits. My immunity seemed stronger, my recovery was faster, and even my skin had a healthy glow. The mate most definitely started working its magic from the inside out!

But yerba mate is more than just a drink; it's an experience. It's about connection. In Argentina, mate is traditionally shared in a round, passed from friend to family, all sipping from the same gourd. It's a beautiful, communal ritual that emphasizes sharing & togetherness. It's a reminder of the importance of slowing down & connecting with the people around you.

From that first sip to experiencing the incredible benefits firsthand, I knew I had to share this with the world. The seed of this business, "Not Your Brew," was planted during a Christmas holiday trip back home. We were trying to restock our own mate supply as well as for family & friends (who also fell in love), but the import taxes & delivery costs were insane! It was practically impossible to get good quality yerba at a reasonable price. That's when it sunk in:  This is what WE need to do.

"Not Your Brew" isn't just about selling Yerba Mate; it's about sharing the whole experience. It's about showing people that yerba is so much more than a coffee replacement. It's not just another "brew." It's something special, something different. It's about embracing a lifestyle that values natural energy, mental clarity, & connection. It’s about sharing this incredible tradition with South Africa and beyond! & that, my friends, is a journey I'm so excited to be on.