Life & Work with Stephanie Tangen

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
A few years ago, I got sick and found out that I was gluten intolerant. Our favorite meal of the day is breakfast and you would find us on many a Saturday and Sunday at our local restaurant or home entertaining and having a Bloody Mary. After one of these outings, I didn’t feel right and researched and found out that many Bloody Mary mixes have gluten in them.

We set out to come up with a recipe that did not have gluten. Through many taste tests, we came up with our recipe. We began to serve this to our family and friends and many thought it was the best that they had tasted! They encouraged us to start to sell our mix. We decided to give it a try. First, we needed a name! The name is UFFDA Juice came about at a Christmas gathering at my husband’s parents’ house. We asked for names for our bloody mary mix that we would be trying to sell. Being mostly Norwegian, the You Betcha’s and Uffda’s began to fly! UFFDA Juice stuck! In May of 2020, I began making it in our kitchen and selling it at Farmer’s Markets. UFFDA Juice took off to the point that I could not keep up. Currently, we have a bottler and have it in stores in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and North Dakota and looking to expand into other areas.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing is ever smooth. I tried to find someone for 1 1/2 years that would bottle it.

I finally found my company and then kept on them for a long time until they agreed. In 2020, many people started up food businesses, and small manufacturers were swamped. I knew nothing about the food and beverage industry. It has been a learning process all the way! What licenses do I need? The best way to market it. Through trial and error and lots of mistakes you grow and learn.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have always had a creative side. I love to decorate and entertain. I started a business Verve Design with the idea of going into homes and using what they already have to make their home a place of peace.

A place where they walked in the door they were welcomed with peace and relaxation. I have a knack for creating spaces that are cozy, warm, and inviting. I also love to entertain and try to create the same environment for friends and family when entertaining.

My creativity has helped me in marketing UFFDA Juice. Coming up with the labels and helping with the creation of the website and marketing or product. This is where I shine! I love going out to the different businesses and marketing UFFDA Juice and forming relationships with the business owners.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
Reach out to those that know about your industry. I tried to figure out a lot of things on my own and wasted a lot of time! Some have gone before you lean on their expertise. There is no shame in asking for help.