Karin

Karin Mei Butler

Pairing nature's sweetness with hydration in a beverage that gives back.

location: Edmonds, WA

Company: HunniCo

Role: CEO

On HunniCo.

We started with an idea of partnering nature's sweetness with necessary hydration and grew it into a business of kindness, health and community. We've made the first-to-market honey water and give back by supporting education, social justice, and honeybees.

On being a founder.

Being a woman founder has meant more than I thought it would - I am stronger and more capable than I ever thought possible and I hope to inspire others with less representation to find their communities of support and build greatness.

Oprah inspires me in this way - she has built an empire from nothing with authenticity and connection. I find this important to remember, especially as the biggest obstacle I have faced on my journey is being underestimated and undervalued. Traditional investment groups are not always receptive to businesses with founders that look like us, which is why we are so thankful for Wefunder!

The best piece of advice I can give to aspiring women entrepreneurs is to find a great team to help support you through hard times and celebrate the wins.

In leading Hunniwater, I’ve had to move beyond what I knew and lean into doubt and fear. I realized that often that fear was rooted in untruths we were told as girls about how we should move through the world. I quickly learned that our business would stay stagnant if I stayed stagnant, and that I had to lead with courage instead. That’s why, for me, the best thing about being a woman founder is learning about leadership and finding my voice and purpose - it’s so empowering.