We had the good fortune of connecting with Tuffli Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tuffli, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Chris and I have both worked in Energy for 20 years which is how we initially met. Our friendship was rooted in our shared values of family, skiing, golf, hiking, wake surfing, and real estate. Chris, driven by a gluten intolerance, had spent years perfecting flavored seltzer waters with various vodkas.  In February 2019, he introduced me to his Orange Creamsicle and Black Mamba vodka soda blends during a ski trip in Vail.  Impressed by it, I later shared the concoction with friends during a summer gathering in Wisconsin, resulting in an instant hit.

Motivated by an entrepreneurial spirit, I rocognized the potential of brining Chris’s unique drink to the market.  Despite lacking experience in the alcohol industry, I saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market.  In September 2019, I proposed the idea of co-founding a canned cocktail company centered around Chris’s creations.  Although neither of us had formal alcohol experience, Chris enthusiastically embraced the concept.  When faced with the question of how to start a canned cocktail company, my response was, “I have no idea, but together, I’m confident that we can figure it out!”

Additionally, recognizing a shortage of quality gluten-free options, we observed that while seltzers were rapidly gaining popularity, there were limited choices for alcohol-based Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages.  We were determined to offer a superior alternative and set out to create a product that surpassed the available options.

What should our readers know about your business?
VAQIT was launched in Denver last summer with an initial presence in approximately about 20 retail locations.  Since then, we have expanded significantly and are now available in nearly 200 diverse on-premise and off-premise establishments from bars to restaurants, golf courses, Magness Arena, pickleball, axe throwing, and liquor stores! Recently, we expanded into Colorado Springs. To find a VAQIT retailer near you, please check out our store locator (https://letsvaqit.com/contact/) for a store near you or let us know where to bring VAQIT to your neighborhood.

While we conducted our early market testing in Los Angelas, we knew that we wanted to officially launch in Denver. The entire team is deeply connected to Denver and we produce right here in Frederick.  As a local startup, we collaborate closely with businesses in our community to foster mutual, long-term success. Our dedication extends to active engagement with local neighborhoods and foundations that align with VAQIT’s values.  We are committed to being a trusted partner, taking the time to understand our partners goals and contributing to shared successes.

The early success can be attributed to our exceptional team. Operating primarily during evenings and weekends alongside our full-time day jobs, Chris and I have been fortunate to attract key individuals who played crucial roles in our initial progress.  Recognizing the importance of maintaining work-life balance, we demonstrate that sucess can be achieved through organic and authentic growth.  We continue to seek high-achieving, outgoing individuals to join our team and contribute to the ongoing expansion of our brand. This shows that success can be achieved through strategic, paced growth while balancing other commitments.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
No trip would be complete without a stop at Chris’ home for some smoked ribs and a day of wake surfing and tubing on the lake. Then we head to the mountains of Telluride, CO for a skiing or snowboarding excursion and appreciating the smaller town atmosphere that aligns with our preference for a more relaxed environment compared to larger ski resorts.  During our time in Telluride, we prioritize a mid-mountain break at Guiseepe’s for lunch and drinks, with a special mention of their soul-warming gumbo.  Returning to Denver, our evening unfolds with dinner at our favorite sushi spot, Sushi Den, followed by attendance at a Men’s Denver Pioneers Hockey game at Magnus Arena – a fun experience amidst the collegiate sports atmosphere in one of the premier arenas in the country.  

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife, Becky, significantly contributed to the success of VAQIT.  Beyond inspiring the concept, she wholeheartedly endorsed our decision on this crazy journey and navigating the uncertainties that came with it.  In moments of challenging and difficult decisions, Becky’s unwavering support and constructive insights were particularly instrumental, demonstrating her support during both good times and demanding phases.

As Steve Jobs said it best: “If you want to go fast – go alone! But if you want to go far – go together.”

Website: letsvaqit.com

Instagram: @letsvaqit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letsvaqit

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Daphnee Marie & James Barrett

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