Alana Andrews – SWEY

Alana Andrews is a trailblazing Generation Z entrepreneur. As the founder of the So Positive Initiative (SPI), which helps elementary and middle schoolers gain leadership skills and grow in confidence, a 14-time published author, and a motivational speaker, Alana has really done it all before graduating college. However, her most well-known and noteworthy accomplishment thus far is her sports drink brand SWEY (Strong, Wise, Energetic, Youth) that was created when she was just 16 years old.

The beginning of SWEY was born when Alana was eight years old. She was diagnosed as prediabetic and overweight for her age, but no diet plans were put in place; instead, her pediatrician suggested an increase in physical activity. Around the same time, a nutritionist visited her elementary school and talked about good eating and living a healthy lifestyle. Inspired, Alana went home and decided to cut sugar from her diet altogether.

Alana had played tennis almost all her life prior to her diagnosis, but not consistently enough to stay in shape. Consequently, her grandfather suggested she go to the track, which sparked her love for running. After she started consistently running, Alana started to thirst for drinks with electrolytes in them; however, all the common sports drinks were loaded with sugar and additives. This is where the idea for SWEY was born. At age 13, Alana was accepted into the Loudoun County Young Entrepreneur’s Academy, where she got to make her dream in creating healthy sports drinks (SWEY) a reality.

SWEY was officially launched in 2021. It consists of natural ingredients such as coconut milk, is sweetened with monk fruit, stevia, and erythritol, and is packed with vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. It comes in three main flavors, Citrus Sizzle, Major Kiwi, and Tropicalada, with new flavors soon to be created.