Daina Trout Is Someone We Really Like
Photo via Daina Trout
by The Candidly Team
Daina Trout is a master kombucha maker, eternal optimist, low-key nutritional biochemist (she has a Master’s), mother of 2, and also somehow finds time to be the CEO of Health Ade kombucha.
She was named one of the top 100 female founders by Inc and we weren’t particularly surprised. Health Ade is The Best kombucha. Full stop.
We like Daina.
She knows a few things about health and nutrition. She also knows a few things about being a working mom.
So we asked her a few questions to get a window into her busy life. In typical Daina fashion, her answers are unfailingly positive.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. In a word, what is your most compelling quality?
Enthusiasm.
2. In a word, what is your biggest challenge?
Time.
3. What kitchen tool do you use every single day and kind of can’t live without?
A peeler. I make all my baby’s food from scratch, so I’m peeling sweet potatoes, apples, and beets daily.
4. When do you feel most connected with yourself?
When I’m hiking – no cars, no people.
5. Are essential oils anything?
I use essential oils when I have stress headaches, stomache aches, and colds. I also used it during birth to help move things along. We have essential oils diffusing in the kitchen all the time just for a nice scent – my favorite is orange peel.
6. Do you struggle at all with boundaries? How?
I used to struggle a lot more – now, I’ve found more balance despite the many things on my plate, and it’s because I’ve become disciplined about setting boundaries. It doesn’t matter who or what you want, there is almost nothing that can get in the way of the 5:30-8PM boundary I set during the weekdays when I’m with my kids.
7. How do you dampen self-critical thoughts when they get too loud?
I find that giving myself alone time and space to feel the emotions helps. I sit down with a pen and paper and write about why I’m upset. Then I try to write some things I’m good at, which makes me feel a lot better because there’s a lot that’s good. Talking with a sister, a friend, or my husband about it after this usually does the trick, too.
8. Describe the most “you” outfit of all time.
Hot pink lips. Big colorful earrings. Funky flowy shirt. Black skinny jeans. Cowboy booties.
9. What meal can you make the hell out of?
I make the best Caesar salad – I know that’s not a “meal,” but the dressing really is delicious. I can also make the hell out of seared salmon.
10. What book has made the biggest impact on your life?
Your Life By Design, by Curis Estes.
11. Apart from family, what woman do you deeply admire?
Sara Blakely.
12. Why does the word “feminist” get people so wound up?
Because it used to have a different meaning – and even when some people use it today, I don’t think they use it right. It doesn’t and shouldn’t mean “anti-man.” The elevated meaning of the word just means you recognize, embrace, and appreciate everything it means to be a woman. It has nothing to do with hate.
13. Which Insta account’s stories do you always tap through until the end?
My friend Sharzad Kiadeh. She’s a mom of 2 boys like me, juggling work, parenting, and partnering. I like her because she is SO funny, real, and encouraging. I feel better every time I see her feed.
14. Do you think social media’s good qualities outweigh the bad?
I go through waves with social. I sometimes get sick of it (like right now). But the reality is that it’s here to stay, so I’m teaching my kids how to use it wisely and not get addicted or let it affect them emotionally.
15. What quote or phrase has really stayed with you?
You did what you did because that’s what you knew to do. Now that you know better, you’ll do better.
16. Do you have a phobia? How do you deal?
No.
17. How do you feel about cilantro?
Love it.
18. Describe, in detail, your perfect bedtime routine.
First, someone else put the kids to bed. Then, a hot bubble bath while reading a magazine and sipping a glass of red wine. Followed by an at-home massage while listening to my husband strum guitar music. Finish by rolling right into bed, which has been made with freshly cleaned sheets. None of that has ever happened, but a girl can dream right?
19. What’s your favorite thing on the internet?
“Animals doing things” on Instagram.
20. What’s your relationship with bangs?
I love them, and have them. I go back to them every 3-4 years.
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Kung Fu Tonic.
Lip balm: Kiehl’s.
Jeans brand: Madewell.
Mascara: Thrive.
Robe: Chadsworth & Haig.
Sex product: Coconut oil.
Last-minute gift: Farmgirl Flowers.
Bra: Third Love.
Shampoo: Living Proof.
Comfortable shoes: Oefos slippers.
Splurge skincare: Fresh anything.
Drugstore skincare: I only buy Fresh.
Everyday bag: Bandolier.
Podcast: How I Built This.
Drink: Health Ade Kombucha. Obviously.
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We have to eat.
