We were just about to miss the flight
During the latter part of the COVID-19 pandemic, a friend and I were en route to Portugal for work. We had booked the last flight of the day to meet our business partners in Lisbon, with our COVID passes validated for Portugal.
However, at the check-in desk, we were informed that our COVID passes wouldn't be valid for our brief 30-minute layover in Amsterdam. The regulations required a COVID pass valid for 48 hours in Portugal but only 24 hours in the Netherlands, meaning we would miss the timeframe in the Netherlands by just 20 minutes. The situation became quite stressful. We needed to make that flight.
I began speaking with the staff behind the check-in desks, seeking assistance, while my friend contacted the temporary COVID lab at the airport to secure an immediate testing appointment. Amidst the stress, my friend exclaimed, "I need an energy drink!"
The idea was born
We reached an agreement with the staff: they would allow us to proceed, but we wouldn't be permitted to board unless our new test results came back negative before departure. At the gate, we anxiously refreshed our inboxes every ten seconds. We managed to catch the flight by a mere minute, thanks to a fellow passenger whose checked-in drone with lithium batteries caused a slight delay.
Throughout this experience, one thing stayed with me—my friend's craving for an energy drink in that high-pressure situation. It made me wonder why there were countless energy drinks on the market but so few options designed for moments when you want to feel grounded and composed.
During our flight, we discussed this idea, and the concept for Tranquilo was born. As someone diagnosed with ADHD later in life, I had often experienced moments where balance felt out of reach. I realised how beneficial a drink like this could be—not just for me, but for so many others. We envisioned something practical, easy to enjoy, and designed to support a sense of calm and focus during life’s busy moments.
The search began
Our initial idea wasn’t focused solely on ashwagandha—it was about creating a beverage for modern lifestyles. We researched a variety of ingredients, from CBD to Lion’s Mane, Reshi, Chamomile, and Lemon Balm. When we discovered ashwagandha, it stood out. This ancient herb, used in Ayurvedic traditions for centuries, resonated with our vision of finding balance in everyday life. It wasn’t about creating a buzz but about fostering a sense of clarity and composure. Moreover, ashwagandha had no strong or unpleasant taste, making it perfect for a flavourful and enjoyable drink.
At that moment, I made the decision to leave my job and dedicate my time to this idea. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredible team, all equally passionate about this vision. Together, we’ve brought Tranquilo to life—a drink designed to bring a moment of calm to your day.
Jonas Björkhag and the Tranquilo team
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