Michela Byl - Owner at Rootside Provisions
A celebratory cheers rings in Michela Byl’s home daily since her business baby, Rootside Provisions, was born. When her partner Quinn Palmer had a Moscow Mule that was subpar, the researcher was led to refine his drink by investigating the cocktail mixer - and found a market that was still seemingly lagging behind though craft spirits were hitting Vancouver’s drink industry hard. Michela was originally set on a future in fashion and business, having studied both and worked as a sales rep for some time, but the laid-back foodie couldn’t quite leave the service industry behind - she still works very part time at a restaurant - and was as intrigued as Quinn. Investigating further, the waste alone was a sticking point for Quinn and Michela, who watched as bartenders poured half a bottle of ginger beer and set the leftovers aside, hopeful another drink order was to come, or otherwise dumping the carbonated bottle at the end of the evening. The two are now partners in business as well, producing craft mixers in concentrate form to elevate the cocktail experience for many patrons as Rootside Provisions Ltd. Indulging in both classic and new drinks, the company encourages mixing premium and craft spirits with its ginger beer and two variations of tonic. Timing played a key part for the daring duo who entered a mostly unfamiliar industry, and with networking, hard work, and a passion for quality local ingredients the couple’s business has flourished. Michela is right where she wants to be, working in food and drink and interacting with a community - and business partner - she loves. Rootside is growing by the minute as distribution and sales have been brought on board, leaving these cocktail nerds to focus on adding to their growing family of products. Michela’s ability to tap into her talents, leverage skills originally destined for a different industry, and ask for help when needed has made running a business as a bright-eyed entrepreneur a reality she’s happily embraced.