Meet Melissa Muzio

We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Muzio recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Melissa with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I come from a long line of independent, strong women, and I truly believe that resilience runs in my blood. My mom raised me and my sister as a single parent, overcoming many hardships. Watching her push through challenges without ever giving up instilled in me determination and a strong work ethic.

My sister, who is three years older, has carved out a name for herself in the TV, film, and streaming world. She’s proving that passion and perseverance can break barriers, even in an industry where women still have to fight for their place.

Now, as a mother to my two children, I feel an even stronger sense of purpose—especially for my 11-year-old daughter, who is my mini-me, constantly watching and learning from me. I want to show her that with hard work, integrity, and perseverance, anything is possible.

My husband’s encouragement has been a driving force behind this journey, always reminding me why I started. He has stood by me every step of the way, reminding me how important my work is—not just for our family, but for all the families who rely on Berryessa Blends Elderberry Syrup. My family’s support, along with the legacy of strong women before me, fuels my drive to keep growing and making a difference in our community.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Berryessa Blends started as a personal mission to help my family and has since grown into a business dedicated to making high-quality elderberry syrup accessible to everyone. In 2020, my daughter was battling pneumonia, Influenza A, and what we now suspect was early COVID-19. After exhausting all medical options, I gave her elderberry syrup for the first time—and within days, she recovered. That moment changed everything for me.

I became passionate about crafting a syrup with the best ingredients—elderberries, raw local honey, and a blend of immune-supporting spices—while keeping it affordable. Health shouldn’t be a luxury, and I take pride in offering a high-quality product at a price that families can afford. I started by selling jars out of an ice chest on my front porch, simply hoping to share this remedy with friends and neighbors. Now, Berryessa Blends has grown to being sold in 12 retail locations all over Northern California.

What excites me most about Berryessa Blends is the impact it has on our community. The messages I receive from customers constantly remind me why I do this. I’ve heard from a mother who said her child hasn’t been sick all year, and from someone who has been able to manage their allergies without medication. One woman shared that after using Berryessa Blends, she was able to get off all of her antidepressants. Another story that stuck with me was about a baby who had been on Miralax since they were a year old—at four years old, after just three days of taking the syrup, they finally had a natural bowel movement. These kinds of stories fuel my passion and reinforce why access to natural wellness options is so important. Berryessa Blends isn’t just a product; it’s making a real difference in people’s lives.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding Berryessa Blends’ reach and making it even more accessible nationwide. My goal is to reach more people through broader advertising and increased brand awareness. I’m also working on growing our social media presence to educate more people about the power of elderberries and natural wellness, ensuring that families everywhere have access to a high-quality, affordable immune-boosting option.

At its core, Berryessa Blends is about more than just syrup—it’s about giving people a natural, effective way to support their health and the health of their loved ones.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience – Starting and growing a business isn’t easy. There have been challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but pushing through has been key to my success. For those just starting, my advice is to embrace obstacles as learning experiences and keep moving forward, even when things feel uncertain.

Resourcefulness – I started by selling out of an ice chest on my front porch, and now Berryessa Blends is sold in 12 retail locations. I’ve had to figure things out on my own, from sourcing the best ingredients to handling marketing and distribution. My advice? Be willing to learn, adapt, and find creative solutions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance from others who have experience.

Community Connection – Berryessa Blends wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible support of my customers. Listening to their feedback, sharing their stories, and staying engaged with my local and online community has been invaluable. For anyone starting out, I recommend building genuine relationships with your customers, supporters, or audience. People want to feel connected to the brands they support, and that trust is everything.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always open to collaborations and partnerships with individuals and businesses that align with Berryessa Blends’ mission of promoting natural wellness.

I’d love to connect with:

Retailers & Boutiques – If you own a health store, café, or boutique and are interested in carrying Berryessa Blends, I’d love to chat about bringing our elderberry syrup to your shelves.

Health & Wellness Professionals – Whether you’re a nutritionist, herbalist, holistic practitioner, or wellness coach, I’d love to collaborate on education, workshops, or content that helps people take charge of their health naturally.

Moms & Family-Focused Creators – If you’re passionate about natural remedies and family wellness, I’d love to explore ways to work together—whether that’s through social media collaborations, giveaways, or affiliate partnerships.

Local & Nationwide Brands – If your brand aligns with holistic health, self-care, or community-driven products, I’d love to explore co-branded opportunities or special product bundles.

If you’re interested in collaborating, you can connect with me via Instagram @BerryessaBlends, or send me an email at [email protected]. I’d love to hear your ideas and see how we can work together!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Tamera Marie Photography

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