Within Orange County, it often seems as if there is a new beverage shop or small business popping up each week. Yet many Golden Eagles are deciding to not only support local coffee and beverage businesses, but ones that are student-owned and operated. 

Sip-Sip Hooray is a new small business run by Concordia sophomore, Isabel Gibboney, out of her dorm on campus. As their Instagram bio states, Sip-Sip Hooray is a “home-based dirty soda shop located at Concordia University Irvine.”

When asked what inspired her to begin her small business, Gibboney responded, “I was inspired to start Sip-Sip Hooray over the summer, when dirty soda was becoming popular. My dream has always been to own my own coffee shop, and when I first tried dirty soda, I knew it was something new and unique that not a lot of people were experimenting with.” The trend of dirty soda includes adding coffee creamers, syrups and other sweeteners to sodas. It has grown in immense popularity in recent years, thanks to TikTok, influencer culture, and the popular Utah-based chain Swig Soda.

 “I became really excited and started trying different creations. After testing many ideas, I landed on a few really good ones, which became my menu items. I started selling drinks at my house, and people loved them, so I decided to bring my business to Concordia,” said Gibboney. 

As an entrepreneur, time management is essential for Gibboney. “Starting a business while also being a full-time student is definitely difficult and keeps me very busy; however, I wouldn't want it any other way! One thing that's nice is that I get to work around my schedule. I post pick-up times for when I am free, so I don't have to worry about it conflicting with school or athletics. It has been so much fun and has taught me how to utilize my time wisely,” she added. 

Another unique feature of Sip-Sip Hooray is its unique specials for each month. In March, the specials consisted of a Lucky Charms Latte, a Lucky Charms Coke, a Honey Vanilla Matcha, a Leprechaun Lemonade and a Shamrock Spritz. With drinks ranging from dirty sodas to matchas to lattes, and even recipes with the popular Alani Nu energy drinks, Sip Sip Hooray truly offers something for everyone with a frequently changing menu. 

What are some of her favorite specials? Gibboney replied, “Some of my favorite drink specials that I have offered are my S'mores Latte and Dirty Dr. Pepper, my Christmas special Peppermint Cola, and Lucky Charms Coke and Latte.”

Sip-Sip Hooray is a great example of how Concordia allows students to pursue their passions and, as in Gibboney’s case, start their own small business. “I see Sip-Sip Hooray continuing even after college. I hope to be able to buy a trailer and sell on the go one day! I would love to travel and sell my dirty sodas to people all over the country! I also hope for my own shop in the future. I'm super excited to see Sip-Sip Hooray continue to grow,” said Gibboney. 

Wanting to order your Sip-Sip Hooray? Orders are able to be made through Instagram DMs. Pick-up times for beverages are posted daily on the accounts' Instagram stories. Follow @sipsiphooraysoda on Instagram for the latest updates and news on Concordia’s newest beverage business. 

Tags: business, Alexander Carr

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