Christina Washington’s (Class of 2026) venture inspiration came during a yearlong break from drinking alcohol. While abstaining, Washington said she felt happier and healthier, but also often isolated when socializing with drinkers, tiring of answering questions about her choices.
Addressing an audience in the Rotunda as part of the i.Lab Incubator Demo Night, Washington described — in a tight 90 seconds — how subsequent research showed that she wasn’t alone, with significant percentages of young people choosing not to drink. Ori, a non-alcoholic beverage, entertainment and lifestyle brand with the mission to “help people celebrate without compromising their faith or health,” was born.
Coordinating with the Common Wealth Crush winemaking facility, co-founded by i.Lab mentor and Darden alum Patt Eagan (MBA ‘21), the Darden School of Business Second Year student is working towards launching non-alcoholic red and white wines into the marketplace.
Full story: UVA Founders Pitch Ventures at i.Lab Incubator Demo Night – Darden Report Online
