The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Youngster promotes health
Maple tree water to promotes garden fresh and orchard fresh foods
An idea which turned into a business called G.O. Fresh Brands began when its President Sydney Taylor, of Elyria, visited a local farmers market and had her first taste of maple tree water, at the age of 10.
Fascinated by the maple tree water’s light flavor, Sydney began to try others, but couldn’t find the right taste she was looking for.
Sydney, now 12, said other maple tree waters contained a large amount of sugar that took away the potential health benefits it offers.
She then got the idea to create her own natural maple tree water.
Sydney and her parents, Bob and Kandis Taylor, searched for a way to use an all-natural maple tree water and found an Amish family in southern Lorain County that used their maple tree water for syrup.
“Sydney’s 100% All-Natural Maple Tree Water,” is sold at local events and markets under G.O. Fresh Brands.
The family agreed to help Sydney and tap the water for her all-natural water, which comes from 100 percent pure sap filtered naturally by sugar maple trees, Bob Taylor said.
The Taylors researched and discovered that all-natural maple tree water contains two percent of sugar, 2.61 grams of Silicon, .26 grams of potassium, 1.78 grams of sodium and .53 grams of Calcium.
Bob Taylor said there are antioxidants in the sap of maple sugar that can diminish a destructive molecule that has been found in diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
He said the maple tree water can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, lessen the chance of cavities, tonsillitis, sore throat, mouth ulcers, help fight against arthritis and regulate one’s sugar.
Sydney said she wanted to offer a healthy product to the community that she liked, hoping others would enjoy it, too.
“This water tastes good and is good for you,” Sydney said. “If you want to feel good in your body, you could drink this.”
The Taylors purchase the water from the Amish family, who fills the water in glass bottles decorated with Sydney’s face and the “Sydney’s 100% All Natural Maple Tree Water,” name.
Kandis Taylor is the chief executive officer of Sydney’s business.
She said Sydney is looking to share alternatives for others.
“We wanted to give people a healthier option,” Kandis Taylor said. “(Some) drink the same sugary drinks because you see it on the shelf. But it doesn’t mean there’s not other things that are out there.”
Sydney said she wanted share her product for those who aren’t able to get their hands on healthier beverages at other shopping markets. “Sydney’s 100% All-Natural Maple Tree Water,” is sold at local events and markets under G.O. Fresh Brands.
She said the name stands for her garden and orchard fresh business.
“We want people to know this water is good,” Sydney said. “It’s not super sweet like maple syrup and a plant-based water.”
Her slogan she shares with customers is, “It’s so good it will ‘maple’ you flip.”
Sydney said her water can be mixed with many foods or drinks for all ages; adding her mother mixes it regularly in her coffee.
However, the water cannot be given to pets because it contains Xylitol, a form of sweetener.
The product can be found
weekly at Elyria Farmers Market and daily at The Oberlin Market, 22 College Place in Oberlin, and Dietary Health Foods Inc., 42985 N. Ridge Road in Elyria.
During market events, the Taylors like to share their “Shake-Ups,” which is a combination of her water, an organic sugar blend and different options of fruit.
Sydney’s water are sold in gallon glass jars for $10 or in 16-ounce jars for $3.
Proceeds from maple tree water sales go to nonprofit, OUR FAMILY, which stands for Our Fathers And Mothers Involved in Local Youth.
The group helps disadvantaged students at Franklin Elementary School in Elyria to attend trips every summer.
Sydney said she’s proud that people are beginning to purchase her product and are becoming more aware of healthy food and drink habits.
“I hope my water can inspire more people and kids to eat healthier,” she said.
Sydney and her mother said being aware and educated of what is put into foods has helped them eat healthier.
“I think if Sydney’s friends or other students see that Sydney is selling healthy foods and eating
them, it can encourage kids to try something new they don’t see at the store,” Kandis Taylor said. “There are good healthy options kids like out there.”
Kandis Taylor said she is proud of Sydney, who not only focuses on health, but is most importantly gaining a number of skills like entrepreneurship, time management and responsibility, at a young age.
“Her gaining this experience at such a young age is definitely going to carry her far in the future in any career, school and give her more confidence,” she said. “I think it encourages other students or friends, whether she knows it or not. It’s exciting to see the support to she gets. She encourages us and we encourage her.”
Sydney said it’s a lot of work to handle, but she manages it with school and other activities.
When not working to sell her products, she enjoys competing in dance and playing piano.
“That’s very important to us that (she her being a youngster) happens,” Bob Taylor said. “She has plenty of time to be an adult.
“We want her to be a kid. And she just happens to be very talented and gifted that she can weave in having this business.”