Two Bloomington sisters say they started Twisted Sisters Soda to provide fun, non-alcoholic drinks for teens and people in recovery.
Jenn Carey is one of the Twisted Sisters. Since they opened in April, she said, "it kind of just blew up." They have a mobile tent and attend events around Central Illinois. Customers follow their social media to see where they will pop up next.
Carey said she's always had a knack for taking a basic drink and adding fun flavors and toppings to it. She started by making mocktails for her dad, who has been in recovery for more than 40 years. And now, "dirty sodas have become kind of the rage all of a sudden, very trendy," so she saw a business opportunity.
Carey said a dirty soda starts with a basic soda like Coke or Dr. Pepper, and layers in flavors, textures, and toppings.
The most popular soda the sisters serve is called "The OG." Carey explains it's a Dr. Pepper drink with cherry, vanilla, cream, and lime flavors added — plus whipped cream and a cherry on top.
Susan Mayer, Jenn's "twisted sister," also is in recovery and has been sober for five years. She said a fun soda or lemonade can help people feel like they're fitting in at a social event, without needing to hold an alcoholic drink in their hands.
Both sisters were born and raised in Bloomington and work at Central Illinois Bridge Academy — Carey as a teacher, and Mayer as support staff. Carey said during the school year, they work with students on mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and neurodivergence.
Through both their full-time jobs and their Twisted Sisters side gig, Carey said they are committed to "smashing the stigma" around mental health issues and recovery.
Carey said they started Twisted Sisters as a way to continue connecting with the community and giving back during their summer break. But, she said, the response has been so positive, they're currently booked through the fall and winter.
"It just blows our minds, like that's taken off so much," she said.
On Saturday they were at AB Hatchery in Bloomington for Barks, Bubbles, and Sunshine, a combination vendor event, AB Hatchery sale, and pet adoption opportunity with Wish Bone Canine Rescue and Deeby's Senior Chihuahua Rescue. Two pets were adopted within the event's first hour.
Pet adoption is another issue close to the sisters' hearts. Carey said they both have rescue dogs and regularly pair up with rescue events.
This is their second weekend in a row partnering with both Wish Bone and Deeby's. Carey said last weekend, they donated all of the tips they made to Deeby's. This weekend, Wish Bone will get their tips. In the past, Carey said they also have made business donations to the Humane Society.
Bill Inks, owner of AB Hatchery, hosted Saturday's event.
"We love doing these kind of community events," he said. "Pre-COVID, we used to do a lot of this kind of stuff. "It's fun to get back to doing this again." Inks bought AB Hatchery in 2018, but said it dates back to at least 1939 in Bloomington.
Inks's daughter, Izzy, enjoyed a Twisted Sisters lemonade. His wife, Jen, also liked her Dirty Shirley soda.
Twisted Sisters has big plans for the future. They hope to open a physical storefront soon, maybe in Downtown Bloomington or Uptown Normal. Carey said they picture it as a family-friendly lounge space, where teens and adults can get dressed up and go out for the night, without having to go to a bar. Mayer imagines having trivia night, speed dating, karaoke, and more.
"Like a lounge feel, without the alcohol," Carey said. "I definitely think it's something that this community could use and is lacking."
"We want to create a space for people to feel comfortable in settings that don't drink," added Mayer.
Carey and Mayer have even more of their family involved in their business. Carey's daughter and husband often serve at events, as well as Mayer's daughter. They also have employed one of their former students who graduated.
They said they look at employment with Twisted Sisters as just one of the ways they can give back to their community.
Mayer said connecting with the community has been rewarding, adding, "Serving is our love language."
