Wellness brand founder Manon shares her inspirational journey from adventure to entrepreneurship
In a world where wellness meets innovation, Manon Colmant, the founder of Happy Culture, is crafting a brand that’s as refreshing as its kombucha.
Manon shares her inspiring journey from a young traveller with big dreams to a trailblazing entrepreneur on a mission to infuse vibrancy into everyday life.
The spark behind Happy Culture
For Manon, Happy Culture wasn’t just a business idea, it was a calling. After completing university, she embarked on a transformative travel adventure that redefined her perspective on life.
“Travel connected me to the beauty of life in a big way,” she reflects. “I returned to South Africa with a ton of inspiration and a deep desire to make a positive impact.”
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for holistic wellness, she envisioned a brand that made healthy choices fun, accessible, and deeply enriching. But the road to success wasn’t without obstacles.
“We had to raise significant seed funding before we had a proof of concept, navigate the complexities of commercial kombucha production in completely uncharted territory, and build a new category from scratch,” she shares.
Lessons from Bridge House School
While she didn’t take the traditional route of studying business in school, Manon credits her education at Bridge House School for shaping her entrepreneurial mindset.
“I chose Art, Science, and Computer Studies, but the broad skills I developed—critical thinking, teamwork, creative problem-solving—have been invaluable.”
The school’s free-spirited and open-minded culture left a lasting imprint on her, encouraging her to dream big.
A Grade 9 project—where she developed a sugar-free granola bar—might have even sparked the concept for Happy Culture’s now-popular Biome Bars.
“Looking back, I can’t help but wonder if that early experience planted a seed,” she muses.
Building a brand with purpose
The early days of Happy Culture were marked by grit, passion, and a healthy dose of what Manon calls “divine intervention.”
What began as a small team with big dreams has now evolved into a thriving business with a strong company culture.
“We’ve shifted from a survival mindset to one of thriving, and that feels really good,” she says.
For Manon, success is about more than just business growth—it’s about alignment with purpose. “I believe that when we work in service of something greater than ourselves, a force supports us. Our whole team is fueled by this belief.”
Advice for future entrepreneurs
To young dreamers, especially those from her alma mater, she offers simple but powerful advice: show up as your fullest, most vibrant self—opportunities will follow.
Stay curious, playful, and open to learning.
Prioritise your health and well-being.
Surround yourself with diverse, interesting people.
Build something that truly adds value beyond financial gain.
A vision for the future
As Happy Culture continues to grow, Manon remains deeply connected to the values that first set her on this path: joy, gratitude, and an unwavering belief in possibility.
“Bridge House taught me to believe in my dreams,” she says. “That mindset will continue to shape the journey ahead.”
With her passion for health, her dedication to innovation, and her infectious optimism, Manon is redefining what it means to build a brand with heart. Happy Culture isn’t just a business—it’s a movement. And it’s only just beginning.