Mindfulness in a Can: Kevin Law-Smith on Building a Transparent Wellness Beverage Brand

In today’s crowded wellness market, many products make bold claims without offering transparency or tangible impact. Kevin Law-Smith, founder of Asia Beverages and the wellness drink brand Aya, is taking a different path. Drawing on personal experiences, corporate background, and a deep commitment to health and mindfulness, Kevin is building a beverage company that’s as much about integrity and community as it is about taste.

From Corporate Innovation to Entrepreneurship

Kevin’s journey into entrepreneurship started with what he calls “the itch” — the persistent feeling that corporate life at companies like Disney, Diageo, and Coca-Cola wasn’t enough. While he valued seeing new products go from concept to shelf, he wanted to build something of his own. His first venture focused on the hospitality world, working with the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and Bars. Over time, though, his passion shifted toward wellness.

A personal health challenge — surviving cancer — played a big role in shaping his mission. Kevin became deeply interested in ingredients with proven health benefits, especially turmeric and green tea. Both are known for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but they’re notoriously difficult to make bioavailable and palatable. After years of experimentation and watching technology catch up, Kevin and his team finally created a beverage that delivers both effectiveness and taste.

Wellness, Transparency, and Community

Aya’s tagline “twist to awaken” captures more than just opening a can. It’s a call to mindfulness — to be aware of what you consume and how it affects your well-being. For Kevin, wellness isn’t a trend; it’s a lifestyle rooted in transparency, ritual, and community.

One standout feature of Aya products is their QR code transparency system. Scan a can, and you’ll find detailed information on ingredient sourcing, suppliers, and clinical studies. For example, the turmeric used is sourced from Tumpure Gold, and the green tea from Tego — both backed by data showing potency and effectiveness. Unlike many brands that hide behind vague claims, Aya educates consumers on exactly what they’re putting in their bodies.

This transparency ties into Kevin’s broader philosophy: wellness should empower people to make mindful choices. By combining potent plant-based ingredients with honesty and community-driven experiences, Aya aims to inspire what Kevin calls a “collective transformation.”

The Importance of the Right Partners

Kevin emphasizes that the journey hasn’t been straightforward. Finding the right production and distribution partners was critical, especially for a preservative-free product. Some partnerships didn’t work out, but he highlights the importance of listening to your gut and walking away early if things aren’t aligned.

Today, Aya works with partners who live the same mindful lifestyle they’re promoting. From distributors who practice wellness themselves to consultants embedded in yoga and fitness communities, every part of the ecosystem reflects the brand’s values.

Giving Back with Every Can

Aya’s mission extends beyond beverages. Through partnerships with Child’s Dream Foundation and B1G1 (Buy One Give One), every can sold contributes directly to health and education initiatives for children in Southeast Asia. Consumers can even scan the QR code to see real-time impact reports, including playgrounds built and children supported.

Kevin describes it simply: “With every can sold, another child goes to school.” This alignment of business and social good adds an extra layer of meaning for both the company and its customers.

Why Thailand?

Thailand, Kevin explains, was a conscious choice for Aya’s base of operations. The country’s abundance of high-quality local ingredients, advanced production facilities, and growing reputation as a wellness hub made it ideal. Passion fruit, ginger, turmeric, and other raw materials are sourced locally, while packaging partners like Thai Beverage Can (TBC) ensure sustainable practices with infinitely recyclable cans.

With Southeast Asia’s population and wellness culture rapidly expanding, Kevin sees endless potential in focusing deeply on the region before expanding globally.

What’s Next for Aya?

Aya is continuing to grow through partnerships with wellness resorts, fitness studios, and cultural events like Wonderfruit and Dragonfly. Future plans include expanding the product range to more accessible, everyday wellness drinks while maintaining the brand’s commitment to transparency and functionality.

Rather than chasing rapid expansion, Kevin believes in organic, values-driven growth. If a partner or distributor truly understands and lives the “I Am” lifestyle, Aya will explore that market. Otherwise, the focus remains on doing things right in Thailand and Singapore first.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Kevin leaves entrepreneurs with three key lessons:

1. Build your foundation – Define your values clearly from the start. They’ll guide every decision and keep you aligned when opportunities or distractions arise.

2. Prototype and test – Don’t wait for perfection. Start small, experiment, and refine quickly based on feedback.

3. Appreciate the wins – It’s easy to focus on setbacks, but gratitude for progress — whether it’s a new order, a great partner, or positive feedback — helps sustain energy and perspective.

   
   

Kevin’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t just about creating products; it’s about creating impact. Aya’s journey blends transparency, mindfulness, and social good into every can — offering not just a beverage, but a philosophy for living well.