Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Siegle.
Hi Elizabeth , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After two and a half years at Ballstate University, I finally had to decide on a major—and I chose Public Relations. This path gave me a strong foundation in graphic design, marketing, journalism, business, and writing. After graduation, I landed an internship with a downtown development organization focused on revitalizing the city of Muncie, Indiana. That experience sparked my passion for networking, building community connections, and bringing people together for a greater cause.
From there, I moved into the corporate world, working in sales for Budweiser, Coca-Cola managing their internal print shop and Cintas as a Sales Service Manager. Eventually, I chose to step away from my “big girl job” to stay home and raise my kids, and then running an in-home daycare for ten years.
During the last two years of that chapter, I felt the pull to return to the working world—but I knew I didn’t want to go back to corporate life. One day, my daughter and I stopped into a shop called Healthy Hideout in Hamilton, Ohio. I instantly loved the energy, the product, and the way it made me feel—it made me smile. As fate would have it, the owner also had a location in Oxford.
Fast forward to October 2024, and I’m now the proud owner of Uptown Blends in Oxford, Ohio.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d be lying if I said it’s been a smooth road. Owning a small business comes with all the emotional ups and downs—it’s truly a roller coaster. Some days are amazing, others are hard. There are moments of joy and moments of doubt. But at the end of the day, I go to bed, wake up, put a smile on my face, and do it all over again—because I absolutely love what I do.
That doesn’t mean there haven’t been struggles. One of the biggest has been visibility. Being in a college town, it’s tough to promote directly on campus, so I’ve had to rely heavily on social media. As a 44-year-old woman who didn’t grow up with this kind of technology, it was intimidating at first. Before this job, I had never posted on Facebook, and I didn’t even have an Instagram account. That learning curve felt like a mountain. I’ve always known how to build relationships one-on-one, but learning how to do that online, through a screen—it was a whole new world for me. It was scary, but I pushed through it.
Another challenge has been navigating the shifts between student life and the local community. When Miami students are in session, Uptown comes alive—but when they leave for winter break or J-term, it gets quiet. There were weeks where it felt like no one was around, and that was tough. But this semester has felt different. More students are stopping in, telling me they’ve heard about Uptown Blends or seen us on Instagram. That kind of feedback is incredibly rewarding and keeps me going.
Now, with summer approaching, I’m already thinking ahead—exploring new ways to reach the local community and share what we offer even when the campus quiets down. At the end of the day, the biggest struggle I face is just being seen—but I’m learning, growing, and finding new ways to connect every single day.
We’ve been impressed with Uptown Blends, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Uptown Blends is a nutrition-focused drink shop located in Oxford, Ohio. It’s all about creating a positive, energizing space where people can enjoy healthy, delicious options like protein shakes, energy refreshers, protein energy balls, and more.
The shop blends health, community, and happiness—offering drinks that taste amazing while also supporting wellness goals and offering a place where we can all network together! There is a health and happiness trend happening or NEEDS to happen and I want to be apart of it! I want to bring everyone together, where I connect them with others to share goods or create opportunities that grows the city!
Uptown Blends isn’t just about what’s in the cup—it’s about the vibe. It’s a place where people connect, find encouragement, and feel good. Whether you’re a college student needing a mid-day energy boost, a parent on the go, or someone looking for better nutrition, Uptown Blends is here to lift you up—one sip at a time.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
At Uptown Blends, we’re all about building community, creating connections, and spreading good vibes (and good nutrition). Whether you’re a student, local business, organization, or just someone who loves what we do—there are so many ways to be part of our journey:
1. Collaborate with us:
Are you a small business, student org, or local creative? Let’s team up for events, pop-ups, giveaways, or co-branded products. We love working with others who bring positive energy and fresh ideas!
2. Become an Ambassador:
Help spread the word! Our ambassador program is perfect for students and community members who want to share Uptown Blends, earn perks, and be part of something fun and uplifting.
3. Host an Event Here:
Looking for a cute, welcoming space for your club meeting, crafting night, or group hangout? Let’s host it together at Uptown Blends!
4. Support Local:
Stop in for your favorite shake or refresher, follow us on Instagram, share our posts, or leave a review—every little thing helps keep the dream alive.
5. Invite Us to You:
We can pop up at your next event, school, workplace, or fitness class with drinks and snacks! Just reach out and let’s make a plan.
If you’ve got an idea or just want to connect, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s blend something amazing together!
Pricing:
- Combo: Basic Protein Shake and Basic Energy Refresher – $13
- Protein Shakes, that equal a full meal start out at $9
- Protein Coffees that equal a full meal start out at $9
- Energy Refreshers starting at $7 / Electrolyte Refreshers starting at $5 / Protein Snack drinks starting out at $7
- We do do Senior discounts and combos
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uptown_blends/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Y9V9gX7g8/?mibextid=wwXIfr
