The Truth About Alcohol, Mental Health, and CBD with Michelle Houston of To Be Honest
Apr 14, 2025
From Craft Cocktails to CBD Mocktails: Michelle Houston’s Journey to Honest Sobriety
What happens when a craft cocktail lover realizes alcohol is doing more harm than good? For Michelle Houston, it sparked a transformation — and the birth of a bold new beverage brand.
In the latest episode of Sober Fit Life, I sat down with Michelle, founder of To Be Honest Beverage Co., to talk about life after alcohol, building a brand that reflects your values, and how CBD-infused mocktails are changing the sober-curious landscape.
🍹 The Honest Truth Behind “To Be Honest”
Michelle didn’t set out to start a wellness brand. In fact, her journey began with an honest look at her own relationship with alcohol — and how it was affecting her mental health, her confidence, and her clarity.
Like many of us, Michelle once associated drinking with fun, creativity, and connection. But underneath the surface, she felt drained, anxious, and out of alignment with the life she wanted to live.
Letting go of alcohol wasn’t easy — but it unlocked a new world of possibility. And it led her to create Focus, a hemp-infused non-alcoholic drink that’s designed to help you feel calm, clear, and, well… honest.
🌱 CBD, Mindful Drinking & the Power of Choice
In our conversation, Michelle shares:
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Why she believes CBD is a powerful recovery and wellness tool 🧠
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How she developed the flavors and functionality behind Focus
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The importance of transparency and education in the hemp industry
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Her vision for bringing sophisticated non-alcoholic options to bars and restaurants
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The surprising confidence that came with quitting drinking — and how it opened up her creativity 💡
She also opens up about the challenges of changing alcohol norms, especially in social settings where booze is still the default. Her message? You don’t have to settle for club soda or feel left out to honor your health.
🚫 Ditching Alcohol, Gaining Focus
This episode is packed with inspiration for anyone who's curious about the sober lifestyle, exploring alcohol-free living, or looking for wellness-forward alternatives to traditional drinks.
Whether you're fully sober, sober-curious, or just exploring new ways to take care of your mental and physical health — Michelle’s story is a reminder that honest living can lead to powerful, purpose-driven pivots.
