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Paige Cey

Paige Cey

Paige Cey is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Benny, a wellness-driven energy drink inspired by naturopathic principles. A University of Victoria graduate, she bootstrapped the company on a minimal budget and was named a 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award finalist.

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Paige Cey's Bio

Paige Cey is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Benny, a Vancouver-based wellness-driven energy drink brand inspired by naturopathic principles. Benny reimagines the energy drink category by focusing on functional ingredients that support sustained energy without the crash, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking a better alternative.

Cey met her co-founder Julie Letizia at the University of Victoria, where they bonded over a shared passion for wellness and the everyday struggles of balancing demanding schedules with self-care. The idea for Benny emerged from those late-night study sessions and the realization that existing energy drinks were at odds with their health values. After graduation, they set out to build a product that aligned with naturopathic wellness principles—using natural caffeine sources, adaptogens, and no artificial additives.

Bootstrapped on a shoestring budget, Cey and Letizia developed Benny's first formulations in-house, testing recipes on friends and local fitness communities. The early days were defined by scrappy creativity—formulating in small batches, pitching local retailers, and leveraging social media to build a grassroots following. Their breakthrough came when Benny secured placement in Target, a milestone that validated the product's mainstream appeal while staying true to its wellness roots.

Under Cey's leadership, Benny has gained recognition as a disruptor in the beverage industry, earning a spot on Forbes' 2026 30 Under 30 list in Food & Drink. Her recognition as a 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Ones to Watch finalist further establishes her as a rising female founder in Canada. The brand continues to expand its distribution while maintaining its core mission: offering an energy drink that works with your body, not against it.

Career Timeline

  • 2020Graduated from University of Victoria

    Paige Cey completed her degree at the University of Victoria, where she later co-conceived the idea for Benny with fellow alum Julie Letizia.

  • 2021Founded Benny

    Co-founded Benny with Julie Letizia, a wellness-driven energy drink brand inspired by naturopathic principles.

  • 2022Bootstrapped early product development at Benny

    Developed the first formulations in-house, testing recipes on friends and local fitness communities with minimal initial capital.

  • 2023First major retail placement at Benny

    Benny secured its first major retail placement in Target, marking a significant milestone in mainstream distribution.

  • 2025RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award finalist

    Recognized as a Ones to Watch finalist for the 2025 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.

  • 2026Forbes 30 Under 30 — Food & Drink

    Listed on Forbes' 30 Under 30 in the Food & Drink category, highlighting Benny's impact on the beverage industry.

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