By Michelle M. Sharp, Founder and Content Creator of Meet the Minnesota Makers
Leah Treleven of Sweet Haven Tonics in New Ulm used to think of herself as a cautious person. “I became a teacher in part because my parents had been teachers. I knew the path. I knew where it was going. It felt very comfortable.” Ironically, Leah’s journey from middle school teacher to main street entrepreneur has been anything but cautious.
Leah’s entrepreneurial endeavor began simply. She prepared batches of homemade tonics, balanced concentrates of natural flavors and herbs used as base mixers for DIY cocktails and mocktails. Five months after giving her first homemade batch of tonics as holiday gifts and four months after filing for her LLC, Leah walked into her middle school 
principal’s office and resigned. Her principal asked her if she was sure and offered Leah time to think about her decision, but she didn’t need it.
Leah recognizes that Sweet Haven’s growth is intertwined with the New Ulm community’s success. “Every step of the way there was always someone there who would say—I love what you’re doing. I want to support you. I’m going to help you,” Leah reflects. “It was other small business owners who were willing to take an interest in me and support me and help me make connections. I’m just one of many businesses that want to see New Ulm grow and thrive.”
While the cocktails are only for adults, the space itself accommodates families of all ages. People can order a non-alcoholic version of almost any cocktail on the menu in addition to the specialty mocktails. “This is an inclusive place for people who don’t drink alcohol too. Everyone deserves to have something special, something craft made. There’s something for everyone on our menu.”
Leah is proud to be a part of the “new” New Ulm. This community has long been her home and is the place where she chooses to raise her own family. “I love New Ulm,” Leah gushes. “There are other young 
entrepreneurs who are creating new experiences for the people in our town. I feel so grateful that I get to be a part of that.”
This feature is a part of the 2023 Meet the Minnesota Makers Holiday Gift Guide series. Visit meettheminnesotamakers.com to download your copy of the gift guide featuring over 100 of Minnesota’s talented makers. Find Sweet Haven on page 43!
For the full feature pick up a copy of Edible Magazine’s Fall 2023 issue or read the digital edition.
Use code MNMAKER20 – 20% off any online order! Explore the Holiday Cheer, Mocktail and Botanical Spa sets.
Visit Sweet Haven Tonics at 116 N. Minnesota St, New Ulm, MN 56073
Explore recipes, video tutorials, and the on-line shop at www.sweethaventonics.com
Follow Sweet Haven on Facebook and Instagram for special events and new releases!
Follow @meettheminnesotamakers on Facebook and Instagram to discover more of the people who make Minnesota an amazing place to be!
Photos by Jon Carter Photography
