Inside MEDASE: Monica Cornitcher’s Journey From Personal Loss to Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Success | News

Monica Cornitcher knows a thing or two about building from scratch and about picking up the pieces when life falls apart. As the co-founder of MEDASE, the premium non-alcoholic cocktail brand rooted in gratitude and connection, she’s made it her mission to help people celebrate life’s moments without compromise. But behind the elegant cans and bold flavors lies a story marked by deep loss, resilience, and a powerful commitment to living life on purpose.When Monica talks about MEDASE, she’s really talking about Inga Dyer. The two were lifelong friends who shared a vision for a drink that felt just as celebratory and sophisticated as any cocktail but without the alcohol. While Inga battled cancer, they started sketching out their dream. They wanted a beverage that could sit confidently beside a glass of whiskey at any bar, something rooted in wellness and joy.But before their vision fully came to life, Inga passed away. For Monica, it was more than losing a friend. She lost the person she was building her future with.“Inga is still here with me spiritually,” Monica says, her voice firm yet gentle. “I carry her voice in my head when I’m making decisions. That grief has become motivation for me. She will always be my co-founder.”Grief, for Monica, became both a weight and a fuel.“I was depressed,” she admits. “I had to figure out how to get out of my funk and put my energy back into MEDASE.”Before Inga, Monica’s world was a constant grind. She laughs remembering how work consumed nearly every hour. “I was living life like a train,” she says. “Nineteen hours a day, it was either MEDASE or my family production company.”But Inga was the one who made her slow down. “She taught me that life isn’t promised. You have to hang out with your girlfriends, plan those moments, and actually enjoy them. Not just squeeze them in.”These days, Monica’s pace has shifted. “Emotional wellness for me is about getting the proper amount of sleep,” she says. “When I don’t, I’m dragging myself to no end. Eating right, drinking the right things, listening to my body. I stop and decompress and do my morning prayer before starting my day. Without that, I’m not in a good place.”She’s found ways to balance hustle with self-care, something she admits took time to learn. “I taught Inga how to juggle multiple things at once, but she taught me how to have fun while doing it,” she says.MEDASE’s mission is deeply personal for Monica, especially because she’s watched how grief often pushes people toward unhealthy coping mechanisms.“You can’t think clearly when you’re drunk,” she says bluntly. “Those who’ve passed on need you here, healthy, to continue their legacy. We wanted to create a drink where you can enjoy the flavors and the moment but stay clear-headed.”With MEDASE, Monica is pushing back on the idea that alcohol is the only way to toast life’s highs or survive its lows. Each of MEDASE’s twelve zero-proof cocktails, half infused with hemp and half without, is designed to deliver bold, complex flavors without the buzz. It’s an invitation to savor moments without sacrificing mental clarity or health.But as a Black woman entrepreneur, Monica knows that the journey comes with unique obstacles.“There are spaces Black women entrepreneurs just don’t get into,” she says. “Sometimes we’re shut out because of who we are or what we look like. But that doesn’t deter me. If the space won’t let me in, I’ll make my own.”She’s learned that mental health and business go hand in hand. “It’s about knowing you don’t have to do it all alone. Having an idea is half the battle. The other half is execution, and you can get help. Whether it’s a PR person, a copywriter, or someone who can handle another piece of your business, just ask. People will say yes or no.”Delegation has been crucial for Monica, not just for her business, but for her peace of mind. “If you want people to trust you, you have to trust them. Give direction, support, and feedback, then let them shine. Micromanaging will drain you mentally,” she says.Even as she leads MEDASE forward, Inga remains a constant presence in Monica’s thoughts. “I believe she’s here spiritually, helping me make the right decisions. Grief can be turned into motivation and used to keep building the legacy of someone you love. That’s the biggest thing for me.”At the end of the day, MEDASE isn’t just a drink, it’s a philosophy. “Someone’s always drinking something, whether it’s water, tea, coffee, or a fruity drink,” Monica says with a smile. “We wanted people to feel confident choosing a non-alcoholic option and not feel left out.”Monica is determined to make sure that anyone who raises a glass, whether in grief, celebration, or simple gratitude, can do so boldly, confidently, and on their own terms.“However people choose to live their lives, accept that and celebrate it,” she says.



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