The moment I laid eyes on Renais gin, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the happiness and warmth emanating from the brand. The images of co-founders Alex and his sister, the well-known actress Emma Watson, exuded a sense of joy and camaraderie. Alex, who happens to be Emma Watson’s younger brother, has carved a niche for himself as a passionate advocate for women’s rights, gender equality, and environmental causes, in addition to his famous role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series.
Despite Emma’s successful acting career and her current pursuit of higher education at Oxford University, I found myself wondering about the origins of Renais. How did Emma find the time to be part of this venture, and how has it impacted Alex’s life? Working alongside his sister and witnessing his entrepreneurial vision come to life must have brought him immense happiness, I assumed. And it seems that this assumption is backed by scientific research.
In a widely viewed TED Talk back in 2015, Dr. Robert Waldinger, a psychiatrist and head of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, emphasized the importance of good relationships for our overall happiness and well-being. He stated that those who prioritize relationships with family, friends, and community tend to lead the most fulfilling lives.
So, how does Alex feel about teaming up with his sister for work?
Alex and Emma Watson share a strong, close-knit relationship, making the decision to launch Renais together a natural choice for them.
“We’ve always had a tight bond,” Alex shared with HELLO!. “Emma has been a constant source of inspiration for me with everything she has achieved and how she has approached it. I deeply admire her. We support each other wholeheartedly, and I always try to keep her laughing. We both felt ready for a new challenge and believed we could make a great team, and here we are.”
“Building a brand with a family member requires a deep level of trust and understanding. It provides a sense of stability, which is invaluable. Of course, being siblings, we know how to push each other’s buttons. Despite that, Emma is an incredible partner to work with. Her creativity, support, and enthusiasm complement my personality perfectly.”
Collaborating with a family member can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be a challenge to maintain a balance between work and personal relationships. However, sharing a common passion with your family is truly a remarkable blessing and creates a unique bond. It’s like living out his ultimate dream.
Alex shared that the creation of Renais was driven by his lifelong passion for drinks, inspired by his family’s history in winemaking. After working in the drinks industry for a decade, he decided to start his own business. Gin was the natural choice for him, as it was his favorite spirit.
Taking each day as a blessing, Alex expressed his joy in being his own boss and living his dream. He was particularly grateful for the positive feedback from critics, which he described as one of his happiest moments. For him, the approval of his work felt like a validation and recognition for putting a part of himself into his business venture.
Overall, Alex’s journey with Renais has been fulfilling and rewarding, driven by his passion and commitment to creating something special based on his family’s legacy in the drinks industry.
“I find joy in waking up each morning with a strong sense of direction, focusing on something that holds great meaning to me. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to pursue my passion every day.
To me, happiness is maintaining strong connections with friends and family, finding fulfillment in my work, and prioritizing my overall well-being through a healthy lifestyle. By nurturing these core aspects of my life and giving them the attention they deserve, I believe that true happiness can be achieved.”
