Maie we introduce you to our September membership box partner... DEUX! It’s a spread, it’s a sauce, it’s whatever you want it to be - so they just call it Drip. Meet the first ever functional “N*tella” made with only 6 clean ingredients, including Aloe Vera and Vitamin C, to support healthy & glowing skin. This chocolate hazelnut [butter/spread/sauce] is everything & anything you want it to be. Tastes like buttery hazelnuts in a sea of creamy velvet chocolate.
We sat down with founder, Sabeena Ladha, to learn everything from how she started DEUX to how she continues to find #MaieMoments for herself.
Tell us how you started Deux? What was your “ah ha” moment?
DEUX is a pandemic baby. I’m from a small town in Texas and grew up on junk food - I still frankly love it. I wanted a way to get my sweet tooth fix (I literally need dessert after every meal and prefer sweet to salty snacks all day) and feel really good about it, and there aren’t a ton of options. During Covid, I was taking a ton of supplements and had an ah-ha moment when I realized I wanted to get these functional vitamins & supplements from the food I was eating. I wanted to absence of bad and the presence of good, and DEUX was created from my favorite nostalgic treat - cookie dough.
Did you always know you wanted to work in food?
My first job out of college was at PepsiCo (Frito-Lay, specifically) on the Lay’s Potato Chip brand. My dad worked in / owned a gas station growing up so I was always surrounded by junk food & the nostalgic brands that created that industry. I also went on a health kick after I stopped playing sports growing up and got Pilates Certified & started a wellness blog. I didn’t always know I wanted to work in food but my path sure does seem like it. :)
What’s your favorite way to enjoy Deux?
This might be super niche but I love airfrying it. It’s crispy on the outside and gooey & warm on the inside… it’s insane. 2nd favorite way is a pizookie in a cast iron pan + ice cream on top!
What do you do to unwind? What does your Maie Moment look like?
I love reality TV… so Real Housewives paired with Maie & DEUX Brownie Batter straight from the jar… chef’s kiss!
Red, White, or Rosé?
I’m on a huge orange kick right now but generally White - goes day to night, beach to dinner.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“This is hard - what you are doing & building is hard. When it’s difficult it doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong, because it is supposed to be hard.” Not advice but had a major realization and shift in mindset when a mentor said this to me. Puts the hard days in perspective!
How many steps are in your evening skincare routine?
It changes daily! On a good day, 5. Makeup remover, gentle wash, acid toner, oil/serum, and a sh* ton of moisturizer.
Favorite thing to make when you are having guests over? Bonus points for a recipe!
During summer, my husband Kabir and I love making super spicy homemade margaritas with limes from our tree (we have an excessive number of limes). We pair that with a mix of carne, shrimp, and mushroom tacos on the grill and our favorite salsas from the Larchmont Farmer’s Market. Makes for a perfect *easy* deck BBQ!
Top 3 songs of all time?
Wow asking the hard hitting questions. I’ll do 3 categories:
- Nostalgic: Honey or tbh anything Mariah Carey
- Current: Sofi Tukker - Original Sin
- Forever: Frank Ocean - Thinkin Bout You
