Mixes by Music: Wellness Blends for Better Health
Written by Lia Hobel | Photos by Michael Butcher
In just a few years, Mixes by Music has built a reputation for vibrant, health-focused powdered blends that attract both regulars and newcomers to the farmers markets the brand frequents. The seeds for the business were sown at a coffee bar inside a gym. While working at the gym, Shane Music, the brain behind the blends, remembers thinking, “‘These healthy people aren’t going to want to come down here after a workout and order a sweet latte. That’s just not going to work,’ so I started looking into alternatives.”
Thinking like an entrepreneur, Music began to experiment in his spare time. The first trials included beet sugar, matcha, golden milk, and butterfly pea flour. “I made a lot of samples, and people would come in and they would just see all of these colorful drinks laid out and they would try them,” he says. “It got people excited.”
The path to success wasn’t straightforward. After initial encouragement, a change in gym management led to the project’s closure. Music recalls, “My partner at the time was like, ‘You’ve got a great idea. Start turning it into a business,’ and so I did.” Determined to keep moving forward, he continued researching and extracting nutrients from raw ingredients in his kitchen. His official launch was at a local farmers market. “All I had was a few little wicker baskets and a poster board. Yet, the response was enthusiastic.” It was at that moment he realized he should pursue this venture as a real business, not just a hobby.
Customers have since enjoyed discovering Music’s healthy creations at Archwood Green Barns in The Plains and at Buchanan Hall Market in Upperville during the market season. “I serve all of my lattes with local organic milk or Oatly Oat milk as an alternative,” he shares, ensuring options for every customer. All ingredients are organic and fair-trade. “We aim to deliver premium-quality ingredients for maximum nutritional value, while doing our part to even out global trade inequalities by paying fair prices to the farmers who cultivate them,” he explains.
Each mix is crafted with intention. “I like to use the golden spice mix, which is my turmeric. It’s a really good anti-inflammatory, but it’s also good for depression,” Music shares. “We always grate our nutmeg and crack our black pepper fresh for each batch of mixes, giving them a potent and delectable flavor.” The blends are more than just drinks — they’re designed to support emotional and physical well-being. “It’s a combination of aromatherapy and natural medicine. It’s very calming and very soothing,” he says, recalling a customer who found relief from postpartum depression with the rose blend.
Mixes by Music is a labor of love and research. “It’s all self-taught. I have put a lot of work into the research,” he emphasizes, while remaining transparent about his background: “I do tell people all the time that I’m not a doctor. I’m not a professional. You should always consult with your doctor before you make major changes to your diet, but I have done the research.”
Music also experiments with both sweet and savory pastries, collaborating with local farmers and constantly evolving the product line. Eight mixes are currently available to customers, ranging in all colors of the rainbow and intended to address various issues. He also has his own chickens and ducks for eggs. Local partnerships include:
- Deep Roots Milling: Hard red wheat flour, oats
- FRAME Coffee Roasters: Espresso blends
- Mt. Crawford Creamery: Whole milk, heavy cream, butter
- Dimitri Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil
- Soil Hued Mojo: Seasonal fire ciders
- Happy Creek Cheeses: Goat milk cheese
- Nancy’s Produce: Seasonal produce
- Byron T Glass: Glasses, decorations
- Big Dog Pots: Ceramic cups
Packaging is a point of pride for Music. “While I do only use glass for my products, I also exclusively use compostable packaging when I serve my beverages. It has a higher cost than using traditional packaging, but it’s a cost that I’m willing to pay for the betterment of our planet and future generations, and I encourage other business owners to do the same.”
The business currently operates under a Temporary Food Establishment Permit and Cottage Law. He plans to start renting kitchen space at Buchanan Hall in the near future. Those looking to experience Mixes by Music for themselves can visit the Archwood Winter Market on Sundays starting January 18. Music also plans to join the Mosaic Market in Merrifield (Saturdays, 12 to 4 p.m.) and add a drop site at Infinity Performance in Lansdowne — in addition to Middleburg Essentials, The Painted Fox Tattoos & Oddities in Warrenton, and Dollhouse Pole Fitness in Manassas.
The goal is to move from local markets to a broader audience, while maintaining the personal touch and quality that define the brand. Most mixes range from $10 to $25, with the majority between $10 and $18. “The sesame is a bit more expensive, so I have that one at $20, and then matcha is just expensive, so I have that one at $25,” he explains. A small jar provides 12 servings, and his syrups are designed to last a month if used as directed, he notes.
For Music, Mixes by Music is more than a business — it’s a journey of healing, creativity, and community. “I built this thing from the ground up and it feels — it’s incredibly rewarding,” he reflects. ML
Published in the January 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.