(Interview copied from Mount Olive News, Mount Olive New Jersey) 

From Target Aisles to Beverage Aisles: How former Target Employees are shaking up the Energy Drink Industry with Collagenx. 

By Jaquilene Lopez

What happens when a group of Target employees trades in their red polos for a new mission? They launch their own energy drink brand. Meet the founders of Collagenx, a first-of-its-kind marine collagen-infused energy drink making waves in the wellness world.

I sat down with founder Alda Karen Hjaltalín, former Target employee who turned her work experience into entrepreneurial gold, to hear how her time at the retail giant shaped her business journey.

The Target Influence

Q: How did working at Target inspire you to start Collagenx?

Alda Karen: Target was such a positive experience for me. It’s a place that encourages you to show up, look sharp, and bring your best energy to work every day. They have a bunch of educational content and resources in myday that help you understand not just retail but the whole process of how a product gets on our shelves. It almost felt like going to school for free! I also loved greeting guests, helping people find what they needed, and understanding how people shop. But I also realized how much good energy and confidence matter—especially when you’re on your feet all day.

I wanted something that gave me a natural boost without making me feel jittery or crashing later. And I wanted to look as good as I felt, keeping my skin fresh and glowing even after a long shift. That’s when I started thinking—what if there was an energy drink that did both? There are some brands in Europe where I'm from that have Collagen infused energy drinks but I hadn't discovered any collagen energy drinks in the US. 

Retail Lessons Turned Business Skills

Q: What did you learn at Target that helped you build your brand?

Alda Karen: So much! Target is an amazing place to learn what people actually want. Every day, I saw guests looking for healthier options, better ingredients, and products that made them feel good. That helped me understand how to create something people would really love.

And of course, working at Target teaches you customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving—all of which I use in my business now. Whether I’m talking to customers, working with suppliers, or pitching to retailers, I always think back to my time at Target and how much I learned about people.

Bringing Collagenx to More People

Q: Has Target picked up Collagenx yet?

Alda Karen: Not yet—but I’d love for that to happen! Target has such an incredible reputation for discovering and supporting brands that help people live better. Collagenx is all about feeling confident, energized, and ready to take on the day, which fits perfectly with the kind of experience Target creates for its guests and team members. 

What’s Next for Collagenx?

Q: Where can people find Collagenx now?

Alda Karen: Right now, we’re online and starting to roll out in independent retailers and fitness studios both here in New Jersey and in New York. We sold 50% of our product in two days with our first retail partner Nature's Food Markets so they've ordered a LOT of Collagenx thankfully! But on www.drinkcollagenx.com you can get it shipped right to your door! We're also going to be on Amazon and Walmart online marketplace very very soon!