Jin-su Hwang, I’m Alive Kombucha, Korea

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

I discovered kombucha during my visit to Moscow, Russia in 2013.

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

I wanted to start a company that could continually grow and I believed the food and beverage industry aligned well with that goal. I was confident that a product that is genuine and has intrinsic value would be able to get through to the global market. I firmly believed that Kombucha harnessed this power and that led me to start this company.

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

Buchi’s Kombucha (US), Ginger Lemon flavor

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

I ran a semiconductor company.

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

Life Without Lies

Claire Irie, Lupa’s Kitchen, Doraville, GA

Q: When did you first discover kombucha?

I was introduced to kombucha through my mom & founder of Lupa’s Kombucha. She is one of the originals and started brewing back in the late 90’s when we lived in Jamaica, WI. Our current flavor profiles are heavily influenced by our Caribbean background. Passion Fruit, Hibiscus and Ginger Turmeric. Super smooth and refreshing!

Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?

Lupa’s Kombucha is made up by first and second generation brewers. My mom Lupa had a passion to produce a product line based off of her life motto of THERAPY THROUGH FOOD and my drive came from the desire to turn my mom’s passion into a reality. There is something very special about her and I have always sensed that I was put on this earth to get her message out which is what I have been doing for almost 10 years now.

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? 

Jazz Juice by Big Easy. Sooooo good.

Q: What is your former/current other life or career?

My background is a mixture of holistic modalities from massage therapy to property management. My life and careers have been about connecting with people which booch has been doing for over  2000 years!

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

Growing your business is similar to training for a huge event such as the Olympics . It will take and push you to levels unimaginable. It will break you. You will cry. You will wonder why in the world you are doing this however, you will  also find a great amount of joy & fulfillment in it so your mindset has to be on point! My favorite saying on the days I’m asking myself ‘How are we going to do this’? The answer  is simple: One foot in front of the other.