KBI Team
President & Co-Founder
Hannah Crum
Hannah Crum, aka “The Kombucha Mamma,” is a longtime educator and Kombucha advocate. Her popular educational site, KombuchaKamp, is the most visited website in the world for Kombucha information, recipes and advice. In 2014, to further her mission of “changing the world, one gut at a time,” she co-founded KBI with her partner, Alex. Together, they have directly mentored and consulted Kombucha brewers from start-up to scale-ups since 2007 and co-wrote the authoritative “The Big Book of Kombucha” (Storey, 2016).
Assistant Executive Director
Kim Noble
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PR & MarComs Manager
Lauren Josey
Lauren has a background in food & beverage and hospitality PR and social media. Lauren honed her craft for 5 years in NYC before swapping the city streets for LA’s sunshine. Lauren brings a thirst for creativity that drives everything she touches, and her award-winning campaigns speak to client goals and advance the bottom line. On the weekends, you’ll find Lauren cheering on her UNC Tar Heels, hiking LA’s trails, or tasting a new small batch bourbon.
Membership Coordinator & Communications Liaison
Jess Lease
Jess is a graduate of the University of Iowa, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics. She honed her entrepreneurial skills as an owner/operator of a successful pub and deli for 13 years which allowed her the perfect opportunity to start a second business, Prairie Tonic Kombucha. She enjoys meeting kombucha brewers and providing support to the dynamic kombucha industry. Jess can be found in the pottery studio or spending time outdoors with her two boys.
Administrative Assistant
Venison Fajardo
Venison is a graduate of Centro Escolar University in Los Banos Laguna, Philippines where he studied Journalism. He enjoys working remotely bringing his own brand of professional support in the gathering and compilation of details. Venison loves the NBA and running and anticipates running his first marathon in March 2020. He believes every day is a chance to be better and that having a healthy lifestyle gives you the best opportunity to provide for your family.
Kombucha Business Reporter
Ian Griffin
Ian Griffin is the editor and publisher of ‘Booch News, and the Editor-In-Chief of KBI’s new trade magazine, SYMBIOSIS. He has been brewing his own ‘booch at home for eight years. Ian had a career in high tech companies as a speechwriter and marketing manager. Originally from England, he lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife Sandra.
Consultant & Researcher
Susan Fink
An accomplished leader in the food industry with a 35+ year record of new product launches and building a dynamic organization focused on driving innovation. She follows a model of visionary leadership based on analysis of current market conditions and consumer trends. A solid track record of building new businesses via sound acquisition, due diligence, and strategic integration as well as establishing strong partner relationships and driving win-win solutions.