Daina Trout, Health-Ade, Torrance, CA, USA
Q: When did you first discover kombucha?
While I was in graduate school at Tufts for nutrition (2004-ish), I discovered my love for fermented foods and learned how to make kombucha. Real, holistic, fermented foods just made me feel good, so I was hooked and making my own kombucha since then.
Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?
Well, we didn’t set out to start a kombucha company per say. After working in corporate America for five years, I felt the “itch” to do something bigger and more meaningful. I formed an entrepreneur club with my now-husband, Justin Trout, and best friend, Vanessa Dew, who were both feeling unfulfilled too. We met weekly to talk about what our big idea could be, and sipped on my homemade kombucha while we brainstormed. One day a coveted spot at the Brentwood Farmers’ market opened up and we jumped on it, not knowing what we were going to sell! It didn’t take us long to realize that we had the answer right in front of us, and the rest is history. And a whole lot of hard work…
Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha?
I recently went to Mexico City and tried Nopa Kombucha. Their “Jamaica” flavor is seriously delicious, and they ferment in 2.5 gallon glass jars, just like Health-Ade!
Q: What is your former/current other life or career?
In addition to being the CEO of Health-Ade, I am a wife to my wonderful husband, Justin and a mom to a very active 3 year old, Hendriks. Being a mom is definitely a job in itself, and it can be a struggle to balance it all and still take time for myself. I love spending time with my family and friends, cooking, playing in the back yard, and just being together. If I can squeeze in time to work out, I really feel like I have it all.
Q: What is a saying that you live by?
Everything that you need you already have inside of you!
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