Cathy Kelly, Cathy’s Kombucha, Burlington, ONT, Canada

Q: When did you first discover Kombucha?

My Dad had bladder cancer and on June 17, 2011 he was given “months to live”.  It was not expected that he live till the end of the year and definitely not years. I went to ask for prayers for my Dad from the monks and nuns from a cloistered monastery in Quebec.  I had known them many years and although I had shared many things with them, they had never served me Kombucha until that day! I asked what the “interesting” drink was, and the response was “Kombucha.  It’s good for you.  Drink it.”  They told me all the things it was good for (cancer and…), and I knew that God had answered my prayers before I even asked! We were blessed to receive their SCOBY (originating from Argentina) and their traditional recipe/brewing method, which is still utilized in the monastery. My Dad passed peacefully at home 35 months after being told “definitely not years”.

Q: Why did you start your own Kombucha company?

We did not make Kombucha with the intent of starting a company.  It was never meant to be a business – its sole purpose was to help my Dad with his health. It just happened…..

Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? (a brand that is not your own)?

Jasmine and Pomegranate from Moore Kombucha

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

I taught Alternative Education and Credit Recovery in the high schools.  I loved working with the students, and in fact some work for me in the summer at markets. After my Dad passed away, I was sitting in a staff meeting hearing about School Improvement Plans and Board Improvement Plans and wrote my retirement letter.

Q: What is a saying that you live by?

Cream rises to the top.