Dana Tuma, Mama’s Booch, Menominee, MI

Q. When did you first discover kombucha?
 
I first discovered Kombucha through the Weston A. Price Foundation, a non-profit nutritional organization we recognize.
 
Q. Why did you start your own kombucha company?
 
I was not even searching to start my own business, it just happened, I am a full time stay at home mom of two small children and my plate was full. I knew that if I ever went back to work that it with be doing something healthful and that I was passionate about. I brewed kombucha in small batches for my family to enjoy and I had temporarily stopped drinking kombucha trying to pin point what was causing my son to have such chronic digestive issues and in doing so I began to share my overstock with family & friends who went bonkers for it. I then starting bartering Booch with friends and I enjoyed the few extra dollars here and there. I wanted to make what I was doing legit so we decided to move forward from there. Our daughter who was 2 at the time would beg for “Mama’s Booch” with meals, so that is where we got the name.
 
Q. What is your favorite flavor of kombucha? (a brand that is not your own)?
 
All flavors are my favorite, I enjoy drinking a different flavor everyday.
 
Q. What is your former/current other life or career?
 
Previously from being a stay at home mom I worked in a Financial Office at a medical center for 12 years, after refusing the influenza vaccination four years ago I was let go.
 
Q. What is a saying that you live by?
 
Hmm, a saying that I live by. The only one that comes to mind is “Just because it’s Organic doesn’t mean it’s healthy.” Nutrition is very important to our family so we read all nutritional labels closely and follow a traditional diet.