Kombucha Brewery

         

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Interview with Rebecca Johnson, owner of Happy Belly Kombucha Brewery in Portland, Oregon.

1. How did you first get interested in Kombucha?

As someone who struggled with digestive issues, I was always looking for ways to improve my gut health. When I discovered Kombucha and its many benefits, I was hooked.

2. What made you decide to start your own Kombucha brewery?

I became obsessed with brewing my own Kombucha at home and sharing it with friends. When I saw how much people loved it and how difficult it was to find quality Kombucha in Portland, I knew it was time to turn my passion into a business.

3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business?

Funding was definitely a hurdle because I bootstrapped it. But, I also struggled with scaling up and creating a consistent product. I invested in a brewing system, recreated the recipe in larger quantities, and hired a small team.

4. How has your Kombucha brewery evolved since you first started, and how have you been able to sustain its growth?

We invested in a top-of-the-line brewing system, expanded our product line, and opened a tasting room. But, what really made a difference was integrating Shopify into our operations. The platform streamlined our sales process and allowed us to reach new customers through digital marketing.

5. How have you been able to differentiate yourself within this niche market?

We focus on brewing with the highest quality ingredients using a slow, controlled fermentation process. We make everything from scratch in small batches and prioritize using organic produce. Our products not only taste delicious but are highly functional.

6. What has been your proudest moment since starting Happy Belly Kombucha Brewery?

Definitely being named as the Best Kombucha in Portland by Willamette Week. It was a huge validation for all the hard work we put into making the best product possible.

7. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs within the food & beverage industry?

Never compromise on quality. It's not just about offering a great product, it's also about building relationships with your customers and the community. And don't be afraid to embrace new technologies and methods of reaching customers. Integrating Shopify was a game changer for us, and I would recommend it to any business owner looking to scale up.

         

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