Kombucha has been consumed in China since 220 BC. It is an organic tea drink with beneficial probiotics that helps with many chronic health problems including the gut, blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammations. For the health-conscious, it is a worthy alternative to consuming medicines frequently. Fortunately, you don’t need to go to China, for it is effortlessly available in Nepal. K for Kombucha, a recently established company, has commenced producing the tea from home which can be ordered via social media platforms.
The eruption of an idea
“We have always mapped our path with curiosity and an eagerness to face difficulties in finding new ways to solve problems,” says Ms Utkarshaa Gautam, founder of K for Kombucha. The idea erupted from the pain she suffered in her stomach during her hostel days as a student of dentistry. She adds, “I learned that overstress was the cause of my gut problem, and the doctor prescribed me a probiotic. As a beginner in the world of medicine, the term ‘probiotic’ sounded foreign to me. Curiosity eventually led me to Kombucha after doing an ample amount of research for the precise probiotic to relieve my pain. To my surprise, I got completely cured.”
Since anyone can suffer from gut problems, serving Kombucha, which is usually not easily available, can help one overcome the problem effectively, and this revelation sparked in her the idea of starting the company.
The Production
Kombucha is a probiotic tea drink that can be consumed by anybody. To create an effective Kombucha requires a proper recipe. After several failed attempts, the K for Kombucha team finally succeeded in bringing the product to the market. Ms Gautam says, “It’s based on a fermentation process where temperature plays a critical role. It takes about 9-10 days to bring about the final product.” To keep up with increasing numbers of health-conscious consumers, at present, they provide a wide variety of drinks from unflavoured Kombucha, ginger lemon, mango to berry, and green tea-based kombucha without blending artificial flavours. Ms. Gautam further adds that the side-effects of such drinks are very rare and insignificant. But in exceptional cases, some people might procure yeast allergy as Kombucha has yeast in it.
Will it thrive in the long term?
While many companies are struggling to stay afloat during this pandemic era, the company has delineated a clear-cut path for itself to follow. Far from being uncertain about their survival, Ms Gautam is confident in light of the increasing orders and positive feedback from customers. She further adds that the product isn’t seasonal, so lasts for a long time.
In the long term, the team plans to open an outlet and employ marginalized women in society. The founder says, ” Although our product is carbonated, it has positive advantages for the body. So, I believe it will be a great alternative to other carbonated beverages like Coke and Pepsi which has well-known side effects.” Due to these waves of positive hunches, the team is optimistic about the future of the company.
Balancing dentistry and entrepreneurship
“I want to effectively regulate these two domains mindfully. After all, I’m providing services either way. I understand that business, by nature, is a struggle. It will help boost my strength and it is beneficial regardless of any field I eventually choose”, expresses Ms. Gautam.
She reveals that turning her idea into action was never stressful because of her family’s support who are Management gurus themselves and are a source of unending motivation. In fact, they run the company together as a team.
Final words
The growth of local businesses that we see nowadays is due to the support of the citizens. Ms. Gautam requests readers to keep on supporting and assures that Nepal-made products are very authentic and real. “Newcomers to the entrepreneurial field will be motivated once we as a whole consume and support local products together.”
