Alejandro Himmelbauer, Kombucha Vallesana, Mexico
Q: When did you first discover kombucha?
5 years ago.
I had been having digestive problems for more than a year, tried allopathic treatments, homeopathy, acupuncture, nothing worked. My wife discovered kombucha in a ferments course, she brought home some of this vinegary drink and it changed my life forever. My digestive issues improved within the first week of drinking it. Who would have imagined five years later I would be making kombucha for a living? 🙂
Q: Why did you start your own kombucha company?
When I started brewing kombucha, I never thought about making a company. I just wanted to have my own fresh kombucha. At the time, I was working in Mexico City, driving home to my wife and 2 kids in Valle de Bravo (a small town near Mexico City) for the weekends. I guess making kombucha just made a lot of sense. I could move to Valle de Bravo with my family, I could share this wonderful elixir with more people and hopefully it will leave a good impression to my kids of how a company can be started with a glass jar in your own kitchen.
Q: What is your favorite flavor of kombucha?Â
Hola Kombucha (A small brand in Merida near Cancun) has a wonderful blend: Lime, ginger and aloe vera.
Q: What is your former/current other life or career?
Audio Engineer
Q: What is a saying that you live by?
No hay mal que por bien no venga. Similar to: Every cloud has a silver lining.