Today we’d like to introduce you to Trey Lockerbie.
Trey, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My wife, Ashleigh, and I were immersed in the world of touring musicians, with Ashleigh providing backup vocals for Rihanna and myself playing guitar for Lenka and pursuing my own projects. Our lives took an unexpected turn when my sister, Brittany, called to share the news of her breast cancer diagnosis. The world blurred our carefully laid plans, dissolving into fear and uncertainty. Suddenly, “making it” as musicians felt hollow. We yearned for something that mattered, something tangible. Health, connection, community – these became our new guiding stars. Ashleigh and I decided to redirect our careers, prioritizing health and wellness while being closer to family.
Only one other brand sold kombucha at that time, and it was a polarizing drink, often described as “vinegary.” We felt that our home-brewed kombucha could be a welcomed alternative since it was light, refreshing, and delicious. You see, kombucha is like wine… it can be brewed many different ways and still achieve the desired effectiveness.
Our journey began at farmers markets, where we debuted our initial product at the Silver Lake Farmers Market on a scorching summer Tuesday evening. The response was overwhelming, and week after week, we found ourselves selling out. Recognizing the need for a more organized approach, we faced a pivotal choice – either establish a serious operation or consider calling it quits. We chose to go all-in, opening our first brewery and launching our product in grocery stores across Southern California. I became known as “the kombucha guy,” navigating coffee shops and restaurants with stacks of kombucha cases on a dolly from my mini-van while Ashleigh focused on crafting exceptional tea blends and refining our product and packaging.
As time passed, Better Booch evolved into a household name on the West Coast, progressively expanding its reach across the entire country. Today, we proudly boast distribution in all 50 states!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Selling cans of tea has proven to be surprisingly challenging. Our journey has encompassed everything from the resourcefulness of bootstrapping – standing in lines to purchase a few cases of bottles and filling 5-gallon jugs with reverse osmosis water from a grocery store vending machine – to the complexities of fundraising, expanding manufacturing operations, and orchestrating nationwide sales and marketing campaigns.
Amidst these challenges, unexpected curveballs were thrown our way, including a global pandemic, disruptions in supply chains, the phenomenon of the great resignation, and the highest interest rate hike in history, impacting venture funding and contributing to inflation. But who’s keeping track!
One enduring challenge has been the ongoing task of educating both the public and ourselves about the myriad benefits of kombucha. Now, after 12 years, we’re witnessing the scientific community catching up to what we’ve intuitively known all along – that fermented food is a form of medicine. The landscape of functional beverages is diverse, and many mainstream kombucha products are no longer authentic. We continually seek innovative ways to set ourselves apart.
We’ve been impressed with Better Booch, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Better Booch has recently undergone a transformative shift, transitioning from a singular focus on one brand to a broader mission of enhancing health through delectable drinks. In the past year, we expanded our portfolio by acquiring Live Soda, the original functional soda brand. Additionally, we introduced CHA, a prebiotic sparkling iced tea designed as a refreshing alternative to sparkling water. Lastly, we unveiled a limited release of N/ATIVE, our non-alcoholic wine fermented with our native kombucha cultures.
Furthermore, our collaboration extends to the forefront of innovation, working closely with leading companies and universities. This partnership enables us to pioneer products aligned with the latest scientific research, all while keeping in mind that the ultimate goal is to offer a healthier and more flavorful beverage for everyone.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
That Ashleigh and I have a band called Anti-Pioneer and we have an album on Spotify. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: www.betterbooch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterbooch/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterBooch/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BetterBooch
Image Credits
1st photo: Jennifer Fairchild 2nd photo: Describe the Fauna
