The kombucha revolution is well and truly upon us— and leading the pack is JARR Kombucha. We are endlessly inspired by the story behind one of its founders, Adam Vanni, and know you will be too. Scroll down to hear his tale and all about what keeps him balanced and golden.
- Tell us a little about your journey and the story of Jarr Kombucha.
So in 2015 I was living in Los Angeles with my mom and dad, broke from a year of backpacking, working odd jobs and trying to figure out what to do with my life. In early January that year I got a message from my good friends and now business partners Neil, Tom, Jess and Dominic asking if I’d be in town the following week. Turns out that had a layover in Los Angeles on their way back from New Zealand (where they were on holiday) to London (where they run a craft beer brewery and pizzeria called Crate). After they found out I’d be in town, they extended their layover and stayed with me and my parents.
By that point I was already an avid kombucha drinker and the fridge was stocked full of the stuff. Coincidentally, they had just been introduced to kombucha while in Auckland and as beer brewers, had fallen in love with both the flavour and the brewing process. It was in my parents’ kitchen, sat around the table drinking kombucha that my friend Jess half-jokingly suggested, “Why don’t we all learn how to make kombucha, you move over to London and we start a kombucha brand together?” 2 weeks later I had booked a flight to London and I started experimenting on my first batches in Los Angeles while the rest of the team began experimenting in London. 2 months later, in May of 2015, I moved to London and JARR was born.
- How do you find your daily source of golden balance?
Coming from the sunshine and sea in California, I have personally found London to be an especially difficult place to find balance. Ultimately though, being here has led me to develop and deepen certain daily practices that keep me feeling happy and healthy. Meditation, exercise, clean eating and a good amount of sleep are things I include in my daily routine.
- How important is self-care to you, and do you often implement it into your regular rituals?
I think daily self care is one of the most important things you practice to maintain your overall happiness and wellbeing, especially in a city like London. I practice Transcendental Meditation for 20 minutes first thing in the morning and again in the afternoon post-work. Hotpod Yoga is my jam and I hit up my local Hackney studio at least 4 times a week. It’s actually one of my favourite places in the world. If you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend checking them out. On a daily basis I try not to consume too much alcohol or caffeine, I make time for creative expression and I'm always striving to nurture and deepen my relationships with the people that I love.
- What element of your work is most lighting you up at the moment?
Any opportunity to connect with people in a real and honest way gives me deep satisfaction. A couple months ago we did the London Coffee Festival and although it was super intense and exhausting, I loved every minute of it because I got to meet so many amazing people. I was literally buzzing off the energy of the place, and I didn’t have a single coffee the whole weekend! On a more regular basis I really enjoy leading kombucha brewing workshops across London and spreading the word about JARR.
- Share with us a quote that gives you daily inspiration.
Happiness is like a tree going into the sky, and sadness is like the roots going down into the womb of the earth. Both are needed, and the higher a tree grows, the deeper it goes, simultaneously. The bigger the trees, the bigger will be its roots. In fact, it is always in proportion.
- Osho
- What are some of your favourite ways to wind down?
Taking a very long, very hot bath while listening to my Discover Weekly playlist or the Aubrey Marcus podcast.
- Ingredients-wise, what are your three non-negotiables in the kitchen?
Good quality olive oil, spinach leaves and proper peanut butter (ideally Pip & Nut or Manilife).
- Now tell us, do you have a guilty pleasure?
Booja Booja Chocolate Salted Caramel or a coco mylk Ombar. Saturday night sorted.
- What one quote do you try to live your life by?
“There is no real you, there is only ever you.”
This is actually a quote from a song called Mourner’s Dance by Devendra Barnhart and it deeply moved me the first time I heard it.
- Matcha or turmeric latte?
Turmeric please!