We recently had the chance to connect with Heather Van Tassell and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Heather, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest things I think are misunderstood about my business. is that we are WAY more than kombucha.
When we started out at that first farmers market with cambro dispensers, big dreams, and a 10×10 tent, we had no idea where this business would take us. Our flagship product and my biggest passion will always be kombucha. But over the years I discovered several other products that have done so much for me. With my venue opportunities, I have brought those products out of my own use to others at the farmers market and other retail locations.
Elixirs are amazing. These “beverages with benefits” are a great option for folks who are scared of ferments. It isn’t kombucha, but they are crafted with the same care I use in making that amazing product. Things like Hibiscus Lime Tea, which is great for your blood pressure, skin, hair, and nails. Peaflower Lemonade that is packed with antioxidants and calming tea. My personal favorite. Green Mint Tea. An expert blend of green tea and spearmint that provides a cooling boost of clean energy. Of course, our Ginger Tea rounds out the list with too many benefits to list. All lightly sweetened with honey and in ready-to-drink packaging.
Sea Moss Gel has been one of the most exciting additions to the Mad Scientist lineup. Sea Moss Gel has so many benefits. It is a PRE-biotic. Which goes in hand with probiotic kombucha. It feeds your good gut bacteria, keeping you and them going strong. It is great for joint health, skin and nails, and so much more. Sea Moss Gel is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and so many good things.
We are Mad Scientist Kombucha. But we are so much more!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Heather Van Tassell. I am the founder and Resident Mad Scientist of Mad Scientist Kombucha.
Like many products, Mad Scientist Kombucha was born from a personal need. I have battled with digestive issues for much of my adult life. When I discovered kombucha, it was life changing! It helped me so much!!
But I didn’t like it. Yes. You heard that right. I didn’t like kombucha.
I thought about it. “I’m a scientist, I can figure this out.”
So I sat down with Google and researched what makes kombucha, well… kombucha. I learned a lot about how kombucha is made. The different parts of the kombucha process. What happens during the first fermentation? What happens in the second fermentation?
Now, how can I make this better?
I discovered that the first fermentation produces milder acids. The second fermentation, where the fizz is made, produces the more “punch you in the tongue” acids. A shift in the fermentation process makes a huge difference. A kombucha I like. One that most people who don’t like kombucha like as well.
The rest is history.
I am asked all of the time, where the name Mad Scientist Kombucha comes from. As I said, I am actually a scientist. I have a Genetics degree from Texas A&M University, and before I took the leap to make Mad Scientist Kombucha my full-time concentration, I worked in several laboratories in Houston.
My first job out of college was in a Paternity lab. In addition to the Maury Povich type cases, we did immigration testing and other types of analysis.
My next laboratory job was at the City of Houston Health Department in an Environmental lab. I spent the next 13 years in that laboratory and assisted in several major testing projects like those for Swine Flu and Coronavirus.
My day to day looks a bit different now. But I couldn’t be happier!
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is with my husband.
He is an amazing man! He supports my crazy ideas, helps me when I am stuck on something, and is my biggest cheerleader. His belief in me is strong enough to keep me going when I start to have doubts about myself or a project.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Believe it or not, there was a time when Mad Scientist Kombucha nearly came to an end. Juggling a day job and an entire small business was stressful. Especially as my workload at the laboratory increased and the business began to grow.
There just wasn’t enough time in the day to get things done.
I was perpetually tired, but highly motivated.
There came a time when I had to decide. Take that leap and see where Mad Scientist Kombucha can take me? Or focus on the laboratory? I believe I made the right choice.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Fads come and go. They are seated in trends. If all of the “influencers” are trying to influence you on it, it will likely pass.
I believe foundational shifts are ones with more truth.
Yes, kombucha may sound trendy. Sea moss gel is new and flashy. But these products are aligned with the shift in public demand.
People are focusing on their health. They are examining labels and want to know what is in their food. A greater emphasis on organic, dye-free foods, and cleaner processing.
These are foundational shifts.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe that I am doing what I was born to do.
I have always been a scientist. Since I was a small child I have been a constant explorer of nature. I wanted to understand how things worked, how they related to each other, and I wanted to see it with my own eyes. I was curious and asked a lot of questions. I know I annoyed all of the adults around me. But I had to know!
I also realized that I am great at selling. For as long as I can remember, I have had something sales related, either as my sole focus or a side gig. I was a top seller of candy bars in high school organizations, I worked at clothing stores in high school and early college, I participated in several other companies, such as Avon and Tupperware along the way. Now, I represent my brand at Farmers Markets and other events.
My Kombucha Kitchen is my happy place. But the face-to-face with my customer, getting the feedback, makes me so happy. As we have focused more on retail and distribution, I continue to participate at The Courtyard Collective Farmers Market (our last Farmer’s Market hold-out). I enjoy the camaraderie of other vendors and the instant feedback on new flavors and from new customers. Most of all, I enjoy talking with my loyal customers. It is the highlight of my week.
In short, I was told to go to school. I was told to go to college. I was told to get the degree and do that job. I was told to work 9 to 5 every day until I cannot work any more. But I was born for so much more!
I was born to experiment. I was born to create something. I was born to share my passion with the world.
I so happy that I get to do this every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.MadScientistKombucha.com
- Instagram: @madscientistkombucha
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/MadScientistKombucha
