Meet Sara Lemmon | Doer & Brewer of 3rd Bird Kombucha

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sara Lemmon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, what matters most to you?
Fearlessness.

I wasn’t always fearless. In fact, for most of the past two decades, I can say I was the opposite. However, when it because clear that my 3rd Bird, my son, Silas, experienced the world in a very different way, I had to step out of my comfort zone and do life differently- not just for him, but for myself.

3rd Bird hatched as a way to make the world a bit kinder and more inclusive for Silas. Silas is autistic and has GI and sensory processing issues. So using my science background, I set off to find a way to help address his tummy troubles.

If I’ve learned anything from brewing kombucha, launching a business and being a momma to three little birds, it’s this: that sometimes from the unfamiliar comes wellness and wholeness transforming you into something new.

But transformation takes trust and a dash of fearlessness. Trusting that change is okay and in fact, necessary. Trusting that you have the ability to see things through- that the risk you are taking is worth whatever the costs- trust that the process is of value- which is really validating one’s own self-worth.

At our core, 3rd Bird is connection and dedication, not just to yourself but to those who are lucky enough to be part of your flock. We lift each other up and support one another, operating from a place of kindness and hope, rather than fear and scarcity. We aren’t trying to be like everyone else- nor run a business like others. And for me- that feels pretty fearless.

What should our readers know about your business?

We didn’t set out to be a direct to consumer home delivery brand, but sometimes the best ideas come from necessity. 3rd Bird launched as a fledgling business mere moments before the pandemic hit, and our little kombucha company—the one that aimed to bring people together—had to find a way to connect and grow in one of the most isolating moments in American history. So we pivoted, and delivery became an essential part of who we are because it helps us to connect. In fact, delivery is surprisingly one of the reasons our customers love 3rd Bird. It’s more personal this way. The monthly subscription of kombucha provides our customers the excitement as opening one of those “just because” present Our supply chain is homegrown. Glass bottles actually get refilled and reused. For us, delivery isn’t just here to stay after the pandemic, it’s part of who we are now because it’s part of what makes us shine.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my gosh- what a great question! One of the things I love about living and raising a family in Park Hill is that there is so much to do.

Day 1: On Saturday, we’d bike over to the revamped City Park Farmers’ Market. After wandering around listening to music and sampling from local vendors, we’d pick up some things up for lunch. We’d then head to the Denver Zoo to eat beside Jorge and Fernando- the llamas. Llamas just make me smile and they are housed right by the carousal- a crowd favorite. Once done with the zoo, we’d bike back across City Park and spend the afternoon at the Tattered Cover and Twist and Shout. Before heading home, we’d grab some ice cream at Nugg’s. Because ice cream can be dinner.

Day 2: Hop on the train to Union Station and spend the day wandering Lodo. Since finding a place to eat that everyone agrees upon can be challenging, we’d head to the Dairy Block where there is something for everyone. Head over to the Conscious Merchant to pick up beautifully curated sustainable products. Their staff is so friendly and knowledgeable-I always walk away learning more about how to live a bit more green. Speaking of beauty, right across from the Conscious Market is Pickleton Flower Market where flowers are art. Their designs are incredible. From the Dairy Block- walk over to the Museum of Contemporary Art on 15th and make sure to check out the view from their roof. I’d cap the day off at Tavernetta before taking the train back home.

Day 3: Head to Torpedo Coffee in Oneida Square to pick up some breakfast burritos, coffee and 3rd Bird Kombucha as we will need our energy for today. Straight up i70 to Dillion Reservoir to go paddleboarding for the day.

Day 4: I love to garden and there’s nothing better than spending time wandering the aisles of a plant store. I find it so calming. One of my favorite spots for outdoor plants is Als Pine Garden and not just because of it’s puny name. They are family-run and have a wide variety of affordable plants for every type of gardener. For my indoor plants, I enjoy Planted in the Sloans’ Lake neighborhood. All this plant shopping- and soon gardening- requires a pick me up, so head to SloHi Coffee for some nitro brew on tap and yummy, local treats. Then head home to get dirty in the Colorado soil. Afterwards, I’d head to Marczyk’s on Colfax to pick up food to grill as well grab some wine. I don’t know much about wine, so thank goodness the folks who work at Marczyk’s do- they have never steered me wrong. I’d also make sure to grab some Real Dill Bloody Mary mix- simply the best & made by another Park Hill family.

Day 5: After working my friend so hard yesterday- today would be all about rest and relaxation. I just discovered Allure Lash Denver. Their HydraFacial makes your skin feel and look years younger. My favorite place for a little stay-cation is the Halcyon in Cherry Creek. While you can rent gear for an urban adventure, you’d find me hanging out at the roof top pool and ending the night with a dance party- music provided by the in-room record players.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Erica Hanlon has been my career coach since March of 2019. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
When I started with Erica, I didn’t actually know what it is that I wanted from my life professionally- just that I was burnt out & lacking joy. I felt confused about my priorities and I knew I wasn’t really living my one precious life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Without Erica’s wisdom, practicality, cheerleading, 3rd Bird Kombucha may still be an idea- or worse abandoned like my kids’ laundry. Erica keeps reminding me on the weekly that I already know the next best step- she just gives my brain the space it needs to transform into actionable confidence. She’s my own Kristin Bell, singing the ‘Next Right Thing’ from Frozen 2-over & over- and honestly, who wouldn’t want their own Kristin Bell? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Erica has me knowing that I am fearless. And for that- I’m extremely grateful. ⠀

Website: www.3rdBirdCollective.com

Instagram: @3rdBirdKombucha

Facebook: @3rdBirdKombucha

Image Credits
John Bosely- photo 1 Luke Gottlieb- photo 2