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

Hi Anna, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I was furloughed from my job during the COVID-19 pandemic! During this time the mayor of Denver shut down the liquor stores for a brief few hours deemed the “Denver Prohibition of 2020” — I thought to myself, this time is going to look different, people are going to be connecting in new and different ways. I saw the rise of the kombucha market and at the same time was researching the prohibition era of the 1920s and the name hit me Hooch Booch — Hooch like prohibition alcohol, booch like kombucha. I couldn’t stop thinking about it and knew I had to go for it!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am most proud of the story of Hooch Booch! Most other kombucha / hard kombucha brands are inspired by classic alcoholic kombucha or beer. We are classic cocktail inspired taking the consumer back in time to sip on a beverage that is curated for modern times but a nod to the past! Easy, absolutely not. The hardest thing I have ever done. I remind myself daily to trust the process and know that in time it will all be so worth it. I have truly learned to be patient and everything will fall into place. I want to move so quickly and get excited about our next stages but remind myself to stay present. I want the world to know that my greatest ambition for creating Hooch Booch was to foster connection. In a time that feels so divided I want to bring people together over a boozy beverage that offers added benefits!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooo this is a tricky one! Definitely a day trip from Denver to the mountains, maybe 1 night camping if the weather allows otherwise a hike or walk around the lake in Evergreen. Back in Denver, we would definitely check out RiNo art district and brewery hop in the area. Uncle Ramen is a must for me no matter what the weather is I am also a big fan of Linger. In my opinion getting out of Denver to explore all that Colorado has to offer is the best way to do it. Being in the mountains makes me so happy!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to shoutout my dad, Mark! He was the first person I called and has supported me every step of the way during the process of Hooch Booch. The good, the bad, the highs and lows he is always there. He pushes me to be a better leader every day. I cannot thank him enough!

Website: drinkhoochbooch.com

Instagram: @drinkhoochbooch

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-zesbaugh-a79897b9/

Image Credits
Jake Holschuh Photography Free Energy Collective

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