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

Hi Ben, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting Karuna Kava was simple. I’d become passionately enthralled with kava, the relaxing and socially uplifting beverage from the South Pacific Islands. Using kava as a harm reduction technique, I was able to straighten my life out and distance myself from my destructive drinking habits.

Frustrated with the quality of product that I was finding on the market, I decided to start our company because I wanted to offer people the same positive experience with kava that I’d had, in a more accessible, enjoyable and meaningful way. That initial spark ignited the fire of my entrepreneurial spirit, and the rest is history!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Karuna Kava started at local farmers markets and popup events here in the Boise area three years ago, and this year we have officially sold kava in all 50 states and are opening our own Kava Bar and Tea Lounge! That transition, between small, local company to nationally recognized leader of the industry has been a whirlwind. It was definitely not easy. There were times when I wanted to throw in the towel for sure, but I guess that is what I’m most proud of. We just KEPT GOING!

I’m most excited about how our products can influence and improve the lives of our customers. Bringing kava (and nonalcoholic lounges) into my life was a major source for positive change, relief, and healing. Affecting others positively; THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT! Most people in America have no idea that there is a nondestructive, enjoyable, and culturally rich alternative to booze. We get to share that knowledge and spread that stoke. We are totally changing what it means to “drink socially” in America. How rad is that?!

Every challenge we have encountered has been overcome by hard-work, determination, and a tough punch of stubbornness. I’ve learned that when the going gets tough, seek out help. The moment I let my ego get in the way of my ability to learn and grow as a person (and company), I’ve failed my team and myself. Maintaining an inquisitive beginners mind has been so important.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, we live in Boise, so we are going to need more than a week to experience all the joys that our area has to offer. I would definitely bring them into our kava bar, take them to our weekly kava circle, swing them by Capital City Public Market on Saturday, go exploring in the foothills, take a camping trip to the Sawtooth mountain range, swing by Alchemist Coffee and Erth Bev Co for some more delicious beverages, take a rafting trip down the middle fork of the Salmon River, go out to eat at WEPA Café for authentic and delicious Puerto Rican food… There is so much to do here!

We love Boise and love the community that we are apart of! If you came for a week, we’d have plenty for you to experience!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Everything that I have accomplished, I owe to my beautiful wife and my two amazing children. They drive me, support me, inspire me, and remind me of my path. Thank you.

I also owe my life to those who helped me during my early attempts at recovery. In hospitals, in church basements, in sober-living homes, in rehab-centers, and in kava bars. If you are struggling, it can get better. There is help.

Website: Karunakava.com

Instagram: @karunakava

Facebook: /karunakava

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.