Meet Jenni Lyons | Founder at Happy Leaf Kombucha

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

Hi Jenni, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Where Happy Leaf is today is absolutely what I am most proud of. Every business goes through an ‘Aha Moment’ and it’s a tough one to face. Once I was able to face it, I knew what had to happen and boy was it tough. In fact there were more days that I felt crazy than successful over the past year. Even before the pandemic. I was changing the course of Happy Leaf drastically. The most powerful lesson I have learned is that if you really put your heart and mind into something people will support and want to support you. (Good) People want you to succeed! Today we have stabilized a small business the was doing pretty good but not great. The team that we’ve formed is a real life dream team. We have perfected our recipes and fermentation, re-branded (coming soon!) and we have collectively set our focus on expanding into new states and territories.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well this question would be a whole lot different last year, but hey this is the new norm so here it goes. First I would say they should stay at The Dove Inn in Golden. Hike up the mesas in the morning and check out how far the eye can see. Then snag a burrito from Bonfire and sit by the river for a while. Hopefully it’s summer so they could use my tubes to float and bounce around in the water all afternoon. Hit up Colorado Plus for some lunch and then drive up Lookout Mountain to take in the views (get acclimated to the altitude) and watch the sunset with some charcuterie and kombucha. Next day I’d say head to Denver, mask up, bring your sani and walk around Rino and South Broadway. Definitely start with coffee and pastry at Crema, and see some art that is beautifully plastered all over the walls of in Rino. I’m a sucker for a good deli, and Lou’s Italian Specialty is a must when I am in town. Even when I’m not hungry. There are tons of local art galleries and shops depending check them all out! Make a reservation early to sit outside and eat at 5th String for dinner. You have to. Then I would hope ya’ll are acclimated enough to head into the mountains for an easy are camping at my secret spot near Bailey. If you have friends in CO, they should all have a spot (don’t spoil it and tell everyone!). If we had more than a week, I’d say let go on a backpacking trip. Much preferred in my opinion.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Just one?! Well I’d love to throw a whole handful of people and organizations out there, small business’ can only succeed with a strong community of supporters, If I have to name just one I’d like to dedicate where Happy Leaf is today to my big brother, Jake Lyons. He’s been my biggest supporter, best friend, coolest role model my whole life. Besides being there almost daily to listen to my stresses throughout my professional career he has also celebrated every success. Today Jake is the CEO and overall big brother at Happy Leaf! How amazing is that!?

Website: happyleafkombucha.com

Instagram: @happyleafkombucha

Facebook: www.facebook.com/happyleafkombucha