The story of Organic Dharma’s Kombucha is not just about the creation of a product, but the birth of a dream nurtured with love, hope, and unwavering faith in a small family business.
It all began in 2072 B.S., at the humble ‘Farmer’s Market’, where our vendors—modestly selling teas and organic beans—built their lives on the gratitude of each loyal customer. In the chaos of the bustling market, where conversations blended with the laughter of children and the scent of freshly baked bread, they found their purpose. It was here that Kedar uncle, a cherished elder, offered them a gift they hadn’t asked for: the knowledge of Kombucha. It wasn’t just a skill—it was an invitation to dream bigger. His words were full of encouragement, like a father passing down a legacy, urging them to take the leap into something new; something unknown.
They started small—delicate, white Scobys carefully packaged in simple plastic bags, sold to passing tourists. There was magic in those first few sales, but the true spark came when Kedar uncle suggested they pair the Scoby with Kombucha vessels. It felt like the beginning of something larger, like their story was unfolding, slowly, beautifully.
And then came the Canadian tourist. His words, filled with nostalgia and hope, struck a deep chord. His father, a 66-year-old Kombucha maker, had built a life from this craft. He had paid for his son’s education with the earnings from something as humble as tea and fermentation. That story lingered with them, swirling in their hearts, igniting a fire they didn’t know they had. If he could turn Kombucha into a legacy, why couldn’t they?
With newfound determination, they began making Kombucha. In those early days, it wasn’t perfect—plain and simple batches brewed with whatever bottles they could gather from a cousin in Kupandole. Yet every bottle held a piece of their heart, each one a step toward the future. And then, one day, a visit from the Deputy Ambassador of the US Embassy transformed everything. She suggested flavors. Suddenly, their Kombucha wasn’t just tea—it was ginger, mint, pineapple, and mango, bursting with life, joy, and the taste of possibility.
What truly made their Kombucha special wasn’t just the flavors, though. It was the love, care, and attention poured into each bottle. Instead of regular sugar, they used Sakkhar/Jaggery—a healthier, more wholesome option that became their signature. Aunty, with her hands seasoned by years of experience, was at the heart of it all. She laughed as she brewed, often joking that her husband couldn’t make it quite like she could. She didn’t need measurements; her instinct was her guide, her years of love for the craft making every batch just right.
As their Kombucha grew in popularity, Aunty’s eyes sparkled with pride whenever a foreigner would claim it was the best Kombucha they’d ever tasted. And how could it not be? Every sip carried their story, their journey from uncertainty to success. It wasn’t just a drink—it was their soul, their struggle, and their triumph.
There were challenges, of course. Bottles burst during export, the winter slowed fermentation, and cleanliness was paramount. Yet, even in the face of adversity, they persevered. The lockdown, with its harsh restrictions, didn’t stop them. Before dawn, they’d sneak through the quiet streets of Kathmandu, delivering their Kombucha, the very lifeblood of their business, before the world woke up.
Through it all, their Kombucha allowed them to give their children a life they had dreamed of. Education, stability, hope for the future—all made possible by a simple drink that had become their livelihood. Yet, their vision extends beyond Kathmandu, beyond the borders of Nepal. They dream of reaching India, the Middle East, and beyond, believing that their Kombucha has the potential to touch lives far and wide.
Their journey—from a simple market stall to renowned Kombucha makers—has been one of resilience, love, and faith. It’s a testament to the power of a dream nurtured with passion and the belief that even the simplest ideas, when handled with care, can transform lives.