From Marketing manager at Net-a-porter to family business owner, this month we met Co-founder of MOMO Kombucha, Lisa Puddle. We were lucky enough to visit the MOMO brewery in Battersea, where we learnt all about the process of making kombucha and the endless health benefits. Discover the story behind MOMO and shop Lisa’s favourite Wrap looks.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and the story behind MOMO?
We discovered kombucha on a trip to New York in 2016. I had been reading about gut health and had heard that kombucha was fantastic for bringing the gut back in to balance. By the end of the trip, we had fallen in love with kombucha. Back in London we started brewing our own and the idea for MOMO was born. At the time I was working in Marketing for NET-A-PORTER, but I always knew I wanted to have my own business one day. So, when I was on maternity leave, we decided to quit our jobs and started MOMO.
Where do you draw inspiration from when developing new flavours and products?
We love food and drink so developing new flavours is a really fun part of the job. We tried lots of different combinations at the very beginning until we found the right recipe for the flavours we launched with. Kombucha is such an incredible product that really brings out the flavours of different fruits and plants.
We’re very lucky to have a great head brewer, Matt Canham who has developed our latest flavours, including our Limited Edition Coffee Kombucha that we released in collaboration with Origin Coffee Roasters. We’ve got an exciting new collaboration launching in January by the way so watch this space.
What are some of the benefits of kombucha?
Kombucha is packed full of naturally occurring probiotics which aid digestion and help maintain balance in the body’s internal ecosystem. It also contains healthy organic acids, antioxidants and vitamins which increase energy, support joint health, reduce blood sugar levels and act as a natural detoxifier.
Why do you think the importance of gut-health and wellness has become so prevalent in recent years?
Gut health regulates everything from your mood to your digestion so is absolutely crucial to your overall wellness. Interestingly, Eastern cultures have had a better understanding of the role of digestion and gut health to overall wellness for thousands of years and we are only now in the West taking note as the science catches up. Whilst there is still so much that is unknown, you can positively influence your gut health relatively quickly by adding certain foods to your diet and restricting others, and you’ll really feel the difference.
What made you decide to stick to the old-fashioned way of brewing kombucha?
From the start it has always been our aim to produce the UK’s best tasting and highest quality kombucha, to build a brand that could stand the test of time and make a positive difference in people’s lives. When we were researching how to do this, we spoke to commercial brewers in the US and the UK, and we often heard that the best kombucha they had ever brewed was in a small glass jar. That was how we were currently making ours, and it was tasting great, so we decided early on to commit to this brewing method.
Where in London can we find MOMO?
We’re stocked at Selfridges, Planet Organic, Whole Foods Market and lots of amazing independent shops and coffee shops.
What advice would you give to someone starting up their own business?
Make a really good product and believe in it. There will always be ups and downs but keep going. And if you can, find someone with complementary skills to yourself (Josh and I have completely opposing skills).
Can you walk us through a typical day in your life?
I try to wake up before the kids are up so usually wake at 5:30am and start my day journaling followed by a meditation and reading (if I’m lucky!) I then make breakfast, get them dressed and they go off to kindergarten three days a week. I’m lucky I own my own business as I can work flexibly.
When we were starting the business Josh and I did everything together (brewing, bottling, sales etc) but now we have two kids (2 and 4) I’m very conscious that I don’t miss out on their early years, so typically I’ll work three days a week when they’re in kindergarten.
Right now, I’m focused on our marketing plan for 2022, how we can improve our D2C offering and our social media. If I’m lucky I’ll grab lunch at one of our customer’s cafes and check in with them.
Then I make dinner for the family and after the kids are in bed Josh and I usually catch up on what’s going on with MOMO, what we need to do and discuss any pain points.
How do you make your clothes work for you and your busy lifestyle?
My clothes have to be comfortable since I cycle to most places (the kids love being in the trailer) and spend a lot of time playing on the floor, but I also need to look presentable when seeing our customers, so my clothes need to be smart and comfortable at the same time.
What are your go-to wardrobe staples?
I love a nice shirt or woollen statement jumper with jeans and trainers.
And finally…
If I wasn’t running MOMO…I’d be a yoga teacher
The best thing about my job…it gives me such a buzz seeing MOMO for sale in a shop/cafe. Meeting so many amazing people through MOMO has been very special.
My dream holiday destination…anywhere with a beach, 26 degrees and a kids club.
Words to live by…kindness doesn’t cost anything; you never know what the other person is going through.
On my Christmas list…anything from A New Tribe, my favourite rug and homeware shop.
My ideal breakfast…Jasmine Hemsley‘s Ayurvedic milk rice
My favourite London hangout…Brockwell Lido and The Elder Press Café
 Checked frill blouse > |
 Carrot jeans > |
 Rib-stitch cardigan > |
 Carrot jeans > |
 Collared sweater > |