For this first edition of Made in Belize, we talked to young entrepreneur Zyania, owner of Longevitea Kombucha.
Keep reading if you want to know where to find the best kombucha in Belize!
W & C: Hi Zyania, we’re very happy to welcome you as the first guest in our new series “Made in Belize.” Thanks for joining us! We would like to know more about you. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Belize City but grew up between the city and island of Caye Caulker. I went to school in Belize City: Elementary, High School, and Junior College. I have a passion for Art, but my background is Science.
W & C: For people who are not familiar with this product, let’s start with the basics. What is kombucha? Does it have health benefits?
Essentially kombucha is fermented black tea. We ferment regular Black tea with brown sugar and a culture of bacteria & yeast. Yes, kombucha has many health benefits! It contains Vitamin B (Brain booster), Vitamin C (Immune System Booster), and Acetic Acid, also found in apple cider vinegar, which helps joint pain and lowering blood pressure. It also has minerals and antioxidants.
W & C: In what year did you found Longevitea, and how did you decide to start this business?
Longevitea was founded during the pandemic 2020 lockdown in Belize. My partner and I were looking for an alternative to sugary beverages in Belize but could not find any in the supermarkets. So we did some research and found out about kombucha and its benefits. We started the business on the basis that healing starts from within, because your gut biome is the most important part of general health.
W & C: Longevitea is a clever brand name! How did you come up with it?
I have to give credit to my partner for this one. We wanted something that made you invest long term into your health. You don’t just become healthy overnight. So I initially wanted Imortalitea but my partner said Longevitea sounds better to the ear. It’s also made from tea, so we changed the Ty to tea.
W & C: Can you tell us a little bit about your logo? What does it represent?
Our logo represents alignment. We chose to use chakras because they are energy points in our body. Our main focus was the energy points concerning the digestive system, and eventually we wanted to expand.
W & C: What Longevitea flavours are available and what’s the public favourite?
- Sorrel Ginger (Best Seller)
- Pine & Ginger (2nd Best seller)
- Ginger
- Tambran Mojito
- Peppermint
W & C: What are some challenges of being an entrepreneur in Belize?
I don’t think there’s much of a challenge socially but the primary challenge my business faces is importing bottles and larger equipment. I think being in Belize is a great opportunity, because there’s no competition. You can basically create your own market and that’s what I did with my kombucha brand and handbags.
W & C: What advice can you give our readers that are thinking of starting a business in Belize?
Be open to the culture, because not everyone is willing to grow, especially if you are in the rural areas of Belize.
Wrobel & Co: Can you explain your interactions with Wrobel & Co? What do you need a lawyer for as a business owner in Belize?
W & C: Describe your life in Belize in 3 words.
Freedom of expression
W & C: What is your favourite place in Belize?
Caye Caulker
W & C: What is your favourite animal in Belize?
I love all animals!
W & C: Where can our readers find your delicious Kombucha?
You can find us in many locations in Belize:
- Belizean Flavour (Placencia)
- Carnivore (Belize City)
- Kisses & Bites (Belize City)
- Farmhouse Cafe (San Pedro)
- Mercado (Caye Caulker)
W & C: Where can people go to learn more about your product?
They can follow us on Instagram or Facebook.
W & C: Can you recommend other Belizean brands that you personally like?
- Zyaniaalonzo – crochet handbags
- Twig and Pearl – genuine belizean leather handbags
- BabyEarth – natural skincare made in Belize
- CocoLove – natural skincare
- Kajexpressions– jewelry
- Wildroots – cold pressed juices
Zyania Alonzo – Longevitea Kombucha Founder
This information was provided as a courtesy of Wrobel & Co. Attorneys-at-law. It is intended to inform, not to advise. No one should try to interpret or apply any law without the assistance of legal counsel. Please click here for the full disclaimer.
