Kombucha Business Brews Growth in Lakeland


Krazy Kombucha of Polk County

What began as a personal search for better digestive health has evolved into a thriving business helping others pursue healthier lifestyles, one kombucha pour at a time.

For Wendy Johnson, founder and owner of Krazy Kombucha Plus Superfoods, the journey from licensed nurse to entrepreneur was fueled by firsthand experience and a passion for wellness. Today, the business serves customers from its taproom in Lakeland’s historic Dixieland district while expanding its reach through a newly launched mobile superfood bar.

Johnson, who spent 28 years working as a nurse, said her healthcare background helped shape both her mission and her products.

“I feel like that brought me all the way to this point where I do know the systems of the body. I know exactly how this kombucha helps,” Johnson said. “Anybody that drinks it from very young to very old, it’s good for everyone.”

Kombucha, a fermented tea rich in probiotics, became part of Johnson’s life after she struggled with digestive issues despite maintaining an active lifestyle. After experiencing benefits herself, she introduced it to family and friends, who also reported positive results.

“When it helped me, I got my parents to start drinking it. I got my best friend AJ that actually helps me at the markets, and everybody said that they had some sort of benefit,” Johnson said. “I was like, ‘I think this is something my community needs.'”

That realization led Johnson to launch Krazy Kombucha where the business built a loyal customer base over eight years. Five years ago, she opened a permanent taproom location in Lakeland, offering more than 20 kombucha flavors on tap, along with locally sourced products and health-focused offerings.

This year marked another milestone for the company. In April, Krazy Kombucha expanded beyond its signature beverages with the introduction of kombucha-based smoothies, smoothie bowls and health shots through a new mobile superfood bar.

As the business prepared for its next phase of growth, Johnson turned to the Florida SBDC at USF for guidance.

Working with business consultant Greg Manning, Johnson focused on strengthening her financial management skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the company’s performance.

“Financially was where I needed the help,” she said. “I needed to look at my numbers. I needed to break down and wrestle with them, and boy have we. It has showed me a lot.”

Johnson credits the Florida SBDC at USF with helping her tackle business challenges she once avoided. “I tend to want to avoid those hard topics because it doesn’t feel good to really dig in there and look at them,” she said. “But Greg has helped me, and we’re still sifting through it. It has been such a help to have his mentorship.”

The guidance paid off as Johnson invested in and launched the company’s mobile superfood bar, creating new opportunities to serve customers beyond Lakeland.

“This is a mobile trailer that is easier for me to go into surrounding areas and to events,” Johnson said. “We’re going into Hyde Park and hoping to go into Orlando soon.”

The Florida SBDC at USF also connected Krazy Kombucha with students at Florida Southern College through a class project. The collaboration proved so valuable that Johnson hired one of the students, who now assists with graphic design, label redesign and social media efforts.

“With launching our new superfood bar, we also rebranded, which has given us a better exposure in our community,” she said. “The beautiful graphics and redesign has been a huge help with growth and sales at our markets.”

Today, customers can visit the taproom to sample dozens of kombucha varieties, create flavor combinations and explore an expanding lineup of healthy products. But for Johnson, the company’s growth is about more than sales. It reflects a commitment to helping people discover simple ways to support their health while building connections within the community.

Looking ahead, Johnson plans to continue working closely with the Florida SBDC at USF as Krazy Kombucha grows.

“Florida SBDC has been wonderful in helping me fill in the blanks that a small business owner tends to neglect,” she said. “I look forward to digging into those things and making my business as strong as it can be with the SBDC.”

For other entrepreneurs, Johnson offers straightforward advice: seek help and don’t be afraid to confront difficult areas of the business. “You don’t have to do it by yourself,” she said. “Florida SBDC at USF will help you.”