WOMEN WHO INSPIRE

At KF, we believe in the power of women. Each month, we'll introduce you to a 'Woman Who Inspires'. These incredible women are entrepreneurs, innovators and makers who are paving their own way in business, education, society, motherhood, and many more aspects of life.  Learn how they started their ventures, the challenges they faced along the way and see how they are building their future - all of our futures - while inspiring others.

 

Owner of MotherLove Ferments Rochelle Minagawa

Rochelle is the owner and creator of MotherLove Ferments, a Kombucha brewing company located in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. Started in 2015, MotherLove sources the highest quality, local ingredients to create the best tasting and healthiest Kombucha* available. 

Not only is Rochelle one of the kindest and most successful women we know, she is also a mother of 2 and is an avid hammer thrower (Track & Field term, look it up). Read on to learn more about her love for her community, how she listens to podcasts at 2x the speed (a very good metaphor for her work ethic and energetic personality), and how a season of minimizing helped her live a more purposeful life. 

*Kombucha tea is made from a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (nicknamed a 'SCOBY' or 'Mother' because of its ability to reproduce). Often referred to as the 'elixir of life', kombucha has been used for centuries to aid in detoxification, boost the immune system and is a super hero for digestion and gut health. Personally here at KF, we can't get enough of it!!

 

Introduce yourself!

Hey! I’m Rochelle. I live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada and have a life that’s full of really good things. Two young kids, two dogs, a supportive husband, amazing friends and a close knit family. I own a ferments company and brew organic kombucha and water kefir.

Why did you start your own company or brand/become an entrepreneur/be your own boss?

To create something new and turn a passion into a career. Starting a company brought what I already did at home (ferment things) in line with my education (business and marketing) and lets me share what I care about with my community. I am rarely idle and thrive on new projects so being able to set my own schedule and progress at my own rate is the most satisfying part of being an entrepreneur.

What has been your biggest failure in business and what did you learn from it?

Not being intentional. Everything that’s in our lives we either put there or allow to be there. If we aren’t clear about our goals and direction we can end up with things in our lives and businesses that aren’t serving us. I recently went through a season of minimizing to get rid of excess and reevaluate what I have and what purpose it serves in my life and business.

What is the first thing you do after waking up to jumpstart a successful day?

Scrape my tongue, drink warm lemon water and meditate. Maybe a little yoga if there’s time before the kids get up.

What tools (apps, books, podcasts, etc.) would you recommend to anyone trying to start their own business/make your work day easier?

I find the key is in not trying to use too many tools. More things to log into, check and complete means more work.
My most successful work days are the ones that are well planned. Literally just an organized calendar and a day structured around how I can be the most productive. *I also listen to podcasts and audiobooks on double speed when I’m driving to get my reading in because the struggle is real when I sit down to read.

What person in history, living or dead, has inspired you and how?

I’m most inspired by the amazing people in history who’ve challenged societal norms. The people that live out their passion no matter what people think.
Presently in my life this is my husband Takumi. He’s authentic and I respect that he’s true to himself even when it may not be the popular opinion. He’s content with what he has and grateful for what comes his way. He listens to understand what someone means instead of their word choice. I think authenticity, gratitude and communication are the keys to living your best life.

If this wasn't your job, what's something else you've always wanted to do/start/create?

Where do I start?! As a visionary I have a long list of ways I would expand this business or new businesses I’d start. I volunteer coach and would put more energy into that area of my life as well and be more involved with how our diet affects recovery and long term health.

Let's Get Deep...

What emoji(s) do you use most when texting?

Muscles 💪🏻 because we do hard things, the face palm 🤦🏻‍♀️, because I have two kids and life gets crazy,  and two dancing girls 👯‍♀️ because bad bitches always have a sidekick.

Go-to cocktail?

It’s all about the kombucha cocktails for me right now. We have so many amazing local bars using MotherLove kombucha in their mixology that I always want to try when I’m out. (And kombucha is a GREAT sub for pop when mixing at home plus you get the probiotic goodness so win-win)

What book are you currently reading?

Just finished the Surrender Experiment and recently read The Four Tendencies by Gretchin Rubin which I found really applicable.

Go-to favorite garment in your closet that always makes you feel amazing?

I love kimonos because I feel feminine and easy breezy.

What is your signature scent?

I’m a no-scent kind of girl. Natural products for me and maybe a little lavender essential oil.

Early riser or night owl.

Night. Owl. Part of me wants to reap the benefits of rising early but I’m sooo much more productive and creative at night.

Follow Rochelle and MotherLove Ferments at their social accounts:  Instagram        Facebook        Website