Meet the Founder

Hi, I'm Kandice!

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I'm a wife, mom, finance professional by day, and the founder of Kava Cantina.

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Like a lot of people, I reached a point where I started questioning my relationship with alcohol. It wasn't because I hit rock bottom. It was because I realized alcohol wasn't adding anything meaningful to my life anymore. I wanted to feel relaxed without feeling disconnected. I wanted to wake up clear-headed. I wanted better options.

So I started researching.

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That curiosity turned into hundreds of hours learning about functional botanicals like kava, kanna, adaptogens, mushrooms, hemp, and other plant-based alternatives. The deeper I went, the more I realized something was missing.

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Why were these incredible products so hard to find?

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Why did you have to walk into a liquor store to buy alcohol-free drinks?

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And why wasn't there a welcoming place where people could learn about them without feeling judged or overwhelmed?

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That realization became Kava Cantina.

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What began as an idea for a functional taproom has grown into something even bigger: a booze-free botanical bottle shop, an educational resource, and a community built around better choices. Because I'm bootstrapping this business, it's growing one step at a time. The space, the website, the educational library, and the events are all evolving alongside the community we're building. Every improvement is funded by the people who choose to support the vision.

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This isn't just about selling drinks.

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It's about creating a place where curiosity is encouraged, conversations happen naturally, and people can discover alternatives that fit their own lifestyle. Whether you're sober, sober curious, taking a break, or simply looking for something different, you're welcome here.

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My family's story has also shaped this mission. Alcohol has had a profound impact on people I love, and I share more of that story in the podcast, it's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about expanding functional botanical alcohol-free options in San Antonio.

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Thank you for being here while Kava Cantina grows from an idea into a real place where people can gather, learn, and discover something new.

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I hope we get to raise a shell together soon.

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