It’s not often that a beverage is the star of the show. However, there’s a new trend towards creating inventive drinks that carry a story. A sense of place. A whole vibe. That’s exactly what you get from Gente de la Isla and RMBR Kombucha—two brands doing things in their own unique way and making some major waves in the beverage world while they’re at it. I caught up with the folks behind the products to hear about how they got started, what keeps them inspired, and why their drinks are so much more than what initially meets the eye.
Gente de la Isla: From the Dominican Republic, with Love (and Coffee)
Coral, the founder and CEO of Gente de la Isla, didn’t just wake up one day and decide to launch a coffee company. Her journey started whisk meditating during quiet mornings in the Dominican Republic; walking through local coffee farms and soaking in the daily harvests. “That connection to our land, our people. It changed everything for me,” she says. Her goal was simple. Create products that reflect the richness of Dominican culture, made in a way that’s sustainable, fair, and deeply honors local practices. The brand’s signature specialty coffee, now featured on R FINDS, is roasted with care and sourced directly from farmers she knows by name.
“Our coffee is more than a morning ritual. It’s a way to share the story of our island,” Coral explains. Whether you’re sipping it with tropical fruit, dark chocolate, or a little Dominican rum (yes, really), it’s all about celebrating the flavors and traditions of home.
Gente de la Isla works hand-in-hand with local producers, supporting the environment and community every step of the way. “What makes our business unique is the relationships. It’s also about creating opportunities. She says, “Everything we do is rooted in trust and respect.”
RMBR: A New Take on Kombucha, From the Heart of Chicago
Now let’s head north to Chicago, where RMBR is changing the kombucha game. What started in one of the cofounders Kiara, Jack, and Jeff’s parents’ kitchen quickly turned into a full-blown mission: make kombucha that people actually want to drink.
Kiara, Jack, and Jeff were fresh out of college when they realized traditional booze alternatives were either too sugary or just... boring. Kombucha had potential, but most of what was out there felt too vinegary or medicinal. “We wanted something social, functional, and, most importantly, it has to be delicious,” says Kiara.
So they got scrappy. Really scrappy. Brewing in their own kitchens, playing with botanicals, and dialing in flavors that were balanced, bold, and smooth. The result? RMBR: a kombucha brewed with premium sencha green tea, packed with probiotics and L-theanine, and wrapped in sleek, design-forward and convenient cans.
On R FINDS, you’ll find their variety 12-pack featuring crowd favorites like Lavender Bliss, Creamy Bellini, and Limeade. “It’s not just kombucha,” says Kiara. “It’s a non-alcoholic drink you actually want to bring to brunch, the beach, or your next dinner party.”
RMBR is also deeply rooted in their city. You’ll spot them at farmers markets, local cafés, and pop-ups across Chicago. They collaborate with small businesses and prioritize sustainable sourcing whenever they can. “We’re a team of three, still super hands-on,” Kiara says. “Everything from the flavor profiles to the design. We have all touched every part of it.”
Why It All Matters
What Coral and Kiara from the RMBR crew have in common, besides great taste, is a passion for doing things with purpose. Their drinks aren’t just about quenching thirst. They’re about culture, community, and creating something that feels personal.
Whether it’s Coral’s advice to start your day with coffee at a local Dominican market, or Kiara’s tip to catch a Chicago sunrise on the lakefront before diving into the food scene, both brands invite you to explore, discover, and connect with something real.
And that’s what makes their stories worth sipping.