In this episode of Mocktails with Marina, we sit down with Michael Hamway, co-owner of Kava Love Lounge, to dive deep into the kava and kratom industry. Michael shares his journey from a career in finance to accidentally discovering kava bars and eventually becoming a passionate advocate and business owner in the space.
We discuss the unique community and culture surrounding kava bars, including the respect and connection fostered in these third-place environments. Michael highlights the challenges and responsibilities of being a kava bar owner in an unregulated industry, from sourcing clean products to educating both customers and staff. He shares his methods for ensuring product quality, navigating customer interactions, and maintaining the integrity of the kava community.
Michael also addresses the parallels between the kava industry and the vape industry, offering valuable insights into the importance of self-regulation to prevent negative government scrutiny. As the industry grows, he emphasizes the need for collaboration among kava bar owners to protect and promote the community-driven values that make these spaces special.
Looking to the future, Michael shares his plans for franchising Kava Love Lounge and launching a foundation to support local communities in times of crisis. He also offers a call to action for those passionate about kava to step into the industry with knowledge, commitment, and respect for the community.
If you’re curious about the kava industry, interested in starting your own kava lounge, or simply want to learn more about the culture behind this growing non-alcoholic space, this episode is packed with insights, advice, and inspiration.
How to open your own kava bar: https://www.marinamars.com/product-page/how-to-open-a-kava-bar-in-2025
Kava Luv Lounge: https://www.kavaluv.com/
Tea Time Episode: https://youtu.be/CAahS4avnBM
Meraki Episode: https://youtu.be/RpNVUYlb9yA
