IANWA - From Local Farmers Markets to Popular Establishments: Natural State Beverage Company Takes Northwest Arkansas by Storm - Krista Cloud

About the Show:"It's far easier to walk into a room and admit that you know nothing than to pretend you know everything.” - Krista CloudOn the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast, host Randy Wilburn is joined by Krista Cloud, who co-founded the Natural State Beverage Company. The discussion revolves around their remarkable business journey and the choice of making Northwest Arkansas their base. Their narrative underscores the impact of community backing and the fulfillment that comes with pursuing one's passion.Krista and her life and business partner, Ty Cloud, discovered their affection for Arkansas during their outdoor explorations within the state. Their desire to provide non-alcoholic drink options for non-beer drinkers sparked the idea to craft their own soda and kombucha. The overwhelmingly positive feedback they received at a bike-packing event convinced them to evolve their pastime into a business.Scaling up their production without compromising quality was one of the significant obstacles they encountered. The couple found invaluable guidance and support from the local breweries in Northwest Arkansas, which generously provided space and equipment to kickstart their venture.In the podcast, Krista accentuates the vital role of community support in their business progression. The combination of their unwavering resolve and the readiness of others to lend a helping hand proved to be a driving force. Their meticulous attention to every detail, from securing a brewery space to picking the right ingredients, reflects their dedication to upholding their brand identity and ensuring top-notch product quality.What you will learn in this episode:Learn the significance of community backing and teamwork in shaping the growth trajectory of a startup.Delve into the complexities, victories, and hiccups faced when initiating a beverage business, gaining practical insights.Gain a deep understanding of the process of brewing kombucha, emphasizing its immense health benefits and how it is made.All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.  Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Krista CloudWebsite for Natural State Beverage Co.Natural State Beverage Co. on InstagramNatural State Beverage Co. on FacebookTune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large.This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at [email protected] With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:Winetopia 2026Winetopia 2026 Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 7-10pm Place: Stonebreaker Hotel on Markham hill Winetopia is Restore Humanity’s biggest annual fundraiser and brings together the very best of Northwest Arkansas (restaurants, artisans, small businesses, and (community members) to support our work. While the event raises essential funds for children in Kenya, its heartbeat is entirely local. There are over 100 local businesses who contribute auction items, regional chefs and beverage makers who showcase their craft, and the hundreds of residents gathering to celebrate community generosity. Winetopia strengthens local partnerships, elevates homegrown talent, and reinforces Northwest Arkansas's identity as a place where global compassion is fueled by local collaboration. Winetopia is a beautiful demonstration of how a united local community can create life-changing impact for children and families worldwide. Winetopia 2026