Finding Harmony: My Journey with Botanical Tea and the Magic of Kava Luv

Hey Guys!

My name is Katie Dietz, I’m a musician who really enjoys kratom, kava, and especially Kava Luv’s brews. I've been hanging out at Kava Luv for about two years now and since then, it's become my favorite spot to chill, write music, talk to friends, and make new connections. 

One thing I enjoy the most about Kava Luv is that it’s a calming and friendly environment. Being an avid kratom drinker, I’ve been to plenty of kava and botanical tea bars and I can wholeheartedly say that Kava Luv is the most comfortable environment to enjoy a mocktail or brewed tea. All of the regulars are kind hearted, and even better, a distasteful attitude is not condoned by the owner Mike, who is strict about keeping a pleasantness in the air for all customers to enjoy. Kava Luv is truly a special place to be and enjoy others’ company; It’s a relaxing environment during the day where you can spend time doing work or other daily activities, and at night it becomes a friendly festival of happy people that never lacks in laughter. 

I first found botanical teas and kava when I moved nearby to the Mission Hills plaza and saw a small little joint between a chinese restaurant and nail salon. I had no idea at the time what botanical tea or kava was, but when I was greeted with the opportunity to play music there, I had my first glass of botanical tea, a Dragon Juice, a botanical tea based drink with lemonade, dragonfruit, and hibiscus. I sipped while I played and slowly realized how amazing kratom made me feel. It’s so much better than an alcoholic buzz- it feels much more natural and practically rewires the brain to a happy, relaxed mood. Over the couple years, I’ve only come to enjoy it even more.

When I graduated highschool, I decided instead of going to college, I’d try my hand at becoming my own boss and start playing solo gigs around Naples with my guitar and microphone. One night, I went with a few friends to the beach to play some guitar and sing while the sun set. A Kava Luv kavatender, Vanessa Kaminska, was at the beach while I was playing and asked me if I’d like to sing at Kava Luv. I said of course, it being my first live performance, and a week later I played my first gig at Kava Luv. The feedback from regulars and customers was amazing and from there, I had a fire in my heart to continue. I played every other week at Kava Luv before I began playing my second venue, South Street. Because of the kindness from all of the customers and kavatenders, I had a great deal of confidence on my side. I’m so thankful to call this bar the first place I’ve ever played a gig, nearly two years after doing so every single week at random places around Naples, Fort Myers, and Marco Island. Unfortunately due to licensing issues, BMI, a music licensing business based out of Nashville, has been cracking down on many bars with independent musicians playing original music. Because of this, I haven't been able to perform at the bar anymore. On the bright side, I’m releasing an EP with DEF Media Studios that will be out soon, and have had lots of great feedback on the music from all my friends at Kava Luv. I also will be throwing my release party at Kava Luv! Keep an eye out for those details soon!

I've never loved a hangout spot more than this one. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would for a few reasons. Reason one being that the environment has shaped me into a much calmer person than ever before, thanks to the tea and sweet staff. Another reason is because the drinks never fail to fulfill me, and the last being that I’ve made life-long friends while simply hanging out in a bar.

Cheers to botanical tea and the epic people that brew it here at Kava Luv!