Tina & Chris, Founders of Pacha Kava Lounge

Tina and Chris have spent over two decades building a life rooted in recovery, reverence, and radical transformation. The idea of a kava bar flickered in and out of view for years, until life made the choice for them. They didn’t just open a lounge—they built Pacha, a space grounded in feminine energy, safety, and soul.

Before it was Pacha, it was JDs—the bar where Tina and Chris once drank, numbed, and tried to outrun their grief. Tina battled alcoholism for 23 years, starting at just 15. That space held her addiction, her unraveling, and eventually, her rebirth. At 38, she stopped drinking. Years later, she and Chris returned—not to relive the past, but to reclaim it. They transformed the very walls that once witnessed their pain into a sanctuary for healing, ritual, and connection.

Chris lost both parents and his brother within four years. Tina lost her parents before she was grown. Grief shaped them—but didn’t define them. Instead, it became the soil from which Pacha grew. This lounge is their legacy: a space where people can show up as they are, safely and soulfully.

While Tina fought her way back to herself, it was Chris who stood beside her—steady, unwavering, and quietly strong. After rehab, traditional recovery spaces didn’t feel like home. But the kava community did. It was there—among others who had walked through fire and come out softer—that Tina found belonging, ritual, and a new kind of healing. She became the bridge. And when the time came, they built Pacha not just as a business, but as a sanctuary. Tina leads with vision and symbolism, shaping every flyer, caption, and event with mystical precision. Chris holds the roots—humble, grounded, and protective of the vibe. Together, they’ve created a space where people can gather, grieve, celebrate, and remember who they are.

And above all, they dreamed of a place where weirdos could be weirdos—and that would be not just accepted, but celebrated. Pacha is a home for the beautifully strange, the quietly magical, the ones who never quite fit in anywhere else. Here, you don’t have to explain your sparkle. You just get to shine.

Their partnership hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been real. Marked by loss, grit, and grace, Tina and Chris continue to show up—for each other, for their team, and for the guests who walk through Pacha’s doors. This isn’t just a lounge. It’s a living altar to recovery, ritual, and radical care.

Andy, Master Brewer

When Pacha first came on the map, we had a several defined Kava and Botanical drinks on the menu. Although Pacha will always strive to have the best product, we continued with our R&D. Andy has since assumed the responsibility of our Master Brewer.

Reserved yet resolute, Andy applies meticulous precision to every batch of botanical tea. His influence stems not from assertiveness but from steadfast dedication and reliability.

Andy builds trust through consistent presence, delivering excellence with intentional care in every task—whether brewing, maintaining the grounds, or providing support where required. Though rarely in the spotlight, his contributions permeate every aspect of the operation.

Christopher Jr. The Brew Beneath the Branches

Christopher Jr. The Brew Beneath the Branches Son, step-son, husband, father—and the one who made us grandparents, twice over. Christopher Jr. carries the threads of family and legacy with quiet strength and unmistakable presence. Married to the radiant Stephanie (who keeps our books balanced and our hearts steady), Chris Jr. has been part of Pacha’s story from the very beginning. We opened on his birthday—a day that also marks the passing of his grandfather, Barton—and that bittersweet timing stitched reverence into our roots.

Though he shares a name with his father, Chris, there’s no “Sr.” or “Jr.” in how they move through the world—just two generations of Chris, each with their own rhythm and grace.

Chris Jr. has shown up in ways that matter most. He helped us launch the coffee bar when we were just finding our feet, and recently offered to take on Kava brewing to give us a break—a gesture we haven’t accepted yet, but one that speaks volumes. His presence is generous, expressive, and deeply felt. When he’s around, you know it—in the energy he brings, the care he offers, and the way he lifts the room. He doesn’t need loud declarations. His love lives in the big-hearted offerings, the behind-the-scenes support, and the way he holds space for all of us to grow. Pacha is a family, and he’s part of the heartbeat.

Emily, The Heartline of Pacha

From West Palm Beach to the soul of our lounge, Emily has been steeped in the kava community for over 20 years. She first tried kava in 2004, and instantly fell in love with plant medicine and its power to heal and connect. Since 2017, she’s been an integral force in shaping the Brevard kava scene—helping take local bars from humble beginnings to packed houses, and proudly serving countless people their very first shell. She’s now made Pacha her true home—and we’re endlessly grateful.

Emily’s passion for plant medicine runs deep, and she loves educating others about the power of sober alternatives. For her, kava is more than just a drink—it’s a way to gather, connect, and heal together. That love of communal gathering shines through in everything she does, whether she’s curating the perfect beverage, introducing someone to their first shell (along with her “spiel”—#IYKYK), or sparking a room-wide laugh that makes everyone feel like family.

As our most knowledgeable kavatender, Emily is the one you go to when you want to know what’s in your cup and what’s going on in the room. She’s got a Leo Sun that radiates warmth and a Cancer Moon that loves deep and wide. Emily remembers your story, your favorite blend, and probably your cousin’s birthday. And if something slips her mind? She’ll laugh, switch voices mid-sentence, and figure it out before you finish your shell.

A single mom raising two boys with grit and grace, Emily brings both depth and delight to every shift. Her mind moves fast, her humor hits hard, and her loyalty runs deep. She reads the room like a ritual—knowing when to lift spirits, when to hold space, and when to crack a joke that leaves the whole bar smiling.

She’s not just part of the team—she’s part of the soul of this place.

Cait, The Resident Rascal

Cait (they/them) Resident rascal, heart-warrior, and unofficial mascot of Pacha’s playful side. Cait brings a spark of mischief and a whole lot of heart to the lounge—whether they’re cracking jokes, hyping up the team, or quietly holding space for guests who need a soft landing. They’ve helped host Drag King shows that turned the lounge into a stage of joy and defiance, and they’ve been here since the soft opening, pouring love into the space from day one.

But don’t let the silliness fool you—Cait is razor-sharp. Their wit cuts clean, their insights land deep, and their mind moves fast. Whether they’re troubleshooting tech, decoding guest dynamics, or dropping unexpected wisdom mid-conversation, Cait’s brilliance is undeniable. They’ve been part of the local kava and queer community for years, showing up with loyalty, grit, and a fierce sense of belonging.

Style-wise? Iconic. Cait’s fashion is a moodboard of rebellion, softness, and sparkle—equal parts punk and poetry. They wear their truth with pride, and it shows in every detail, from their swagger to their eyeliner at our Emo events. Known affectionately by some as the “silly little guy,” Cait wears the title with pride. Every underdog deserves a spotlight, and Cait shines in theirs.

Lindsey

Shane Nonay

Rachel

Spunky, sharp, and impossible to ignore—Rachel is our fiery little redhead with a Sagittarius soul and a bartender’s wit. Before she ever stepped behind the bar, she was a loyal guest—laughing loud, sipping slow, and soaking in the vibe. She didn’t just join the team; she grew from the heart of it.

Introduced to us by Emily (who holds her own special place in our story), Rachel brings both sparkle and backbone to the lounge. She’s got a laugh that lights up the room and a comeback for every offhand joke, especially when the guys try it. Her boyfriend George hosts our pool tournaments, but Rachel? She’s the one who keeps the energy electric.

Cute, funny, and fiercely loved—she’s part of the heartbeat of Pacha. A guest turned guardian. A flame that never flickers.

Kat, Keeper of Cappuccinos & Costumes