It's not the scoby that makes kombucha

There are two parts to the culturing process.  The first part is the starter tea, which is just kombucha tea that has already been made; and the second part is the SCOBY.It is the starter tea that is the most important thing in making kombucha. The SCOBY is not the thing that makes the tea, although it helps greatly. 

Click this link for more info:

https://www.culturedfoodlife.com/its-not-the-scoby-that-makes-kombucha/