Wow! Tea Please has been live and in full effect for 1 whole year today!
Around this time three years ago, some months after my Grandmother had passed away, I had an idea to make delicious tea to help combat the alarming rates at which African Americans suffer from certain health diseases.
This time two years ago, I had officially finished my studies and had gotten certified as a Tea Specialist. I learned so much about the origin of the true tea leaf- Camellia Sinensis, how to blend, flavor and scent teas and the how it is celebrated in different cultures.
In January 2019 I held my first tea tasting. I wanted to get feedback on my teas to make sure that I wasn't the only person who thought they were palatable. By May 2019, I had finally figured out how I wanted my packaging to look and finished some last minute touches to my website. June 7th, I had finally pushed the live button for my website and made the announcement on Facebook and Instagram.
My heart was racing,I was actually putting MY self out there. About twenty minutes later, I had two orders back to back. I cried, literally.
Starting my own business has definitely been a learning experience. There is something new I learn everyday about how to market Tea Please, how to get better with time management, ways to reduce business costs and how to grow the business.
As a Black woman in business, making a year means so much to me! I stayed positive throughout this journey even when sales were low. One month in my first few months I only made $47. I know what Tea Please could be, so I kept pushing, I kept posting on social media, I starting paying for advertising, I started getting out at market and events in my community. These past four months alone have been phenomenal, so I know the best is yet to come.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Here's to one year down and many more to go!