Tea Business Dreams

Funding Your Tea Business - The Ultimate Challenge

 

 

Funding a tea business can be challenging.  If you find yourself with HUGE tea dreams but no capital, join the club.  In today's day and age financing can be difficult.... but where there is a will there is a way.  Put that dream into first gear and start to look outside the box.  Here are a few ways YOU might obtain the funds you need.

#1 Kickstarter

Have you heard of Kickstarter?  Kickstarter is one of the many growing online efforts hoping to connect unique projects with hope inspired backers.  Here's how their website describes them:

Kickstarter is the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. Every week, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design, food, publishing and other creative fields.

A new form of commerce and patronage. This is not about investment or lending. Project creators keep 100% ownership and control over their work. Instead, they offer products and experiences that are unique to each project.

All or nothing funding. On Kickstarter, a project must reach its funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands. Why? It protects everyone involved. Creators aren’t expected to develop their project without necessary funds, and it allows anyone to test concepts without risk.

Each and every project is the independent creation of someone like you. Projects are big and small, serious and whimsical, traditional and experimental. They’re inspiring, entertaining and unbelievably diverse

So what's keeping you from posting your idea and taking it to the next step?

 

#2 RocketHub

Rockethub is another site that features "Crowdsourcing" as a method for funding people's dreams.  Crowdsourcing allows groups of people to participate in small and large ways to the development of new people's ideas.

Here's how Rockethub describes itself:

RocketHub is a community for Creatives and Fuelers. RocketHub offers two distinct services:

1. An innovative way to raise funds and awareness for creative ventures (Crowdfunding)
2. The ability to submit your work to be selected for tangible creative opportunities (LaunchPad Opportunities)

We provide the credibility and infrastructure necessary to successfully leverage the financial power of your community, and offer the ability to discover and apply for curated opportunities. If you have a creative project, worthwhile endeavor, or are looking to discover valuable opportunities, RocketHub is here to help.

Who is a Creative?

At RocketHub, a Creative is anyone who would like to launch a crowdfunding campaign or otherwise seeks to have his/her creative work developed, promoted, distributed or sold.

We support entrepreneurs, actors, artists, composers, dancers, designers, directors, filmmakers, inventors, musicians, painters, philanthropists, poets, politicians, programmers, singers, songwriters, teachers, writers, and more. Let your imagination run wild. If you have a creative project, worthwhile endeavor, or are looking to discover valuable opportunities, RocketHub is here to help. (Just keep it legal and in good taste :)

 

#3 Kopernick

Connect your cause and your dream with support from the Kopernick community.  Kopernick believes that one person can change the world if they have the plan AND the funds.  Here's what Kopernick's website says about itself:

Kopernik is a technology market-place for your product’s success. Through Kopernik your innovation could be effectively financed and delivered to the people it was designed for.

Is your innovation reaching the last mile?

To meet the growing needs of the developing world, we are expanding our technology offering. A bigger range of life-changing technology will enable us to empower and deliver sustainable solutions to even more poor communities around the world. By listing your technology on Kopernik your innovation will be accessible by:

• Technology seekers (local organizations, businesses, and individuals across the developing world)
• Individual and corporate donors
• The appropriate technology community

Why feature your technology on Kopernik?

We understand from our existing technology providers that it is extremely challenging to market, sell and deliver life-changing technologies to people in developing countries. In most cases users can't afford the technologies and manufacturers can't reach the users, who tend to be in remote areas. This results in very limited opportunities to introduce the products and encourage their adoption. Kopernik provides a solution.

After the products are put to use, detailed feedback is obtained. This feedback is provided to technology providers enabling them to monitor the impact their product has had on peoples' lives and the local environment. The feedback can also be used to identify improvements to existing products and potentially as a way of generating ideas for future innovations.

 

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Get a little and give a little.  Don't just look for money and support, give money and support.  Your meager offerings matter to people just like you all over the world.  I challenge you to get excited about crowdsourcing and take action. Your tea business is about to take flight!

Get your free set of tea business videos at http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com

 

How To Start An Urban Tea Room

 On a recent trip to Oregon, I met friends in an urban tea cafe.  The cafe was filled with fresh faced, tattooed, music loving young people.  It was also filled with skiers, bikers, business professionals and more.  Men, women and dogs were all gathered together to enjoy tea.

 

What was this tea room doing right?

Obviously, this tearoom was connecting with it's clientele.  Vintage, thrift store furniture and painted cement floors attest to the fact that this customer is not too picky.  What they want is a warm, inviting place to "hang" with a cup of great tea. (they also want wi-fi)

The urban tea cafe was providing great light, a relaxed setting and a large selection of tea in a downtown, highly trafficed location.

 

What was this tea room doing wrong?

When it comes to food, this tearoom was missing the boat.  Except for a few gluten free scones there was very little to munch on.  In addition, the service was slow and the choices to0 vast for the average person to easily choose  tea.  I noticed several people who were waiting in line looked completely overwhelmed with no idea of what to order.  

 

Do you have a tea dream?  Here's what I suggest:

If you have a tea dream and want to own an urban style tea room your best bet is to grow your audience from home.  Save the rent money and start by educating your clientele through farmers markets, bazaars and home shows.  Build your list and spread your tea knowledge.  When it's time to lease a space you will be ready.

There are many things you can do from home to prepare your tea business unfortunately, most people jump the gun losing thousands of dollars in the process.  Smart tea entrepreneurs utilize the opportunities they have before investing their life savings.

Choose to educate yourself first.  A firm tea business foundation will help you go far!  Grab my free video series on the topic at http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com

 

The Holidays - A Tea Business Opportunity

When people are buying, you should be selling.  Sounds simple right?

Yet year after year, people with great imagination and initiative fail to recognize the opportunity that the holiday season holds.  Starting a tea business in the fall is the best possible time if you want immediate results.

Here are a few places you can sell your tea and teawares:

School Events

Holiday Houses

Fundraisers

Church Bazaars

Farmer's Markets

Coporate Gifts

Pre-Order Gifts

 

Extra money for the holidays could become the basis for your next booming business.  Why wait?

 

 

 

Rush Limbaugh Starts A Tea Business

Love him or hate him...Limbaugh loves tea. 

Rush Limbaugh, the famous radio magnet and self proclaimed "patriot" has launched a line of ready to drink bottled tea called "Two if by Tea."  (a clever play on the famous Paul Revere quote) Two if by Tea is available in two flavors both regular and rasperry sweet tea.  (it comes in a diet version as well.)  See www.TwoifbyTea.com

Two if by Tea, sponsors the Marine Corps - Law Enforcement foundation and plans to donate a minimum of $100,000 beginning summer 2011.

Rush's latest creation speaks to a greater trend we are now seeing in the tea industry, namely, celebrity endorsed, tea products,  Other examples of this trend include Chris North (of Sex in the City fame), Jackie Chan and "The Donald" (also known as Mr. Trump.)

Why the "rush" into the marketplace?

Well, there is no doubt that the tea business is HOT! 

Think about it from a marketing position.  Tea is a highly accepted, consumable and healthy product. 

It is well received across a variety of markets and demographics.  Both men and women in the United States consume tea and 85% of that consumption comes in the form of ready to drink bottled or iced tea.

Selling tea is no longer restricted to large corporations or celebrities with unlimited budgets.  Truth be told, it is easier to get in the tea industry now than ever before if you know how.  You can easily get an idea of the vast potential of the tea industry by grabbing a set of free videos on the topic at f http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com  These videos profile 5 Secrets To Tea Business Success.

Two if by Tea is a unique idea, it blends history, patriotism and great tasting tea.  My challenge to you?  Picture yourself on a bottle of tea!  It may be easier than you think.

 

 

Tea Shops are Taking Over S. California

Since 1997 I have been singing the praises of tea.  Tea has a future.  Tea is healthy.  Tea is a good investment.

Now business owners in Southern California are seeing the tea business boom.  Even if the economy seems down investing in tea is UP.  Why?  Tea is the wave of the future along with being the second most drank beverage in the WORLD.

If you have ever considered a tea business be sure to read this interesting article.

Inland: Tea shops take region by storm | Local News | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California.

Tea Business Dreams vs. Tea Party Girl

 

 

Dear Tea Lovers,

Recently I have been asked about the two blogs that I write.  What makes them similiar and what makes them different:

This might help:

Tea Party Girl

The focus of the tea party girl blog is "for those who love afternoon tea." It focuses on the tea loving hobbiest. Here you will discover how to host or hostess successful events. You will also learn about tea (the beverage) and how to prepare great tea party food recipes and menus.

http://www.TeaPartyGirl.com

 

Tea Business Dreams

The focus of tea business dreams blog is "to make your tea dream a reality." This blog focuses on becoming a tea business owner and on building your business along the way.

Occasionally there is cross over. Why wouldn't there be? It's all about tea! But if you specifically are wanting more tea business information, inspiration and conversation, then you are at the right place. 

Both blogs have been around since 2007 so there is alot of content if you just start digging!

KEY: Webinars offered always invite people from ALL Catagories of tea. They are usually business or income making in focus because most people dream of having their hobby pay :) That's how I got my start.

Hope that helped! I am looking forward to many more exciting posts.

Dawnya

Look out Starbucks... This Tea Bar Has It!

I have been sharing the wonders of tea for many years.  One of the things I like best is that tea can take many forms as a business.  Today I am profiling Tbar and Fusion Cafe in Chico, California.  This "Fresh" face on the tea bar concept has many people talking.  

Take a look and see if you aren't inspired:

 

You can get more info on Tea Bar at http://www.t-teabar.com

 

If this inspires you to make your tea dream a reality contact us to tell you about our many home training courses.  I would love to help your tea dream come true.  Call 888-225-0252.  

 

 

Afternoon Tea - Chic Elegance

I have been a fan of traditional afternoon tea for many many years.  In fact, I must honestly say that the advancement of "contemporary tea" does little to excite me.  I love the traditional chic elegance of a well plated afternoon tea service.

The good news is I am not alone!  According to Rueters.. Afternoon Tea is the New Black.  Whether you are celebrating a big event or you are hosting a business meeting, afternoon tea is becoming a hip place to be.

Check out this video:

 

  

Afternoon tea also known as low tea, is a light meal typically eaten between 3pm and 5pm. The custom of drinking tea originated in England when Catherine of Bragança married Charles II in 1661 and brought the practice of drinking tea in the afternoon with her from Portugal.

Traditionally, loose tea is brewed in a teapot and served in teacups with milk and sugar. This is accompanied by sandwiches (customarily cucumber, egg and cress, fish paste, ham, and smoked salmon), scones (with clotted cream and jam, see cream tea) and usually cakes and pastries (such as Battenberg, fruit cake or Victoria sponge).  

In hotels and tea shops the food is often served on a tiered stand; there may be no sandwiches, but bread or scones with butter or margarine and optional jam or other spread, or toast, muffins or crumpets.

Personally I love a cream tea served with a cup of tea, scone and a slice of cake or other sweet.

Nowadays, a formal afternoon tea is usually taken as a treat in a hotel, café or tea shop. In everyday life, many Britons take a much simpler refreshment consisting of tea and biscuits at teatime. 

Tea can refer to any of several different meals or mealtimes, depending on a country's customs and its history of drinking tea. However, in those countries where the term's use is common, the influences are generally those of the former British Empire (now the Commonwealth of Nations). The tea meal can be small or large and used, for example in the phrase, "to take tea".

 

Have you ever considered opening a tea business?  Believe it or not, tea dreams come in all shapes and sizes.  Whether you dream of serving a formal tea to high end clients, or opening an online shop, there is a tea business for you.

Grab my free video series "5 Little Secrets To Tea Business Success" at http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com

You Can Host Children's Tea Parties and Make Money

Would you like to get started in the tea business with very little money?  Owning a Children's Tea Party Business is a great way to get started without a location and without alot of effort.

I have been teaching people how to start this business for many years and here is what I have learned.  You are as busy as you want to be!  

If you work your tea business you will have an income flow.  If you don't you won't.  Simple as that. Grab complete details and be fully trained in less than 4 hours!

Visit my site at:  http://www.ChildrensTeaParty.com

 

 

In the meantime here is a fun article I wrote for inspiration:

 

7 Steps To Hosting  A Children's Birthday Tea

 

Hosting a little girl's birthday party can be a big chore with alot of decisions. This article will give you a quick and easy guide to hosting a birthday tea party in 7 simple steps. If you follow the directions you are sure to give a party your friends, family and little one will remember for years to come.

 

Step #1 - Choose a Theme and Order Supplies

The easiest theme for a girls tea party is princess. There are many great party sets designed for this theme which makes it quick and easy to order all the paper supplies you will need. Here's what you should order:

Paper Plates

Center Piece

Guest Gifts - such as beads, tiara's. fans or rings (and a cute bag to put them in)

Cupcake Tiered Tray (unless you have one)

Invitations

Plastic Silverware (silver or gold is best)

 

Step #2 - Gather Tea Supplies

Beg, borrow or steal a real teacup for each girl in attendance. You will also need cloth napkins and a real tablecloth. If you can find napkin rings, bows for the chairs and netting, all the better. I suggest serving both the lemonade and the tea from tea pots. You will need 2 teapots to pour from.

 

Step #3- Plan the Menu and Get Groceries

I suggest the following menu or little girls birthday tea parties.

 

Peanut Butter Tea Sandwiches (cut in shapes)

Ham and Cheese Tea Sandwich (cut in shapes)

Jam and Butter Tea Sandwich (cut in shapes)

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Grapes and Cherries

Chocolate Chip Scones (get the mix from Target!)

Princess Cupcakes

Lemonade or Strawberry Kiwi Tea

 

All of these recipes can be looked up online. I find that children really like fresh fruit so I try to place them all over the decorative three tiered tray around the cupcakes and other treats. If you have a child who is allergic to peanuts just substitute with a different tea sandwich like turkey and cheese.

Be sure to pick up cute cupcake wrappers and sparkles for the cupcake frosting. You will also want 1 candle for the birthday girls mini cake.

 

#4 Send Invitations with Regrets Only

On your invitation be sure to ask the young ladies to come dressed in their "princess best." Plan just 1 1/2 hours for the party and be sure to state when the girls can be dropped off and picked up. This is NOT an adult party and you want to avoid additional guests. Plan to host the event and have up to 2 helpers and no more.

Make sure to ask for a firm confirmation by 3 days before the party. This will allow you to prepare the right amount of food and set the table with a name card for each girl.

 

#5 Plan Activities

I suggest the following activities: Simple Craft (like making fans),Short Book,Fashion Walk to Music, Photo Shoot (pictures can go home with the girls as a favor). You might also consider starting your event by teaching a short etiquette lesson on manners at the table and how to sip tea.

Be sure to allow 30 minutes for the tea party itself and the opening of gifts. The key is to keep it moving. Plan out each activity and how long you will allow it to go on before moving to the next activity. (no more than 10 minutes is usually best.)

 

#6 Set the Table & Make the Food

If you can, set the table the night before. Put on some relaxing music and have fun with it. Don't try to do it while your kids are up. Do it when you have time to focus and enjoy yourself.

If you need creative ideas for setting a table take some time to Google it. There are many great ideas on YouTube that will help spark your imagination.

 

#7 Meet, Greet & Keep It Moving

Your last step is making sure YOUR little princess knows her responsibilities as hostess. She is responsible to stand at the door and meet her guests. SHE is responsible to be polite and to be an example to the other little girls on how to listen and follow instructions. She is also responsible to stand at the door and thank each guest. If you need to, practice BEFORE they arrive.

Make sure that your helpers have jobs and know when to do what. You can even print out a chart to keep you on schedule.

If you follow these directions this will be one of the most organized and relaxing birthday parties you could have imagined. Go to it... and don't forget to have some fun.

 

 

 

 

How Black Tea is Processed

If you are interested in pursuing the tea business then you want to get as much foundational training as possible.  This video is provided by Stash Tea and gives you an overview on how black tea is processsed.  

 

Starting a tea business can be challenging but the exciting thing is that people are ready to buy great tea!  Contact me about the Start A Tea Business online class!

Dawnya@TeaEvents.com