Tea Business Dreams

Sipping Tea and Planning the Future

HI Tea Family-

Kansas is longing for spring and so am I!  It seems we get peeks of it now and then but nothing too serious.  Today it is cold, dark and dreary.  I am assured by everyone I meet that this is one unusual weather pattern.  I sure hope so!

In the meantime, I am working away in my office sipping tea. Today I am sampling a new company who has sent me a series of samples.  So far I give it two thumbs up. Legacy Tea Blends offers an interesting array of hand blended teas.  You can check them out for yourself at www.NaturalChoicesBotanica.com  Today I am tasting their House Blend which is actually an herbal tisane.  It includes Orange peel, rose hips, chamomile, spearmint, peppermint, hibiscus, lemongrass & red raspberry leaf.  Contains no artificial flavors, colors or caffeine.  A GREAT choice when you are looking for a bit of "calm" in the midst of your day.

Our tea business class was packed this April and we are already taking new students for May.  May will be a super month to take the online class because every new student will be getting a special World Tea Expo bonus.  Watch my blog for upcoming details.

I have been busy hiring new people and training staff for new positions.  I am also LOVING the plans we are putting together for the 2009 Tea Cruise. All the details will be available next month.  In addition I am sorting out one last trek across the Rocky Mountains.   1 last Uhaul  and we will be finished.  I can't wait to get everything in one place.  That will feel great.  The cross country trip will probably happen later in the month.

I was reflecting on what I wanted to share with you this month on the tea business.  The only thought that came to mind is this "there is no better time than the present." 

I am not saying that to sell you on a product I am telling you the truth.  Getting started is the hardest part. Committing to moving forward is the best way to get unstuck. Take a leap of faith and see where it takes you.  I would have never guessed that when I jumped into tea (in 1997) I would end up owning 2 tea rooms, an internet company, a tea based camp program an online radio station and a whole lot more...

Who knows what tea has for you?  It's time to move forward and the best way to do that is close your eyes and leap. Enroll in the Start A Tea Business online school for May 4th.  You will be glad you took the plunge.

More Soon,

Lady Dawnya

Start A Tea Business (TM) on May 4th 2008

I am often asked questions about my Start A Tea Business (TM) online training program.  I started this online tea business school in 2003 and we have touching every corner of the globe ever since.  It's amazing how many people have tea dreams and I feel honored to answer the questions you email in. 

Here are answers to just a few of your questions:

#1 Are you a real person?

I get this question regularly and always have to laugh.  Yep. I'm real and yep. I have a legitimate internet based training company.  If you want to know more about me as a person here are some links:

This is my bio:  http://teaevents.com/meet_lady_dawnya.htm


This is my personal life blog: http://www.MyLifeInKansas.com

Here's a quick snap of me working away in my new Kansas office:

Yep.  I am a real tea lover just like you.




#2 If we are in a recession why should I start a tea business?

History shows that there is no better time to start an extra income stream than in hard financial times.  I am pleased to say that I have trained many students who were downsized from corporate companies and needed a new career.  I have also trained mom's who needed extra money for their food budget.  Either way. laying a solid foundation for your tea business will save you thousands and thousands of dollars.

If you have been wondering what the future holds it's time to grab the future by the arms and declare "The future is what I make of it and my future is tea!"

#3 Why is the tea business a good industry to be in?

If you watch the media or read magazines you will find several common themes.

* Health
* Weightloss
*Anti- Aging
*Serenity
*Family Time

All of these concepts are embedded in tea.  Tea is a 5,000 year old product which has helped people for centuries reach for a better life. In the US tea sales are growing rapidly and new estimates say that by 2012 tea will be a $15 billion dollar industry. 

My point?  There is PLENTY of room for you to establish your tea dream and make money in the process.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If you have a question about the tea industry or my course feel free to email it to me:  tea@teaevents.com  Subject: Ask Lady Dawnya

For more information on the May 2008 class call 888-225-0252 or go directly to our very insightful website and enroll online:

www.StartATeaBusiness.com

A Jane Austen Tea Time Party

Jane Austen Revisited-

The Ultimate Austen Lover Tea Time Adventure

by Lady Dawnya Sasse

(be sure to scroll to the bottom to see video on a past Jane Austen event)

 

As time goes by, Jane Austen and tea never go out of fashion. In fact, they’ve both become almost trendy in recent years. So what better way to celebrate Jane Austen’s genius than with a tea party re-creating a few hours of her everyday life?

 

Invite guests to bring along a favorite passage from one of Austen’s books. The invitation can include a pictures of typical costumes from the early 1800’s. Encourage guests to consider wearing a shawl over modern clothes or experimenting with period dress. Empire waists were popular then, as were choker necklaces.

 

Bare polished wood was the look in decorating at the time, so be sure to have at least one dark wooden table to set off your most charming porcelain knick-knacks. Print out some scenes of Regency England from this Jane Austen website: http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/rgnclfil.html. Glue them to rectangular doilies and hang three doilies vertically, at least four inches apart, on a long strip of velvet ribbon. Hang heavy tassels from lamp pulls, window shades, and curtain tie-backs.

Greet each guest with the offer of a glass of sherry. Invite them to choose refreshments from a buffet table covered with a white table cloth, with lace borders separating the four areas serving tea, sandwiches, scones, and cookies. Run dark green ribbons through the lace borders for a decorative effect.

Have several card tables set up around the room, covered with dark green cloth. Each table can be set with a small teapot filled with hot water, plus milk, sugar, thinly sliced lemons, napkins, and silverware. The hot water is for refilling guests’ cups if they have kept their tea bags or are using individual tea strainers. Have a plate of sweet butter and a bowl of jelly at each table. Use tall candles in polished brass candlesticks to cast a flattering glow down on the seated guests.

As guests settle in, they can take turns reading their chosen passages from a Jane Austen book. If anyone has chosen a section with several speaking parts, ask for volunteers to act out the scene. If people seem shy about reading to the whole group, let them read just to the people at their table.

The Austen family liked many kinds of music, so you can’t go wrong with anything by Bach, Haydn, or Handel, or with Scottish or Irish folk songs. If you have guests who like to sing, invite them to perform, perhaps accompanied on the piano.

Once each table has four guests, announce the opening of a game of whist. No Jane Austen novel would be complete without a few rounds of whist among friends. This card game is simple enough for players to learn the rules in a few minutes, unlike its offspring, the game of bridge. Give each table a copy of the rules of whist, which you can print out from this website: http://www.pagat.com/whist/whist.html.

Menu:

Sherry

Green and black tea

Sliced chicken and cucumber sandwiches

Dilled salmon and cream cheese sandwiches

Drop biscuits

Freshly sliced French bread

Violet, mint, or rose jellies

Camembert cheese

Pound cake

Almond pudding

Need more ideas?  Here are some photos from a live Jane Austen tea party.

 

 

This week only - Tea Business Special

THIS JUST IN-  OFF MY DESK

Tea Family-

This week only (the first week of April 2008) I am offering a FREE bonus seminar cd with every new Start A Tea Business enrollment.  This is my very best selling cd entitled "Planning the Perfect Tea Party."  Whether you are coordinating a party for fun or for profit this cd will set you straight and walk you step by step through the process.  Seats for this training cost $100 but you will grab this marvelous educational compact disk FREE if you enroll by April 6th 2008.

To Enroll www.StartATeaBusiness.com  Or Call The Office : 888-225-0252

Don't miss out.  I don't run specials often!

Lady Dawnya

Foccacia Tea Sandwich

Five Onion Foccacia and Roasted Vegetable Sandwich Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 1997 Show: Emeril Live Episode: Hearts of Palm and Vegetable World

This fun sandwich can easily be adapted for a casual or formal tea time event.

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup julienned onions 1 cup julienned red onions 1 cup julienned leeks 1/4 cup julienned shallots 2 tablespoons chopped garlic Salt and black pepper 1 envelope (1/4-ounce) active dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 1 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F) 1 teaspoon salt 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 3 tablespoons kosher salt 1 red pepper, roasted and julienned 1 yellow pepper, roasted and julienned 1 small eggplant, roasted and sliced 1 medium beet, roasted, peeled and sliced 1 zucchini, roasted and sliced 1 yellow squash, roasted and slice 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 cloves roasted garlic mashed in or plain mayonnaise 1/2 pound sliced Fontina In a saute pan, heat the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions, leeks, and shallots. Saute for 15 minutes, or until the onions are caramelized. Stir in the garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat. Using an electric mixer with a dough hook, whisk the yeast, sugar, and warm water together, for 2 minutes to dissolve the yeast. Add the onion mixture. Add the salt and flour. With the mixer on low, mix until the dough starts to come together. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl and crawls up to dough hook. Grease a mixing bowl with the vegetable oil. Place the dough in the greased bowl and turn once. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft free place until the dough doubles in size about 1 1/2 hours. Turn the dough out onto a baking sheet. Punch the dough and press the dough out to form the size of the pan. Place dough in pan and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cover the dough and allow to double in size, about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the dough for 30 to 35 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Slice the bread into 8 to 12 pieces, depending on desired size of the sandwich. Spread each side of roll with the aioli. Divide the roasted vegetables and cheese evenly between each sandwich. Put the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until the sandwiches are hot and the cheese is melted, for about 5 to 8 minutes.

Classic Films and Afternoon Tea

Classic Films and Tea Time Fun

by Dawnya Sasse



Does the idea of spending time with friends and watching old movies sound enticing? Turn this activity into a tea party and invite your favorite guests to watch your favorite old movies.

A few refreshments and some relaxing teas can make an old movie night one to remember. Base your party on a particular movie or around the classic movie theme in general.

Depending on the time of year, you can choose a movie based on upcoming holidays or the seasons. Old-time romances are great for spring and summer (or any time of year, really!), epics go well in winter, and many old thrillers offer a scare using good old-fashioned suspense in the fall.

Activities

The definition of old movies may vary depending on whom you are talking to, but generally, any of the classics will do. Many of the old movies are much longer than today's films, so be prepared to settle in with an abundance of tea and refreshments.

Keep your party to a reasonable size so everyone can enjoy a comfortable seat and a good view. For something different, rent a movie projector and show the film on a wall or screen. A local university media department, rental shop, or camera store may offer this option.

If you want to do more than watch the movie, invite guests to dress as characters from the movie, play trivia games about the film, have a "movie search" for famous quotes, or host an informal discussion afterward.


Decorations

Decorations for this type of party can be minimal, since you will be sitting in a dim or dark room for most of the party. However, you can dress up the party by hanging posters from old movies or cutouts of movie stars.

Include movie-inspired decorations throughout the room such as a director's chair, megaphone, a "Hollywood" sign, or strip of red carpet for your guests to arrive on. Use your imagination!


Music

While guests arrive or while you serve refreshments prior to starting the movie, play some background music. There are wide ranges of music compilations available that are movie related, such as great movie love songs, famous themes, and so forth.

Visit your local retailer for options. You may also be able to find the soundtrack from your movie of choice, although this may depend on how much of a "hit" the movie was and is.


Invitation Ideas

You can create your own or purchase pre-made invitations that are movie themed. Invitations designed like a movie ticket are fun, or you can include a picture of your favorite classic movie star or stars. Using an invitation that pictures the "Hollywood" sign can also be fun.

For alternatives, look for invitations that show a collage of movie-inspired themes, such as lights, cameras, clapboards, award figurines, or "walk of fame" stars.


Foods

Popcorn is of course the movie staple food, but there are many other options as well. You may want to stay with finger foods, however, as these are easy to eat while sitting and go with the overall movie them.

Nachos and candies are popular movie foods, or offer other easy options such as mini-quiches, baked goods, or finger sandwiches. Whatever you choose, keep the food simple so that you'll be able to watch the movie, too, rather than worrying about the food!


Teas

An old movie tea party could go late! Plan ahead by preparing a refreshing evening brew sure to relax and not stimulate your guests.  Lindsey's Teas Pepperminty Chamomile is an exceptionally refreshing yet calming herbal blend of the finest Egyptian chamomile buds with peppermint leaves.

Naturally caffeine-free, this tea is cool, refreshing to the palate, and delightful to the senses. You can order it from http://www.Lindseyteas.com



(C) Dawnya Sasse 2006-2008

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Why do some people succeed in the tea business? Discover how to "Unlock the Secrets of the Billion Dollar Tea Industry from the Comfort of Your Own Computer" and make your tea dream a reality. Free audio mini course http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This article may be distributed freely on your website, as long as this entire article, including links and this resource box are unchanged.
Copyright 2006 Dawnya Sasse All Rights Reserved. Tea Events http://www.TeaEvents.com

Unpacking A Tea Business

HI Tea Family,

Finally got a chance to sit down and write you a proper hello.  How are you?  I hope this blog finds you well. I have been busy in the last month moving back to Kansas from the west coast.  As many of you know our new main office has been in process in Kansas for sometime.  I am happy to say that while the office building is not fully complete, my loft apartment is now done!  Oh, happy day.  Finally a place to live.  :) I no longer have to commute back and forth 1600 miles.

I am loving this new home and am busy unpacking boxes, ordering furniture, arranging and re-arranging the closets, etc. The speed of construction is a bit slower in this part of the country but the final product is delightful. I just LOVE sitting at my tea table and drinking a hot cup of Yunnan with my sourdough toast in the mornings.  I will be sure to post photos along the way.

My biggest personal triumph was moving my cat Tea' (pronounced Tia) from Vancouver, Washington to rural Kansas on a plane.  WOW.  Talk about things I do not plan on repeating EVER in my life! 

In the midst of all the new life projects I am pleased to tell you that we have several new business ideas up our sleeves at Tea Events.  We will be rolling them out one by one over the course of 2008 and 2009.  These are exciting times... which leads me to ask you this question;

Have you been watching the news?  If so, you might be thinking that the economy is terrible and now is the worse time ever to start a business.  I am here to tell you that life is what you make of it and actually NOW is the BEST time to start a tea business of your dreams.  I talk to people daily who are prospering whether they are selling tea, starting a shop, blending tea or creating an online store. 

So here is the challenge.. instead of taking your tax refund and buying a TV.. think about investing in yourself.  You are worth the effort.  Your dreams are important. Tea is hot and only getting hotter.  As this 7 billion dollar industry continues to grow there is room for your company and your vision.

I want to personally invite you to invest in yourself and enroll in our April 6th 2008 Start A Tea Business Class.  www.StartATeaBusiness.com  There is no better time than the present to change your world. 

And now.. back to unpacking.

Warmly,

Lady Dawnya

Tea Business Travel- To Disneyland and Belize

HI Tea Family-

Once again I am busy, busy in my travel season.  I actually keep my bags packed and ready which makes it easy for me to fly here and there sharing the tea business message.

Last weekend I flew for 4 days to Disneyland with my niece and my sister.  It was my 9 year old nieces first time in the Magic Kingdom and she loved it.  I enjoyed the time together but I have to admit I actually felt quite sick after riding on the Mad Hatter's Twirling Tea Cups!  Whew... I was never so glad to put a tea cup away.  (here's a link to the ride so you can see what I mean- Click Here_)

In just a couple of days I leave for Tea Event's annual TeaCruise.com.  This year we are going to Belize!  The theme is "Unmasking the Secret World of Tea Blending" and boy have we got a great time planned.

Our guest speakers will be offering a hands on blending workshop and each and every student will learn to blend teas for their own business.  WOW.  I can't wait to share all the photos.

In 2008 I have felt super blessed.  Here are a couple of the many emails I have been receiving about my Start A Tea Business (TM) online training school:

Hi Lady Dawnya,

 

 

I  really enjoyed your  program!

 

 

Your materials on tea, your enthusiasm about the profession, and the support from you and Dorothy were wonderful.  The information given on tea was surprising, comprehensive and just the right amount of a challenge to keep me  excited, and eager  to learn more.  The time frame was excellent,  three months  went by so fast.

 

 

My passion for tea and the tea business increased with each week's lesson.  Your on-line program  is truly a great way to learn, "How To Start A Tea Business".

 

As you suggest, I will continue to broaden my knowledge of tea cupping and in keeping up with the latest health issues.  I look forward to  my success in selling the best quality tea, and doing in-home tea presentations. Most of all, I look forward to presenting my self as a true tea professional. May all our tea dreams come true.

 

 

Sincerely,

Ayah
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A personal testimonial-

 

My journey started out as a desire to learn something different and unique. I have been in the healthcare field for 18yrs now. I have owned my business for that long but wanted to complement my practice with something that was a compliment to health care but different. In the back of my mind I wanted to start a shop of some sort but, didn't know which of my interests I should endeavor. Upon brainstorming with some good friends, a tea business was mentioned. I didn't know ANYTHING about tea and so I began my research. I didn't want just any ole tea you can get in a restaurant and so, when I learned there was something called LOOSE Leaf I wanted to know more. That is when I found Start your own Tea Business and Dawnya's classes. It has been such an inspiration and VERY exciting. It has taken on a life of it's own since October classes and I now make tea gift baskets and deliver locally or ship them. In December alone in 1 1/2 weeks I had 5 orders before even knowing fully what I was doing. I was a QUICK study!!!! My customers loved loose leaf tea and wanted Christmas gifts so, there in lies the beginning of "The Basket Alley".

 

 

 

Blessings to you and your future businesses.

 

Alexa

I feel so blessed to work every day with people who are passionate about building the tea business of their dreams.  I hope dear reader that you will allow me to help you as well.

Off to the Tea Cruise,

Lady Dawnya

Tea Business Mania -Three Months for the Price of One!

^{Back by Popular Demand!}

^{Three months for the price of one when you register for the March 2, 2008 class!}

^{Here are just a few of the amazing benefits you receive when enrolling in this class:}

• You can access class materials around your time and your schedule. (who else give you this option? I know your life is busy but that doesn't make your dream any less real)

• A bonus of three months (instead of one) to study to your heart's content

 

• Complete the homework and earn your own Tea Specialist Certificate. (perfect to show off your achievement to your new clientèle- your friends will be jealous :)

• Save big $$ by studying online. No airfare, hotel or food bills! Plus you get the benefit of meeting other students online from around the globe.

Want more? Get all the details by visiting our website now. www.StartATeaBusiness.com

Need Payments? Call our office 888-225-0252

I have been teaching the tea business online for years and now is your chance to get the head start you need. Don't pass up this opportunity.

Jump in now the tea water is fine!

Tea Speak And Build Your Business

Are You Ready to Publicly Promote Your Tea?

By Dawnya Sasse

Do you have a fear of public speaking, but want to promote
your new tea business, tea room, tea cafe or tea bar?

Well, before you break into a cold sweat and begin
hyperventilating, take a deep breath and
relax.

Here are some great tips for helping you to get your ideas
across to others, as well as idea for promoting your own
brand!

Before you go out to publicly speak about your tea, you
must be totally ready and confident. Perhaps you have
tried public speaking in the past, and experienced a variety
of nervous symptoms such as dry mouth, sweaty, shaky, or
cold hands, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or shakiness.

Although you may not ever be completely comfortable
speaking in front of large crowds, you can get your nervous
feelings under control.

In order to perform your best public speaking in a calm
manner, there are several things you can do.

● First of all, tell yourself that you are a wonderful public
speaker (even if you are not!). Concentrating on this fact
will actually enable you to believe it.

● Envision yourself merely chatting comfortably with a group
of friends. This method will allow you to relax and feel at
home.

● Think about your strong desire to teach this particular
group about your tea topic.

● And if worst comes to worst – you can always just picture
your audience in their underwear! (Although that may just
make you laugh!)

When you are preparing to publicly endorse your tea, you
should make sure you are well prepared with all of the
information you want to share with your audience.

Be able to answer questions concerning your tea – both
easy and hard questions. After all, the last thing you want
to do is sound like you don’t know about your own
company!

Organize any speaking notes that you have and memorize
your opening statements. Don’t forget to practice, practice
again, and practice some more.

If you are still concerned about your abilities to publicly
promote, why not get an individual or group speaking
coach? He or she can help you a great deal in understanding
how to advertise yourself. In addition, joining a group such
as Toastmasters can help you gain confidence and speaking
expertise.

Once it is time for your big day, you should get to the site
of your promotional speech at least an hour early if possible.
This way you can check the microphone (if there is one) or
test out the acoustics in the area. This time will also allow
you to meet potential customers or distributors coming in
to see you speak.

You can shake hands with these people and greet them as
they come in. Extra time can also allow you to have the
opportunity to glance again at any notes that you have.
And, not only will getting to the place early help you
organize, but it will also help you be more relaxed.

All of these tips will definitely give you what you need to
get out there and sell your tea to the public. And last but
not least – good luck!

(C) Dawnya Sasse

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dawnya Sasse is the creator of the ultimate tea business
training school allowing students to discover the secrets
of the tea industry, "quickly and easily" without ever leaving
home.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Why do some people succeed in the tea business?
Discover how to "Unlock the Secrets of the Billion Dollar
Tea Industry from the Comfort of Your Own Computer"
and make your tea dream a reality. Free audio mini
course http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This article may be distributed freely on your website, as
long as this entire article, including links and this
resource box are unchanged.
Copyright 2006 Dawnya Sasse All Rights Reserved.
Tea Events http://www.teaevents.com