Tea Business Dreams

Free Tea Seminar Cd's

July 6th Registration Special!

Enroll in the July 6th 2008 Start A Tea Business online training school and grab these cd's for FREE!  (I am clearing out my cd stock and once they are gone they are gone!)

I have reserved copies of CD's for each new July 6th 2008 student who registers online or on the phone.  888-225-0252.

Total Bonus Value: $111

Register at www.StartATeaBusiness.com

Here are the cd's you will receive:

Discover Tea

Step back to the origins of the tea leaf. Explore tea history with Lady Dawnya and travel through time. Who was the 7th Duchess of Bedford? Why were tea pots round? What is the difference between green and black tea? Pop in this CD for inspiration and information. Pour yourself a cup of tea and reflect on your personal tea journey.

This CD profiles:

Lady Dawnya's Personal Tea Journey
The History of Tea
Types of Tea and Tea Growing Regions

Holiday TeaTimes for Fun and For Profit

Imagine making money at the holidays by hosting a one of a kind seasonal tea party sure to keep your guests talking for the year to come. Need ideas? This CD is packed with 10 creative holiday tea parties and suggestions for how to turn your holiday event into something extraordinary.

CD includes ideas like:

It's a Wonderful Life Tea
Tea and Trimmings
Fezziwig's Christmas Carol Tea

and much much more....

Tea and B&B - Don't Just Dream It- Do It!

Are you an aspiring bed and breakfast innkeeper or a someday tearoom owner? Consider the possibility of owning both! The bed and breakfast industry needs additional income and owning a by reservation tea room can blend the best of two worlds. Join Lady Dawnya and her guest Doris Hale owner of the Vintage Inn Bed and Breakfast in Vancouver, Washington, for a step by step look at what it takes to make two business’ work together as one.

This seminar is perfect for dreamers and doers. It will also provide inspiration for those of you who would like to work with your local B&B to develop a by reservation tearoom program.

 

Your Future In the Tea Business

Trends and Tea

They say its "in the tea leaves."  Well, this year there are 3 things every tea lover must know about the new direction of the tea industry.

If you have ever wanted to start or own a tea business these new trends are imperative!

Here are the top 3 trends I saw at the World Tea Expo in 2008.

1.  Identify Your Tea Culture.

A tea culture is a lifestyle or niche related to a particular style of tea taking.  Here are the top tea cultures seen today:

• Health and Lifestyle
• Asian Ceremony
• British Traditional
• Meditative
• Corporate Power Drink

Which niche do you most identify with?  You need to know.  Whichever tea lifestyle your business focuses on is the audience you will draw.  A huge, growing supply of tea accoutrement's are being developed for enjoying the leaf.  You can't be everything to everyone.  So- what is your tea culture?

2. Labels, Labels, Labels

It's easier than ever to put your face on a box of tea.  If your dream is to design your own tea brand you are in luck.  You no longer need a licensed kitchen to package tea.. many companies will now do it for you. 

While this is exciting the big news is what we are now seeing emerge onto labels.

Many, many of the freshest label brands are featuring photos of the tea blend itself!  They are also including the estate and region that the tea was grown in.

Watch for an increase in label information that clearly profiles Specialty Tea in 2008-2010.

3. Health is Wealth

Tea is the media's darling.  And why not?  Tea is good for you.  Doctors around the country are now recommending tea to their patients and friends. 

In the next few years tea will continue to soar in popularity.  Soda pop is dead but tea has no calories, lots of flavor and is filled with anti-oxidents.  Expect tea to be the preferred beverage of the future.

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So how does this information help you?  Simple.

Now truly is the perfect time to start a tea business.  You can start small, earn extra income, build a client base and then expand, expand, expand.  Tea is growing in double digits each year.

Are you ready to reap the rewards?

Register now for my next online training class.  http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com  and reap the rewards of the tea lifestyle.

   

Masala Chai Pot De Creme Recipe

This recipe is by Eric Bauer executive chef of Morels French Steakhouse and Bistro. 

Masala Chai Pot De Creme

Ingredients:

12 ozs of Heavy Cream

4 oz Milk 2 %

14oz of Castor Sugar

8 oz Egg Yolks

1 pc Vanilla Bean

2 Tblsp Rishi Masala Chai (www.Rishi-tea.com)

Heat all ingredients except for the egg yolk and the tea to scalding boil.  Add the tea and let steep for 7 minutes.  Strain the tea and cool down the base until well chilled.  Once chilled blend in the yolks with a hand blender or regular blender on the lowest speed.

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and let rest for 24 hours.  Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes in a pan with water filling up 1/4 of the way of a small pot de creme ramekin.  The creme is done when it is slightly wiggly in the center.  Baking times vary on the oven.

Let cool for 20 minutes and then place in the fridge.

Enjoy covered with sugar and burnt to create a creme brulee or left cold and served with custard. YUM.

Las Vegas and the World Tea Expo

Dear Tea Family-

Springtime finds me busily preparing for the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas.  I fly out on May 29th and will be in the shining city for a full week of tea fun.  This year's event is being held at the Mandalay Bay Resort which is beautiful.  I however, have chosen to stay at Excalibur just down the street as it is the only MGM property I have yet to stay at.  There have been rumors that it may be knocked down to make room for another high end resort so I had to book a room to stay there before it is too late.

Growing up I spent a lot of time in Las Vegas.  My grandfather was an executive with many of the high end properties and my parent's were musicians.  I was in and out of LV a great deal and have watched it grow from a small town to a huge metropolis.

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At this juncture I want to answer a couple of your questions about the World Tea Expo:

1. What is the World Tea Expo ?

The World Tea Expo is an annual trade show devoted entirely to the specialty tea industry.  Vendors from around the world come to share their product lines with tea business owners.  There are mini classes, trend updates and new product profiles throughout the event.

As far as trade shows go the World Tea Expo is relatively small.  You won't find thousands upon thousands of attendees.  Last year they had around 4,000 people and 300 vendors.  The great part is that it's still small enough to network with other companies face to face and be remembered.

2. Who should attend the World Tea Expo?

In my opinion professionals who have an active tea business or those who have had specific industry training and are ready to open the doors of their business should attend.  The show is not a place to learn to start a tea business.  You will be overwhelmed, blown away and waste a great deal of money.

As a professional in the industry attending the show once every couple of years can keep you connected with the heartbeat of tea.... too much more than that and you get repeat information.

3. Why do you, Lady Dawnya, attend the World Tea Expo?

I attend the expo for several reasons.  First of all I conduct interviews for TeaRadio.com.  This is a great chance for me to interview vendors live and share their story with listeners.  In addition, I offer private consultations to a variety of clients and alumni plus a shop the event to bring you the latest and greatest tea information.

If there is something new I want my tea family and most especially my students to know about it first hand.

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I hope that answers many of your questions.  You can be assured that my tea materials contain the latest, most up to date training available.  From my tea business to yours, you can get the training you need from the comfort of your own home.  Why?  Because I have already done the travel and research for you! (and that is priceless!)

More Soon,

Lady Dawnya

Start The Summer Right! June 1st is Your Tea Business Day!

Start summer right!  You can make your tea dreams a reality beginning June 1st 2008.  The first summer class of the Start A Tea Business online class is now available for registration.

Why should you take this class now?  Here are 3 GREAT REASONS!

1.  If starting a tea business is your dream it's up to you to make it happen.  The door of opportunity is infront of you and it waits for you to open it!  Enrolling the Start A Tea Business (TM) class is a perfect way to start your journey.  You don't have to leave home.  You don't have to pay for travel.  You don't have to pay for a hotel.  You can discover the inside secrets from the comfort of your own home and begin making her tea dreams come true!

2. Discover where you fit into the tea business NOW and make money during the holidays.  The holiday season begins in October.  That means if you get yourself trained and ready now you can have a viable business running for the holidays!  Enroll now by calling 888-225-0252 or sign up online at www.StartATeaBusiness.com

3. The tea industry is growing by leaps and bounds.  Opportunity abounds.  You could open a tearoom, a tea cafe, become a tea speaker, start a children's tea party business, lead tea tours, .... what is your dream?  You can do it!

Join Me in my June Online Tea School!

I look forward to working with you,

Lady Dawnya 

Almond Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Almond Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Spread:
Combine 3/4 cup butter, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves or 2 tablespoons dried basil.

Filling:
1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken meat
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup slivered almonds
Salt and pepper to taste
20 slices bread, your choice

Combine the filling ingredients. Spread each slice of bread with a thin layer of the butter mixture. Add the filling to half the bread slices and top with the other half, buttered sides in. Remove the crusts and cut the sandwiches as desired. Makes 40 tea sandwiches.

When Small is Mighty: The History of the Yixing Teapot

You've heard the phrase, "for all the tea in China?" That phrase is usually used to indicate great amounts at great worth.

Perhaps that phrase should have been “for all the teaPOTS in China,” for this huge country has an ancient, but valuable commodity: The Yixing teapot.

The Yixing Region of China is located in the Jiangsu Province, abut 120 miles Northwest of Shanghai, and it’s an area known since the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) for its wonderful pottery. The pottery is beautiful and unique, for it is formed from a purple or red clay, called “zisha,” found only in this one location in the entire world.

The Ming Dynasty, (1368-1644) began the tradition of teapots from the Yixing Region. These were usually simple pots with fine walls and the natural colorations of the clay ranging from deep maroon, to red, to purple, to buff. When, in the 1600’s, the production and exportation of teapots began to flourish, many Chinese artists turned their attention to the familiar but unique teapots created in the Yixing region decorating them with ornate inlays of gold and silver, or painting them with colored enamels. The lovely Yixing teapot became desirable throughout China and Europe.

The desirability of this particular kind of teapot is based on several factors, but one predominant characteristic is the unique purple clay from which it is made. Iron oxide in the clay gives it a purple color, but in addition to the color, the clay itself is ideal for the making of teapots because it is porous after it is fired. This porous characteristic enables the teapots to absorb the flavors and oils from the teas.

Some say that an old, well-loved and well-used Yixing teapot can brew tea itself just by adding hot water! Tea connoisseurs are adamant that each kind of tea should have its own Yixing pot so that the individual flavors of each tea are kept pure and separate from each other. No need for soap, either! Simply rinse out the Yixing teapot with cold water to have it prepared and ready for the next perfect drink of tea.

Another unique feature of the Yixing teapot is the size of the vessel. Not like the typical American or European teapot, the Chinese original Yixing pot is very small. Meant to be for one single individual, and a capacity of 1-2 cups, Yixing teapot users are able to brew their tea – and drink it – all from the same container. They simply brew the tea in the pot, then tip the spout into their mouths.

Still another desired feature in the Yixing teapot is the authenticity and craftsmanship in its making. Each pot is handcrafted on a potter’s wheel. While the Yixing teapot is often reproduced, the “real” product is identified by a “chopmark,” or an artist’s mark on the bottom of the pot or under the lid or handle.

The Yixing Teapot: Small in size. Mighty in function.

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.

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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.