Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with David Stone, CEO of AMICA Tea, located in Northbrook, Illinois, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We knew we could do better. So, we set out on a mission to create I.E. Green Tea…
We worked side-by-side with tea experts to find ways to process tea leaves without using harmful chemicals. Our tea leaves are roasted fresh, as soon as they are picked, to preserve as many antioxidants as possible. We even brew our tea in pure spring water.
But that’s not all. We test every batch of I.E. Green Tea to ensure that every single convenient, pre-brewed serving packet contains an impressive 300mg of antioxidants. And, our tea is grown on certified organic, pristine mountain farms, and sweetened with natural stevia, so it’s entirely calorie-free.
The end results? Pure, delicious, antioxidant-rich green tea that provides plant-based energy- anytime, anywhere. Drink it hot or cold… mix it into your yogurt or a smoothie… I.E. Green Tea is pre-brewed, concentrated, and sold in hassle-free, single-serving packets.
Tell us about yourself
As founder, architect, and lead operator of several consumer product and sourcing services companies, I has amassed vast knowledge and skills. With a diverse range of experience in a nearly 30 year career as an owner and VP of Operations at It’s Academic, Fin Branding Group, Firefly Corporation, and AMICA Tea, David is available to share that knowledge and expertise with individuals, startups, and established companies alike looking to advance in their fields as a consultant, investor, and manager. It is sharing this knowledge and expertise and knowing that he could be assisting others keeps me motivated each and every day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
It may sound cliche, but I think the biggest accomplishment to date as a business owner is to be able to stay motivated in his work while also maintaining harmony at home. Being an entrepreneur is secondary to my family. I am a husband and father of three. Maintaining this balance and feeling successful in each component of a work and family life harmony is no small task.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Each opportunity and challenge requires decisive action. As the owner of the business it is important to be able to make these decisions alone. I try to garner feedback and advice from managers, vendors, and others to inform the decision. However, at the end of the day the buck stops with the owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1) Listen to your other stakeholders - Your partners, employees, and vendors will often have unique perspectives. So, listen closely.
2) Take that meeting - Whether it is with a new potential vendor, customer, or friendly acquaintance, you never know where it will lead. Take the opportunity to network and learn.
3) Watch the pennies - In a former business, one of our CFO's once told me to "watch the pennies and the dollars will take care themselves". That has always stuck with me and has many ways to interpret. I do not take it to mean be frugal, but to be conservative when appropriate and look at the details.
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/iegreentea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-stone-975a1813/
https://www.twitter.com/iegreentea
https://www.facebook.com/iegreentea/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.