Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lucia Parlanti, Founder of Tea Stories, located in Eindhoven, Nord Brabant, Netherlands.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Tea stories are the first 100% vegan bubble tea brand. Our goal is to inspire modern consumers toward more sustainable, conscious, and healthy living. Our name is a blend of two elements, 'Tea' 茶 representing our signature product and source of inspiration, and 'Stories' 事多 as a symbol of a mindful, sustainable and healthier way of living. We believe that every choice we have makes an impact. Being more conscious about the stories of the products we buy, their origin, and how they are made helps us make better choices for the planet. Tea stories offer a healthier, cleaner, and fully vegan alternative to the world-famous bubble tea drink. However, our customers are not only vegan people. Our milk teas are very delicious, so anybody who likes bubble tea or wants to try something new is the perfect match for Tea stories. However, we see that people who are more conscious related to their buying and consuming behaviors are the majority.
Tell us about yourself
I am Italian, and I originally came to Eindhoven for an internship at Philips, which lasted almost nine months, after which I decided to actually stay in the Netherlands and got a permanent job at Signify (former Philips). I did work there for three years, but I was not happy at all. Something was missing. 9 to 5, Monday till Friday office job did not fulfill me at all. So I started looking around to find something that would inspire me, and my eyes sparkled. And I did find it when I went to China for the first time to meet the family of my boyfriend (now husband) in 2017, where I tried (real) tea and bubble tea for the first time. Since then, I have started working on a business plan and details to open my own tea bar. It did become a reality in 2018 when I found a small space. It was pretty tough at the beginning since I had never worked in the hospitality industry before, and my family had an entrepreneurial background but in totally different fields. I am also not Dutch (and I do not speak Dutch, unfortunately), and I was also missing the network of people within the industry to whom you could ask questions and learn from others' mistakes. So I learn by doing every day. Non-stop. What motivates me? Well, I have a bigger goal, so I try not to focus too much on the daily up and down and more on the long-run achievements. And also, I have fun with it; I am never bored. Also, all the energy I get from the people that work for me now and all our customers. I am really impressed to see people that share their own values and appreciate what you do. I am really grateful for making a tiny contribution to our society, inspiring people to make better and more mindful choices when it comes to eating vegan, for example.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Tea stories opened its door for the first time in May 2018, but it was really experimental and very tiny. However, in August 2021, we moved to a bigger location, and we got much more exposure. The business doubled, and with it also the challenges. If you had asked me five years ago what I would have done when I was 'grownup,' I would have never imagined being this. So I am very proud that I managed to open and run a business successfully with basically 0 experience in the business. It is really true that when you set your mind to nothing, you manage no matter what
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Unpredictability. This is also the fun part, but sometimes enjoying your holiday without distractions could be very nice. Also, you constantly need to fight your own demons, your thought that tries to pull you down. Things like: you are not enough; you should be working all the time; other businesses must do better than you, etc.'
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Don't start for the money; you'll stop within a few months (maybe weeks). Be stubborn, never give up, and keep on going even when it feels you will not get there. Invest in your development as a person and leader.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://goodteastories.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodteastories/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodteastories/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tea-stories/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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