Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mika Bareket, founder of Tease, located in Ottawa, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I lead the team at Tease alongside our founder, Sheena Brady. We create functional tea blends and products that target wellness goals (sleep, focus, energy...etc.). We are also a certified Benefit Corporation, which means we have met the highest level of verified standards in social and environmental impact. All of our blends are ethically sourced and packaged in fully biodegradable packaging and we contribute funding and mentorship to women in business through our sister organization, Founders Fund (which we operate as well!).
Tell us about yourself
Before joining Founders Fund and Tease, I worked in social impact marketing on the operations side and developed a deep passion for growing socially conscious business. As kismet as it sounds I also worked in tea in my early career, both as one of the first employees at what became and international tea brand as well as managing a tea focused restaurant. When I met Sheena all of those pieces of my career that I still felt so connected to all came into place. Since joining the team we've completely deconstructed and rebuilt every aspect of the business and it's been deeply fulfilling (and challenging!).
What motivates me most is thinking about the legacy that we're building through every intentional decision that we make. We're building a business that values a healthy future for our planet and communities and that is such an important aspect to my work that keeps me going on hard days.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This past year has been filled with so many incredible milestones, it's really difficult to choose just one, however, certifying for Benefit Corporation felt really amazing. I've worked with B Corps in the past so certifying a company that I was helping to build felt incredible. All of our policies, supplier relationships, environmental practices.. etc. are aligned with our brand (and personal) values which is so satisfying.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is making decisions with long term vision in mind. It can be really tempting in stressful situations to choose short term band aid solutions (or the easiest solution), but remaining true to your long term vision will always bring more value in the end.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Set up a support system (other entrepreneurs, a good therapist, a consistent journaling and/or meditation routine)
2. There's ALWAYS something you can do when you're stuck (send a few emails, google some grants or funding, send out a sales email...etc.)
3. Unpack your blocks around money (are you afraid of debt? risk? do you tend to be too frugal?)
Where can people find you and your business?
https://www.instagram.com/tease_tea/
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.
