Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Danielle Beaudette, owner of The Cozy Tea Cart, located in Brookline, NH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Cozy Tea Cart is a retail tea shop selling high-quality whole leaf teas and accouterments. Additionally, we have a café with both indoor and outdoor garden seating. All our food is made fresh and is affordably priced. Our customers are people of all ages, looking for high quality, freshly imported tea from all over the world. They enjoy dining in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere with family and friends and are long-time repeat customers.
Tell us about yourself
I was introduced to whole leaf tea over 20 years ago while attending a tea lecture at a local library. I couldn't believe the difference in the flavor and quality of loose tea over tea bag tea. This was a time when whole leaf tea was not as popular as it is today. Knowing I couldn't go back to bagged tea, I joined the US Specialty Tea Institute. Over the course of 4 years or so completed all levels of certification they offered and was one of a handful of people in the first graduating class to do so. My passion for tea led to many travels over the years to the countries of origin in Asia to research more about the process and harvesting of tea and to gain additional certifications in the countries of origin. Today, I continue to attend tea conferences and tea seminars to keep up to date with the latest technology and science surrounding the tea leaf.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is continually educating our customers and our community about whole leaf tea. Tea education is a big part of my success, and a part of my job that I am so passionate about. I continually offer lectures for corporate wellness programs around the country, libraries, and private organizations.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing about being a business owner is finding time off. We are a small business, so I wear every hat that involves running a business, such as purchasing, accounting, hiring, and education, just to name a few.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start slow, and grow steady. Work out all the kinks early before expanding.
- Work with your local Small Business Association for guidance on getting started and maintaining growth. They are a wealth of knowledge.
- Know your product and customers. Continue educating yourself throughout the lifetime of your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thecozyteacart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecozyteacart/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecozyteacart/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecozyteacart
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.