Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kita Centella, Owner of Loose Leaf Tea Market, located in Phoenix, AZ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
You know how just about everyone you know has issues with inflammation, gut health, or excess sugar cravings? Well, at Loose Leaf Tea Market, we make teas that help you with all of that. Our handcrafted teas help you get rid of sugar cravings, get better sleep, reduce belly fat, relieve inflammation, reduce stress, and detox your body safely and naturally. Our awesome customers are people who believe in the healing power of nature to help bring their health back into balance.
Tell us about yourself
Back in the 1980s, I was an alcoholic and drug addict, and my life was a total disaster. Fortunately, I met a woman who took me under her wing and became my mentor. She taught me about the incredible healing power of plants, and because of this, I began to heal both my body and mind. This sparked a passion in me, and I made a commitment to learn about healing herbs and share what I learned with the world. This eventually became what is now Loose Leaf Tea Market.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have been in business since 2002 and have weathered a major recession and a global pandemic, and still going strong. But what I am proudest of is the fact that we have helped thousands of people end their addiction to sugar using the power of unique botanical tea blends.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Like any business owner will tell you, there are ups and downs, cash crunches, and uncertainty. Things can be going along just fine, and then your air conditioner unit dies, and you have to shell out $10,000 to replace it. Marketing is hard, social media algorithms change every day, and people quit, but even with all that, the rewards of being an entrepreneurial visionary far exceed the challenges.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Learn as much as you can. Be clear on your vision and your WHY.
- Be coachable.
- Get a coach.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://looseleafteamarket.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/looseleafmarket
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/looseleafteamarket/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LooseLeafTeaMarket
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@looseleafteamarket
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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