Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carole Bright-Alvarez, owner of iN-TEA, located in Littleton, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We source amazing teas from the most remote areas of the world. Our customers are those who love adventure, appreciate fine food, delight in travel, and love to explore! iN-TEA is an Adventure in a Cup!

Tell us about yourself

Whole leaf tea was always a staple at our house. Even as a child, fabulous loose leaf teas were enjoyed every day. My mom haled from the Isle of Man, and my dad was an exploration geologist. He made sure my mom always had fresh teas and blends from his travels to China and all parts east! I guess my love of tea and travel is genetic. Serving our community and introducing the highest quality teas to the public is most fun and gratifying. Enhancing and expanding the human tea experience is so rewarding. Hearing someone say they just fell in love with a new tea is my source of joy!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Opening in 2008 and staying open during those recession years taught me a lot. Staying open through 2020 COVID is still a challenge (transitory staffing and employees out with COVID). “It’s all going to work out” is one of our favorite reassurances. We never give up!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Always being on call. If something happens to the building or with staffing, it always comes down to the owner.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Make sure your family relationships are solid: you will depend on them daily.
  2. Be sure you’re in good health: long hours and emotional stress can be exhausting.
  3. Only do what you are passionate about. (I worked six years without a paycheck!) - back to support from family!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Business acumen is important. As much as I’m passionate about tea, my responsibilities wouldn’t change all that much if we started selling tee-shirts instead: owners act as marketing managers, HR, cash flow managers, IT specialists, analysts, and public liaisons. While you can hire out some responsibilities, ultimately, you are the final decision maker, and you steer the ship. Even when I’m away, my heart is always at the shop.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://in-tea.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iNTEALittleton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/in.tea.littleton/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/iN_TEA
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/intealittleton/_created/

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.