Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauretta Nkwocha, Founder of Lauretta's British Ginger T, located in Calverton, NY, USA.

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

Lauretta's British Ginger T was established in 2021 with the aim of enhancing the immunity, vitality, and energy of individuals worldwide. According to a survey conducted in 2020 by the Tea Association of the USA, around 84% of Americans reported drinking tea in one form or another. Ginger tea, in particular, has surged in popularity over the past few years because of increasing consumer awareness of the numerous health benefits. It has become the go-to beverage for Americans seeking a delicious, natural, and refreshing alternative to traditional caffeinated drinks. Our unique, proprietary blend of functional ginger teas includes ingredients that are scientifically backed and historically proven to have numerous physical and psychological health benefits in both traditional and alternative medicine.

Tell us about yourself

Born and raised in London, I have always loved the British culture of tea drinking. It is a culture that goes back to the 17th century but is still regarded as a symbol of politeness, hospitality, and good manners. What better sign of hospitality than to freely share batches of my unique blend of ginger tea with my friends and family.....? Since 2014 when I first started making ginger tea to ease my nausea during pregnancy, I would deliver pots of my unique blend to friends during the cold and flu seasons to help ease their ailments. As a singer on stages across New York and beyond and an actor on TV screens in the UK and USA, my brew was an enormous vocal aid to myself and my fellow live performers!!

I believe that we all have the right to thrive…Now as a small business, Lauretta's British Ginger T is dedicated to producing and selling high-quality, flavourful, healthful, and helpful ginger tea to the masses. Our passion for exceptional taste and uncompromising quality has led us to meticulously craft a proprietary blend of ginger drinks that offer a delightful sensory experience, promoting wellness and rejuvenation with every sip.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

As a new business owner, my biggest accomplishment to date has been to convince 19 retail store owners on Long Island to give Lauretta's British Ginger T a chance. I love meeting the managers and store owners and showing them the immense passion I have for these beverages!!

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

For me, the hardest thing about being a business owner is the huuuuuuuge amount that I have to learn!!!!!! Coming from a career as an actor and singer, performing live on stage or filming TV shows that air to millions of people came naturally to me. I was born to perform. Learning the ins and outs of business ownership is a long, laborious road for me, but one that is teaching me life lessons and enabling me to grow as a human being.

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

Firstly, FACE THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY!!!!!!! I put this in all caps because fear is the biggest hurdle to starting your own business. "What if it doesn't work?" "What if I can't do it?" The fear can be crippling. However, I would take fear over regret any day. If it doesn't work out, you can regroup and make the necessary changes. But if you get to the end of your life and regret not giving it a go, then it will be too late. The opportunity to regroup and change direction no longer exists.

Secondly, choose to start a business that you are genuinely passionate about and that you believe will solve a problem. Your passion will push you through the tough times when you are second-guessing yourself.

Thirdly, have fun!!!!!!!!!!! Find as many ways as possible to inject fun into this journey!!! If your business requires you to work with people, then work with people you love being around.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.laurettasbritishgingert.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingerTLady
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gingertlady/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurettaNkwocha/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauretta-nkwocha-94500039/

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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