Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lucy Yang, CEO and founder of Silver Needle Tea Co., located in New York City, USA.

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

For some time, I found it hard to buy quality Asian teas that are packaged beautifully. So I built Silver Needle Tea Co. to bridge that gap: to deliver exceptional tea in exquisite packaging so that people can gift it to others and for themselves.

It was also crucial that I sourced my own teas, so I know who is producing them from beginning to end and exactly where they are grown for quality control. Every tea in our collection is hand-selected based on its elevation, soil makeup, and appellation because they all affect how each cup will taste.

My favorite part of this journey is visiting the tea estates where our teas leaves are harvested; they have taken me to Japan, Taiwan, and China. Every visit deepens my appreciation for each cup. It is my hope that every time you drink our tea, you will experience each cup not only for its taste but also feel connected to where these teas are grown, their culture, people, and history.

Tell us about yourself

I am motivated by how much I still have to learn about tea every day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Someone said to me once: "I actually don't think I've drunk tea until I tasted your teas" - this is after he told me he's been drinking tea all his life.

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

Finance.

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

Do it because you love it. Do it consistently. Don't give up.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: http://silverneedleteaco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverneedleteaco/

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.