Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Trista Sanford, Owner of Ora Teahouse + Bakery, located in Durham, NC, USA.

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

Ora Teahouse + Bakery is a premium source of hand-blended loose-leaf tea and handcrafted desserts with service areas in the Triangle and Triad areas of North Carolina. While our desserts are only available to local customers as of now, our tea blends, teawares, and other accessories are available for shipping nationwide.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been interested in entrepreneurship. I think my first "business" was selling handmade bracelets and keychains in elementary school for 25 cents or 1 dollar. It is something that has proven to be unshakable. Ora Teahouse + Bakery is a rebrand of a previous business, Bespoke Bakery & Dessert Bar, that was relaunched in October of 2021. The biggest sources of motivation for me are my customers and my daughter, Naomi. Receiving feedback from my customers inspires me to continue to create. I am blessed to bake for life's most special moments, and the tea blends are a part of my customers' morning routines and evening rituals. It is very personal...very intimate. My daughter is always so proud of me and really takes an interest in what I'm doing. It means a lot that she is able to see me doing something that I'm passionate about that; ultimately, I pray she benefits from it.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment is growing this business organically. I am so intentional about it, and Ora really is an extension of me. I know people truly feel that. I'm proud of what the business has become as a result of staying true to who I am and not allowing fear to win.

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

Although I have a lot of support, I am largely a solopreneur. From the website to baking to blending all of the tea blends, I am responsible for Ora, and she requires a lot of time and attention. That means that, for me, it never stops. I am always thinking of what's next and what could be better so that I am securing the future of this business.

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

  1. Get started! I know that is easier said than done, but I will tell anyone that is serious about starting a business to give themselves a chance. There won't necessarily be a perfect time, and your business will continue to grow and develop. I have rebranded twice, and each time it has gotten better. People need what you have and will be excited to watch you continue to get better.
  2. Make sure you're passionate about your business. Starting, running, and growing a business requires our most precious commodity, time. When you're more tired than you've ever been, it is the passion that gives you the boost that you need to keep going. Find the thing that makes you feel at home.
  3. Be clear about who your customer is and who it is not. I spent too much time feeling unsupported by the people I knew when they weren't my ideal customer from the beginning. Once you know who your customers are, you are in the best position to support them and have them support you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.orateahouse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orateahouseandbakery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orateahouseandbakery/

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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