Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Navarro, Co-Founder of Taheebo Wellness Tea, located in Nevada City, CA, USA.

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

We sell Taheebo Tea, also known as Pau d'Arco Tea. The tea has a long and well-documented history of use by shamans and medicine people of South America, with many reports predating the Incas. South American tribes living thousands of miles apart have used it for the same medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, including malaria, anemia, colitis, respiratory problems, colds, cough, flu, fungal infections, fever, arthritis and rheumatism, snakebites, poor circulation, boils, syphilis, and cancer. Our customers are interested in natural ways to support their health. Their reasons for drinking Taheebo Wellness Tea range from immune support and prevention of colds to cancer.

Tell us about yourself

We were introduced to Taheebo Tea/Pau d'Arco Tea shortly after Julien was diagnosed with advanced cancer that quickly spread to various parts of his body. He immediately added 7 cups of Taheebo Tea to his daily regimen. This fascinating and powerful medicinal bark was an important component in Julien's health regimen and strongly contributed to his recovery. Our original source for this excellent tea decided to retire eight months into Julien's treatment. The tea was helping him so much, and his recovery was going so well we didn't know where we were going to find the same clean, quality tea. We searched and searched but were unable to find a new source. Time was ticking, so we just went for it. We felt it was so important for this tea to be available to all those like Julien seeking its wellness properties that we decided to take on the responsibility and privilege of supplying high-quality Taheebo Tea. Having never been in the 'tea business,' there was quite a learning curve, but we are happy to now offer the highest grade inner bark from the Brazilian Tabebuia impetiginosa/avellanedae tree. Taheebo Tea remains a staple in our preventative wellness regimens.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, creating the Taheebo Wellness Tea brand and business from scratch during one of the most challenging times of our lives was quite an accomplishment. While we had been self-employed before, we had no experience importing, packaging, marketing, and shipping this type of product.

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

One of the trickiest parts of being a micro-business owner is finding the right work/life balance. We work from home and do almost everything ourselves. There is always something else that needs to be done, so planning and sticking to a schedule are essential.

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

Our current world has made us more and more conditioned to seek out immediate gratification. Starting a business does not need to be difficult and take years to become profitable, but it does take some time, flexibility, and persistence.

  1. Create a business plan even if you don't need financing. A business plan helps you to take a deep dive into your business and crystallize your ideas and what you think you know into one organized document.
  2. Give up the temptation to do everything yourself. Hiring experts will not only get the job done faster and better, but by working with others, you are opening yourself up to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities.
  3. Clear communication about your product or services is essential. Never assume people already know something. Your customers don't spend the same amount of time thinking about your business as you do. Use customer questions and feedback to improve your brand's message and communications.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Thank you for reaching out and giving us a chance to share! It is really nice to be a part of a growing and vibrant community of entrepreneurs.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://taheebo-tea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taheebotea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taheebotea/

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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