Three teas in a pod

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kelly Struble, co-founder and owner of Tama Tea based in Wilmington, NC, USA.

Tell us all about your business...

The three of us met at UNC Wilmington, where Rocco and Wells ran track. Wells and Kelly met soon after and were instant soul mates. We kept busy since college but were reunited by the idea to open Tama Cafe that was local-coffee-shop in spirit but with a tea-focused menu. Spending time in our cafe meant we were always balancing our need for caffeine with hydration. Drinking tea and sparkling water back-to-back led to a crazy idea - Let’s make sparkling tea! We did just that, craft brewing organic green tea with natural fruit and herbs like fresh lavender petals and mango slices. We initially created this product that we are proud of for ourselves and close friends and are stoked to share it with you. We hope that you enjoy our sparkling tea as much as we do!

What's your background and motivation to grow as an entrepreneur?

We set out to make a great-tasting beverage without taking any shortcuts such as natural flavors. We might not be as bright as the ‘other guys’ who manufacture their tea in a lab using natural flavors and extracts. We’re just tea, folks. We only use ingredients we understand by craft brewing organic whole leaf green tea the traditional way using natural fruits and herbs.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Successfully formulating a beverage that we are super proud of. We didn't take the 'easy road,' but ultimately, we are incredibly proud of the product we developed.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being an entrepreneur?

Trying to do it all! You have to learn to delegate, hire great people, and let the rest go.

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

Find, hire, and retain the best people you can. Surround yourself with people who are more intelligent than you.
Learn to prioritize tasks and not get distracted by tangent projects that take a lot of time.
Make sure you're always working towards a measurable goal.

Where can people find you?

Website: https://www.tamatea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamaWilmington/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamateaco/

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.

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