Taste Good and Do Good - Tiesta Tea Company

Team Subkit -

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Patrick Tannous, co-founder, and president of Tiesta Tea Company, located in Chicago, IL, USA.

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

We are a loose leaf tea company on a mission to make loose leaf tea understandable, accessible and affordable. We source over 150 ingredients across the globe to create tea beverages. Our customers have a true passion for great-tasting beverages. Our customers care about real ingredients and sustainable products.

Tell us about yourself

I dropped out of college as a senior to start my business. I had a hard time learning in college, and school just wasn't my jam. I felt lost and worthless as a student, but the minute I hit the ground as an entrepreneur, I was filled with hope and excitement.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I'm most proud of what I've accomplished with my teammates and creating an enjoyable place to work for our employees. It's a great feeling to see your employees grow and to grow with them. I love seeing my team at team outings, and it always hits me just how much responsibility I have to take care of my team.

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

Marketing & managing cash flow!!!

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

  1. Have good margins! Your margins must have enough room to make you money!
  2. Pick one thing your business does and do it very well.
  3. Listen to your customers, outwork your competition!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Enjoy the ride - the ups, the downs. Celebrate the wins. Learn from the losses. Make sure you're solving a true need.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://tiestatea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptballer1523
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptannous23/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ptannous23
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tannous-678bb521/

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.