Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayne Lewis.
Hi Jayne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We began our business in downtown Tipp City back in 2011 as a family-owned business with me and my two daughters. At that time, I had a vision of selling loose-leaf tea, which was not mainstream in retail. We also sold my “Jalou Creations” products, which was my bath & body’s line of oils, lotions, etc. Over the course of the next couple of years, we opened a Tea Room next door which served High Tea and lunch. We operated the Tea Room and the retail store together for the next 7 years. My daughters went out on their own in that time, and I decided to close the Tea Room and downsize to just the retail space. My passion for tea blending and herbalism was something that I had been wanting to do for a while, and so I focused on helping people naturally with herbs and also creating my own Tea Brand. My goal was to offer people a superior product than the large tea companies were offering, plus help others with alternative herbal remedies. I now have families and individuals that come from a 3-hour radius just to visit our retail store. Over the course of the last 3 years, I launched a website where people can purchase my blends and have them shipped anywhere in the United States. The business is getting ready to move in other directions this year while continuing to service the retail customers in our area. The business will be launching more into the manufacturing of our own products, which will include wholesale/distribution.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been many obstacles along the way. In the early years, there were months that I had not idea how the business was going to stay open. Tea and herbs are not mainstream, at least not at that time. Back then, people still didn’t understand what “Organic” meant and thought all tea came in a tea bag. Not many were interested in herbal alternatives, like now. I was on the front line with all of it and still am.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a woman-owned and operated small business and a Certified Master Herbalist. My business specializes in offering natural alternatives to people by using plants. We purchase, blend and sell premium quality loose tea, herbs, spices, coffee beans, and essential oils. Most of which are organic or ethically harvested in nature. I educate people on a one-on-one basis with each visit. Instead of being like everyone else, I explain the difference in my products vs. others. I also help them know the difference between tea and herbs and what makes ours superior to others. We purchase small lots from reputable growers across the world and blend and flavor our tea & herb blends in small batches in-house. We also batch and store our products in small containers to ensure freshness. We not only want people to “Taste the difference” but to experience it.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Make sure that whatever business you go into, it is your deep passion. Do something you love and be fearless in it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.TheGoldenLeaf.com
- Instagram: @thegoldenleafteaco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GLTeaandherbco/
- Twitter: #goldenleafteaco
Image Credits
Jayne L Lewis
