Life & Work with Carlos E. Ramos of Tea Lab Cleveland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos E. Ramos.

Hi Carlos E., thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Tea Lab started on September 1st, 2013, founded by Robert Holcepl. After a successful 13 year career in outside adverting, for a local weekly newspaper, Free Times, I was downsized during the 2010 recession. In mid-August, 2016, Mr. Holcepl, who was a former client, was looking to sell The Tea Lab. As a customer, I saw the potential in the business,. I bought the business, and 2 1/2 weeks later, I was the owner. The business was turn key, with 2 stores and the inventory intact, but there was no budget for marketing. Using my advertising and marketing background, I built up a presence by using social media, and doing cross marketing with community organizations, we built an audience. I grew our tea selection from 80 to the current 200+, including over 2 dozen proprietary blends. We also we also have the largest selection tea ware offerings in Northeast Ohio. We have won Best Tea Shop in Cleveland Magazine multiple times.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The Tea Lab has dealt with two recessions, the riots Downtown after RNC convention, which affected our Cleveland store, the Pandemic, and the tariff increases by the current administration. After COVID had resided, many people were working a hybrid schedule so Downtown dropped foot traffic by 60%. In 2023, we closed the Cleveland location. I was concerned that the loss of the one location would hit our bottom line, but we focused on customer service, and were able to achieve reach our goals with an increase in sales with just the one location in Lakewood. Most teas are not grown domestically, so with the tariffs, we had to increase prices. After all, most teas come from China, India, Japan, and Africa, the countries with the highest tariffs. While some of the tariffs have been rescinded, issues with climate change and staffing have kept the prices on the higher side. There is still a 45% tariff on steel, and almost every infuser we carry is made from stainless steel.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I studied Graphic Design, so when I went into advertising, I used my creative talent to create a vision for the store. My best employees tend to be creatives, from artists to writers. Unlike many tea stores that are extremely floral in design, I wanted The Tea Lab to be utilitarian and welcoming to anyone who appreciates a good cup of tea. The tea is stored for customers in tins that mimic a periodic table, emphasizing the “Lab” portion of our business. Our tea wares selection is also very colorful. Our walls are white, so the color pops. I try to find product that are fun but practical. Through our website, tealabcle.com, we ship all over the US. What sets us apart is our customer service and our support of our communities. We are known for carrying premium loose leaf teas from around the world. This past April, we partnered with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center for National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We raised funds and brought them a lot of exposure. Customer service is a core value of our business, having a friendly but unpretentious approach for our customers.

What matters most to you?
Making The Tea Lab a destination that tea lovers of all kinds an enjoyable shopping experience. Being recognized by the readers of Cleveland Magazine. I have lived in Lakewood for 30+ years, and owner of The Tea Lab for 10 years, come this September, so I enjoy being a strong member of our community. Ireally enjoy working with our youngf staff, and sharing my knowledge and my approach to customer service.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tealabcle.com
• Instagram: @tealabcleveland
• Facebook: @tealabcleveland