Tea Business Dreams

To train or not to train?

Let me ask you a question.  

"Which type of person are you?" 

 

A.  Are you the "careful saver" who wants to live their dream but knows it has to be done on a budget?  

OR

B.  The wild and crazy "jump in and just do it!"  kind of business owner.

These two entreprenuers are not as different as they might seem.  In fact, believe it or not, both have set themselves up for a much higher rate of failure.  If we were to fast forward five years we would find that both of them lost their savings and their dream even though one was on a strict budget and the other "lived for the moment."  

But why?  What could they have done to increase their rate of success?  The answer is simple... they should have made their top priority themselves.  They should have invested in their personal education so that their tea dream had a fighting chance.

Let's see how this plays itself out:

Miss Budget is excited about her tea dream.  She has only $3,000 to work with so she knows she has to start small.  She has no plans to get training so she relys on internet research and friends to help her learn the industry.

Within the first month Miss Budget wastes  $400 by overpaying for tea, shipping and customs.  She had a friend who knew someone in China that could get her a great deal.  Turns out... had she known who to trust in the U.S. she would have saved a week's worth of work and saved her $400.  Bottom line: She lost 13%   of her total  investment right off.

The second month, Miss Budget decides she wants to package her own tea.  She spends a week calling all over to find the government agency that can help her to get approval.  The next week she spends trying to locate the requirements for a licensed kitchen.  The third week she realizes the idea won't work.  The fourth week she is back to square one.

In month three Miss Budget hears about Private Labeling.  WOW!  That is her answer.  She spends 4 weeks researching her options.  Finally she finds a contractor but realizes that she has lost 8 weeks on this project PLUS she already bought $1,000 of tea that she cannot package herself.  Uhg.

Now, I could go on and on but let's stop here and look at the facts. 

If Miss Budget had spent only $777 on herself in getting proper training, she would have had a savings of at least $1,400 plus 8 weeks of her time in just the first 3 months.   Miss Budget didn't save money she lost money by not getting help in advance!

If Miss Budget has taken a tea business course like

www.StartATeaBusiness.com she would have known what steps to take to private label, get a licensed kitchen, package tea, buy wholesale and much more.  If she had additional questions, she would have had a support team ready to help her by just shooting them a simple email.

Why do we require "experts" to have licenses and to spend years studying?  Why do we assume that "starting a business" is any different?  

Flushing your money down the toilet is FASTER and LESS PAINFUL than avoiding a tea education and learning things the hard way. My challenge is this.... THINK ABOUT IT.  Step away from the budget, step away from the "spur of the moment" and ask yourself this one question....

"If this wasn't me.  Would I advise my child to jump into a business that they knew nothing about or would I tell them they had to first go get some training?"

It's time we took a hard look at the truth.

"Our decisions decide the quality of our life and our minds are the greatest investment we have.  Our minds are our responsibility to grow and expand."  

So... what are you doing about it?

Lessons I Learned in the TeaRoom

Lessons I Learned In The Tea Room

by Dawnya Sasse


Take two parts training and three parts hard knocks. Shake them together and you get a lifetime of lessons learned on the front line in the tea business. 9 years of ups and downs have taught me a few simple steps that can save you hours of heartache if applied now.


Here are the top 3 lessons that I have learned in the tea business:


Lesson #1 A Consistent Atmosphere Creates Loyalty

What does the public library and Starbucks have in common? I would venture to guess it is a consistent atmosphere. Before you enter the doors of these establishments you know what atmosphere to expect. Inwardly you are relieved that is just as you left it last.

Expectations met can be soothing especially in an era of constant change. Be it the old fashion "silence" of the library or the wafting smells of grinding beans, knowing what's coming cannot be beat.

So, ask yourself...What type of atmosphere am I creating for my customers and how will I keep it consistent?

Consider your types of tea, food and services which all contribute to the overall impression and ultimate experience your guest will look forward to . The key comes in presenting that same experience again and again and again like clockwork.

achieve that and your customers will look to you as a refuge from life's storms and keep coming back for more.



Lesson #2 The "Show" Must Go On


A tea business is a "show" and the "show must always go on. Just at a consistent atmosphere will keep your customer returning, a sense that someone else is in charge will extend a comforting blanket to a ragged and weary public.

If you plan to run a tea business think of it as a play. The audience need not be aware of the chaos behind the stage. They do not need to know that the lead actress has the flu or that the set has a hole in the wall. (which you carefully covered with a large mirror.)

The audience wants is to be entertained and kept blissfully unaware of the dangers that lurk in the night. They long to enjoy themselves and get away from their day to day drudgery.

A successful tea business owner is like a great stage manager. He or she will make sure that customers are not aware of fires in the kitchen or the staff that didn't show up. The smart owner recognizes that customers want the "show" to go on.

Think about this: Have you ever been to a small business where the owner told you all about their cares and woes? Did you feel relaxed? Not likely. Customers have their own set of problems. Give them a break and don't share what goes on behind the magic curtain.



Lesson #3 A Dash of Mystery Keeps Them Coming Back For More


In the 1930- 1940's serial mysteries played daily on radio and in movie theaters. These short episodes left audiences hanging in suspense compelled to return for next week's installment.

So too, a tea business owner must project a sense of mystery and intrigue to keep clients enthralled. In today's society, competition for one's time is fierce. A creative entrepreneur knows how to keep their customers involved in their tea business.

Consider daily menu's,themed events, costumes,festive holiday decor or even contests as part of the mystery your customers crave. A mix of consistency with the great unknown makes for phenomenal stage productions and unimaginable customer loyalty.

In summary, your mission, should you choose to accept it is simple. Provide a consistent, care free environment that sparks creativity and delight. Your clients will thank you with their money time and time again.


(C) Dawnya Sasse

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Dawnya Sasse is the creator of the ultimate tea business training school allowing students to discover the secrets of the tea industy,"quickly and easily" without ever leaving home.

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Why do some people succeed in the tea business? Discover how to "Unlock the Secrets of the Billion Dollar Tea Industry from the Comfort of Your Own Computer" and make your tea dream a reality. Free audio mini course http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com

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This article may be distributed freely on your website, as long as this entire article, including links and this resource box are unchanged.
Copyright   Dawnya Sasse All Rights Reserved. Tea Events http://www.TeaEvents.com

Your Future In the Tea Business

Trends and Tea

They say its "in the tea leaves."  Well, this year there are 3 things every tea lover must know about the new direction of the tea industry.

If you have ever wanted to start or own a tea business these new trends are imperative!

Here are the top 3 trends I saw at the World Tea Expo in 2008.

1.  Identify Your Tea Culture.

A tea culture is a lifestyle or niche related to a particular style of tea taking.  Here are the top tea cultures seen today:

• Health and Lifestyle
• Asian Ceremony
• British Traditional
• Meditative
• Corporate Power Drink

Which niche do you most identify with?  You need to know.  Whichever tea lifestyle your business focuses on is the audience you will draw.  A huge, growing supply of tea accoutrement's are being developed for enjoying the leaf.  You can't be everything to everyone.  So- what is your tea culture?

2. Labels, Labels, Labels

It's easier than ever to put your face on a box of tea.  If your dream is to design your own tea brand you are in luck.  You no longer need a licensed kitchen to package tea.. many companies will now do it for you. 

While this is exciting the big news is what we are now seeing emerge onto labels.

Many, many of the freshest label brands are featuring photos of the tea blend itself!  They are also including the estate and region that the tea was grown in.

Watch for an increase in label information that clearly profiles Specialty Tea in 2008-2010.

3. Health is Wealth

Tea is the media's darling.  And why not?  Tea is good for you.  Doctors around the country are now recommending tea to their patients and friends. 

In the next few years tea will continue to soar in popularity.  Soda pop is dead but tea has no calories, lots of flavor and is filled with anti-oxidents.  Expect tea to be the preferred beverage of the future.

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So how does this information help you?  Simple.

Now truly is the perfect time to start a tea business.  You can start small, earn extra income, build a client base and then expand, expand, expand.  Tea is growing in double digits each year.

Are you ready to reap the rewards?

Register now for my next online training class.  http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com  and reap the rewards of the tea lifestyle.

   

Foccacia Tea Sandwich

Five Onion Foccacia and Roasted Vegetable Sandwich Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 1997 Show: Emeril Live Episode: Hearts of Palm and Vegetable World

This fun sandwich can easily be adapted for a casual or formal tea time event.

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 cup julienned onions 1 cup julienned red onions 1 cup julienned leeks 1/4 cup julienned shallots 2 tablespoons chopped garlic Salt and black pepper 1 envelope (1/4-ounce) active dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 1 cup warm water (about 110 degrees F) 1 teaspoon salt 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 3 tablespoons kosher salt 1 red pepper, roasted and julienned 1 yellow pepper, roasted and julienned 1 small eggplant, roasted and sliced 1 medium beet, roasted, peeled and sliced 1 zucchini, roasted and sliced 1 yellow squash, roasted and slice 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 cloves roasted garlic mashed in or plain mayonnaise 1/2 pound sliced Fontina In a saute pan, heat the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions, leeks, and shallots. Saute for 15 minutes, or until the onions are caramelized. Stir in the garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat. Using an electric mixer with a dough hook, whisk the yeast, sugar, and warm water together, for 2 minutes to dissolve the yeast. Add the onion mixture. Add the salt and flour. With the mixer on low, mix until the dough starts to come together. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix until the dough comes away from the sides of the bowl and crawls up to dough hook. Grease a mixing bowl with the vegetable oil. Place the dough in the greased bowl and turn once. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in a warm, draft free place until the dough doubles in size about 1 1/2 hours. Turn the dough out onto a baking sheet. Punch the dough and press the dough out to form the size of the pan. Place dough in pan and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cover the dough and allow to double in size, about 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the dough for 30 to 35 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. Slice the bread into 8 to 12 pieces, depending on desired size of the sandwich. Spread each side of roll with the aioli. Divide the roasted vegetables and cheese evenly between each sandwich. Put the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake in the oven until the sandwiches are hot and the cheese is melted, for about 5 to 8 minutes.

Lady Dawnya's Personal Tea Story

Would you like to know my personal tea story?  Here it is!  Just click the button and turn up your speakers to hear this excerpt from my cd Discover Tea.

Meet Lady Dawnya:

Dawnya Sasse was raised on the road, the child of musicians and quickly gained from a young age, a unique and creative perspective on entertaining. In 1988 Dawnya began traveling to Great Britain, leading tours throughout the United Kingdom. Her passion for Britain and her love of all things theatrical, led her to the creation of Tea Events in the 1990's.

In 1997, Dawnya traveled to Cape Cod, Massachusetts for extensive tea consulting. She enjoyed personal training with Donna and Ron Lasko (New England's Tea Couple). Ms. Sasse went on to study with Pearl Dexter - publisher of Tea - A Magazine and nationally acclaimed tea author James Norwood Pratt, Edward Brahma of the London Brahma Tea Museum among a variety of other tea authorities.

In 2003 Dawnya launched the first online tea training course http://www.Startateabusiness.com allowing students from all over the world to receive tea training from the comfort of their own home. (currently she has taught students in almost every state in the union and 10 foreign countries.)

In 2004 she authored the first complete children's tea party training program entitled Start A Children's Tea Party Business TM. (www.childrensteaparty.com) 2005 found Lady Dawnya busy mixing her passion for history and tea in a new training system entitled http://www.VictorianDays.com and launching the first internet radio station devoted soley to tea. (www.TeaRadio.com) While also producing a series of exciting tea seminars now available on CD. (www.TeaEvents.com)

In 2006 Dawnya kept busy coordinating the first tea business cruise for students of tea around the US and Canada (www.TeaCruise.com) and preparing to relocate and expand the Tea Events headquarters from Bend, Oregon to Washington, Kansas.

Lady Dawnya spent the first 7 years of her tea career working full time as the owner and manager of Tea Events teahouse in Bend, Oregon. In the summer of 2004 she sold the teahouse in order to provide tea related education full-time. She is a past president of The Ladies Tea Guild - Bend, Oregon Chapter (www.Glily.com) and a regular contributing tea author to such periodicals as Bustle, The Gilded Lily ,The Country Register, The Tea House Times and TeaDigest.org.

Her picture and tea house have been featured in various tea related guides such as Teatime in the Northwest. She is the Artistic Director and creator of Victorian Days - A Girl's Camp. (www.VictorianDays.com) and a regular speaker on a variety of tea, etiquette and historical topics.

In her spare time Dawnya enjoys pouring tea for good friends, chasing her cat (Mister) and relaxing with her husband of 17 years. But- a business owner's work is never done and so Lady Dawnya continues to pursue advanced tea education in order to bring her clients "extraordinary tea business training."

Hmmm.. what wonders will this year bring?

Bubble Tea- An Unusual Twist to Tea

Looking for a creative new year's party drink?  Serve Bubble Tea and shake your way into 2007!

Bubble Tea:

For Those Who Like an Unusual Twist to Their Tea

By Dawnya Sasse

No, it’s not bubble gum! Rather, it is bubble tea. If this term sounds strange to you, let’s take a look at the origins of bubble tea and the place it holds in society today.

Are you wondering how bubble tea got its “bubbly” name? Well, this is because when it is shaken it produces a frothy, bubbly texture. Bubble tea is a combination of iced or hot black or green sweetened tea with either milk or fruit flavors added to it.

Therefore, there are two types of bubble tea – fruit-flavored bubble tea and milk bubble tea.The milky bubble teas can be enjoyed with dairy or non-dairy creamers. On the other hand, fruit bubble tea has a wide variety of flavoring that can be added to it – including the tastes of chocolate, coconut, passion fruit, and strawberry. These flavors can be added to the bubble tea as a powder-like substance, juice, syrup or pulp. After all of the extras are added to it, the tea is then shaken in a cocktail shaker or put in a blender. 

Gum-like balls made of cooked tapioca (often referred to as yam starch in Asia) can be added to the bubble tea drink. These balls are sometimes also referred to as “pearls” or “Boba”. They sink to the bottom of the teacup, and are sipped through a wide straw along with the drink.

They have a diameter of about six millimeters or less, and are meant to give the drinker something to chew on between sips of tea. The tapioca pearls have little taste to them, but are typically soaked in sugar or honey after being boiled for a half of an hour. They are good to use for up to seven hours after they are prepared.

If you do not happen to be a fan of tapioca, you can use coconut jelly, coffee jelly, lychee jelly, rainbow jelly, or konjac jelly instead. These types of jellies can be made into small cubes for you to enjoy. Some tea enthusiasts actually order “half and half” bubble teas, with one half tapioca pearls and one half jelly cubes.

New types of bubble teas are constantly coming about.For example, a “Snow Bubble” is the slushy-like version of the bubble tea. It is made with shaved ice and fruit flavoring.

Bubble teas originated in Taiwan, and are highly popular in Asia, including places like China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore. It is also gaining popularity in the United States, as well as Europe, Australia and Canada. Bubble tea is available in a variety of small cafes and restaurants around the globe.

These types of places typically serve coffee drinks as well as fruit smoothies and juice drinks. Cafes that sell bubble tea in these countries use plastic dome-shaped lids on their cups to keep the frothiness inside the cup. So don’t be shy… try some bubble tea today and see what the rage is all about!

(C) Dawnya Sasse

Need Supply Kits for your New Year's Party?

www.BubbleTeaSupply.com

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Dawnya Sasse is the creator of the ultimate tea business training school allowing students to discover the secrets of the tea industry, "quickly and easily" without ever leaving home.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Why do some people succeed in the tea business? Discover how to "Unlock the Secrets of the Billion Dollar Tea Industry from the Comfort of Your Own Computer" and make your tea dream a reality. Free audio mini course http://www.StartATeaBusiness.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This article may be distributed freely on your website, as long as this entire article, including links and this resource box are unchanged.

Copyright 2006 Dawnya Sasse All Rights Reserved.  Tea Events http://www.TeaEvents.com