We recently connected with Jarred Evans and have shared our conversation below.

Jarred, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

Corporate America often misses the mark in the wellness and tea industry by prioritizing profit over quality and authenticity. Instead of focusing on the holistic benefits that high-quality, organic ingredients provide, many companies opt for mass production using low-grade herbs, artificial additives, and misleading marketing. This compromises the integrity of wellness products, diluting their potential to genuinely support health. A prime example is the widespread use of synthetic flavors and cheaper fillers in herbal teas, which reduces their potency and effectiveness. Over the last five years, studies have shown that consumer trust in mass-market wellness products is declining, with more people seeking out small, transparent brands that prioritize quality. This matters because consumers are paying a premium for what they believe will enhance their well-being, only to receive subpar products that may not deliver the intended health benefits. Stories of wellness brands being called out for misleading claims or cutting corners on ingredients have become more frequent, highlighting the disconnect between corporate interests and true wellness.

Jarred, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Jarred Evans, founder of Le Bon Thé, a company born out of my lifelong passion for tea and wellness. My journey into the tea business began early in my childhood, growing up in a European household where tea was more than just a drink—it was a daily ritual that connected generations. The rich cultural traditions of tea that I experienced from a young age shaped my understanding of its value, both socially and nutritionally. As I pursued a professional athletic career, I traveled the world and immersed myself in different cultures, discovering the powerful health benefits of tea. Unlike typical energy drinks packed with caffeine and sugar, tea became my personal tool for performance, vitality, and recovery. I found that the right blends of tea could enhance not only my physical performance but also my mental clarity and overall wellness.

Le Bon Thé offers a range of organic, high-quality teas crafted to promote health and balance. Our most popular products, like Energitea, are designed to provide natural energy without the crash associated with other caffeinated beverages. We also offer Relax and Digest blends, which are perfect for recovery and relaxation after a long day or intense workout. Our mission is to help people experience the same benefits from tea that I have—whether it’s boosting immunity, enhancing performance, or simply offering a moment of peace in a busy day.

What sets Le Bon Thé apart is our commitment to time, preparation, and quality. Tea is not a grab-and-go experience; it’s a ritual that requires patience and care. In 2019, I had a transformative experience in a Chinese teahouse, where an elderly woman shared a proverb that solidified my connection to tea: “A true warrior, like tea, shows his strength in hot water.” This simple yet profound statement captured the essence of my brand—tea is about resilience, patience, and finding strength in challenges.

I’m most proud of Le Bon Thé’s ability to foster genuine social connection and mindfulness. Tea is more than a product; it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re an elite athlete looking to optimize your health or someone seeking a daily wellness ritual, Le Bon Thé provides a solution that prioritizes quality, authenticity, and the holistic benefits of tea. I want potential clients and followers to know that our teas are crafted with care, offering not just flavor but a pathway to better health and well-being.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

Le Bon Thé has been experiencing steady success across multiple e-commerce platforms, closing at around six figures over the last four quarters. We currently sell on Etsy, Amazon, TikTok, and our own website, with all sales being driven organically—no paid advertising is used at the moment.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons for each platform:

### **Amazon:**
**Pros:**
– **Large audience reach**: Amazon’s extensive customer base allows us to tap into a global market.
– **Trust and credibility**: Many customers trust Amazon for their purchases due to its reputation.
– **Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)**: They handle logistics, making it easier for us to focus on other aspects of the business.

**Cons:**
– **Competition**: The platform is crowded, which can make it harder to stand out unless you have strong branding or great reviews.
– **Fees**: Amazon’s fees, including FBA charges, can eat into margins.

### **Etsy:**
**Pros:**
– **Niche audience**: Etsy’s community is centered around handmade and artisanal products, making it a great fit for Le Bon Thé.
– **Support for small businesses**: Etsy buyers tend to support smaller brands, which aligns well with our brand’s story.

**Cons:**
– **Lower traffic compared to Amazon**: While Etsy’s audience is niche, it doesn’t compare to the sheer size of Amazon’s user base.
– **Fees and listing costs**: Etsy charges listing fees and transaction fees, which can add up, especially if you have multiple product variations.

### **TikTok Shop:**
**Pros:**
– **High engagement**: TikTok’s algorithm allows us to create viral content that reaches millions organically, especially given the platform’s focus on discovery.
– **New sales channel**: TikTok is an emerging platform for e-commerce, which gives us an edge as early adopters.

**Cons:**
– **Relatively new platform**: TikTok’s e-commerce features are still in development, so there are some limitations in terms of integrations and tools.
– **Requires consistent content**: Maintaining visibility requires constant content creation, which can be resource-intensive.

### **Own Website:**
**Pros:**
– **Full control over branding**: Selling on our own site allows us to offer a full brand experience, from packaging to customer service.
– **No platform fees**: We save on the listing and transaction fees charged by third-party platforms.

**Cons:**
– **Traffic generation**: Without an existing platform, all traffic must be driven organically, which can take time and effort.
– **Maintenance**: Managing and optimizing a website requires ongoing attention to ensure a seamless customer experience.

### **Overall Impact on Business:**
These platforms have been fantastic for growing our business. With no paid advertising, we’ve been able to scale organically by leveraging the strengths of each platform. The diverse e-commerce approach has allowed us to reach various audiences while maintaining healthy profit margins across the board. The success of these platforms highlights the potential of selling tea and infusers online, especially with the right mix of content and community engagement.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Le Bon Thé is a labor of passion and purpose, deeply rooted in my lifelong love for tea and a family history that spans generations. I don’t personally manufacture all of my products—our tea infusers, for instance, are sourced internationally in large quantities to ensure quality and affordability. However, the heart of the brand lies in the tea blends, which I hand-manufacture to create unique, high-quality loose-leaf teas.

### **The Story Behind Le Bon Thé:**
Tea has always been a staple in my life. My mother, an herbalist, instilled in me a deep appreciation for the healing properties of herbs, and my grandmother, who came from England, passed on her love for tea as a social and cultural tradition. Growing up, tea wasn’t just a drink; it was an experience—a way to connect with others.

Later in life, when I lived in China as a professional football player, my passion for tea flourished. I spent time visiting tea schools and houses across China, immersing myself in the centuries-old tea culture. This experience opened my eyes to the depth of tea’s history, its health benefits, and the intricate process of sourcing and blending herbs. I became more knowledgeable about the herb world and its connection to wellness, vitality, and healing, especially in the modern world, where health is paramount.

Inspired by this journey, I founded Le Bon Thé to bring organic, healing teas to others, focusing on high-quality loose-leaf blends that are sourced responsibly. My goal has always been to offer teas that elevate both body and mind, and provide a healthier alternative to mass-produced, low-quality teas.

### **Learning the Manufacturing Process:**
When I first started, I didn’t know how to manufacture tea blends. I took the time to learn by reading, listening, and connecting with those who had more experience in the field. I also spent about a year speaking with and testing products from various manufacturers. It was a careful process of trial and error, but I eventually found a vendor who met my standards for sourcing premium teas. Building relationships with vendors and taking my time with decisions were crucial lessons along the way.

As Le Bon Thé grows, I have a vision to eventually own multiple greenhouses, where I can personally oversee the production of the teas. By doing so, I can ensure even more control over the quality and sustainability of the products, aligning with my long-term mission to provide organic and health-focused teas.

### **Lessons Learned in Manufacturing:**
The process of sourcing and manufacturing taught me the value of patience and the importance of building strong relationships with vendors. Whether domestically or internationally sourced, it’s essential to take the time to ensure quality and consistency. Every step, from blending to packaging, is done with care to maintain the integrity of the product and the trust of my customers.

Le Bon Thé is more than just tea; it’s a journey of discovery, connection, and well-being. Through each blend, I aim to share the experience and joy that tea has brought me throughout my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Lebonthe.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegoodtea.co?igsh=Y2NmbWQzNnJyc3k%3D&utm_source=qr