Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Ullo.

Hi Allison, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to founding Leaves of Leisure began with a personal struggle that many can relate to: the overwhelming effects of caffeine. Working multiple jobs and managing a hectic schedule, I relied heavily on coffee to get through the day. However, the jitters, anxiety, and sleepless nights it caused started to take a toll on my well-being. I realized I needed a change and decided to quit caffeine altogether.

I missed my daily routine of brewing coffee and it led me to explore the world of herbal and low-caffeine teas. I discovered that not only did these teas help alleviate my anxiety, but they also brought a sense of calm and balance to my daily routine. Inspired by this transformation, I wanted to share these benefits with others. Thus, Leaves of Leisure was born – a luxury tea brand focusing on herbal and low-caffeine blends.

Starting from scratch, I invested time in learning about different tea blends, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and understanding sustainable packaging practices. My goal was to create teas that were not only delicious but also aligned with a mindful and eco-friendly lifestyle. Every tea blend is crafted in small batches to ensure optimal freshness, and our beautiful canisters are perfect for gifting yourself or others.

Based between NYC, NJ, and the Catskills, I balance my time between managing Leaves of Leisure and my other professional commitments. The support from my community and the positive feedback from our customers have been incredibly motivating. Today, Leaves of Leisure is known for its unique flavors, sustainability, and the sense of relaxation it brings to tea drinkers everywhere.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting Leaves of Leisure has been anything but a smooth road. As a bootstrapped company, I quickly realized that growing the business would be a slow burn. One of the biggest challenges was accepting that our growth trajectory would be different from those brands with substantial funding. This meant I had to stop comparing our progress to others and focus on our unique journey.

Funding has been a constant battle. Without external investors, every decision needed to be carefully considered to ensure we could sustain and grow the business. This has taught me to be resourceful and innovative, finding creative ways to stretch our limited budget while maintaining the quality and integrity of our products.

Balancing the demands of running Leaves of Leisure with my full-time job has been another significant challenge. Managing my time efficiently and ensuring that both aspects of my professional life receive the attention they deserve requires meticulous planning and discipline. There have been countless late nights and weekends dedicated to the business, and sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day.

Despite these struggles, the journey has been incredibly rewarding. Every obstacle has provided a learning opportunity, and each small victory has reinforced my commitment to Leaves of Leisure. The support from our community and the positive feedback from customers have been a constant source of motivation, reminding me why I started this journey in the first place. It hasn’t been easy, but the passion and drive to share the benefits of our herbal and low-caffeine teas make it all worthwhile.

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?
Leaves of Leisure is a specialty tea company dedicated to providing high-quality herbal and low-caffeine teas that offer a delightful and health-conscious alternative to traditional caffeinated beverages. Our mission is to create moments of leisure and relaxation through unique and flavorful tea blends that cater to those seeking a gentler, more mindful approach to their daily routines.

What sets Leaves of Leisure apart is our commitment to quality and sustainability. All our teas are handcrafted in small batches to ensure optimal freshness and flavor. We use only the finest ingredients, resulting in blends that are not only delicious but also beneficial for your well-being. Our beautiful canisters are designed with gifting in mind, making them perfect for treating yourself or someone special.

We take pride in being a woman-owned business that is deeply rooted in sustainable practices. Our packaging is eco-friendly, utilizing all paper materials and compostable tea bags. This reflects our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional products.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leavesofleisure.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/leisureteas
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/leisureteas

Image Credits
Leaves of Leisure