We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allison Ullo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Allison, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The genesis of our company’s name, Leaves of Leisure, was an enlightening moment I experienced while attending an art show at the Guggenheim in New York City. This particular exhibition delved into the concept of leisure activities across different eras, showcasing everything from Marie Antoinette lounging in her lingerie at the gardens of versailles to contemporary skiing escapades in Aspen. It was during this visit that a profound realization struck me: regardless of the time, place, or context, we all yearn for those cherished “leisure” moments in our lives—the activities that make us feel truly alive and authentic.

In that museum, surrounded by centuries of human pursuit of leisure and happiness, I had an epiphany. What if I could capture and distill those cherished moments, those slices of life when we feel most like ourselves, into a simple sip of tea? I’ve always believed in the power of tea to transport us, to create a sense of place and time. Understanding the profound role our senses play in shaping our experiences, I set out on a mission to encapsulate these leisure activities in every aspect of our tea, from the flavors to the packaging.

Thus, the name Leaves of Leisure was born, signifying not just a brand but a promise—a promise to bring the essence of leisure and joy to people’s everyday lives, one sip at a time.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Almost a decade ago, my life took a significant turn when I decided to stop consuming caffeine. It was a moment of revelation when my doctor linked my mood swings to the excessive caffeine intake in my daily routine. At that time, I was working full-time during the day and waitressing late into the night, making coffee my go-to energy booster. In pursuit of an alternative that would rejuvenate me without the jittery anxiety and fake energy, I discovered the world of tea, particularly herbal tea.

However, my quest for herbal teas that were both exciting and trendy and not paired back to an ailment, proved to be a challenge. This inspired me to embark on a journey that ultimately led to the creation of Leaves of Leisure. Our collection comprises six teas, each themed around leisure activities, infused with detoxifying, mood-enhancing, and wellness-promoting ingredients. They’re designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy, making every sip a delightful experience.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I’ve had to work on shedding the belief that I needed to reach a certain level of expertise or success before launching my own business. It’s a common misconception that many aspiring entrepreneurs grapple with—I still do. I used to compare my journey to others, believing that they were smarter, more capable, or that their success came easier.

Over time, I’ve come to understand that every entrepreneurial journey is unique and unfolds at its own pace. I’ve learned to stop making these unproductive comparisons and embrace the fact that my path may look different, but it doesn’t make it any less valuable or meaningful. It’s about appreciating the progress I make each day, no matter how small, and recognizing that my business is a work in progress—a testament to my growth, resilience, and determination. Learning to let go of that belief has allowed me to enjoy the journey even on harder days.

We’d love to hear your thoughts about selling platforms like Amazon/Etsy vs selling on your own site.

I exclusively sell my products on my own e-commerce site, and the decision to do so comes with its unique set of pros and cons. One significant advantage is the ability to retain a more substantial portion of the profits generated from sales. When customers purchase directly from my site, there are no third-party fees or commissions to contend with, which ultimately boosts our bottom line.

However, the main challenge in running a standalone e-commerce store is the responsibility of driving traffic. Unlike platforms like Amazon or Etsy, which have built-in audiences, I had to establish and cultivate my customer base from scratch. This means investing more time, effort, and resources into marketing and promotions to attract potential buyers to my site.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leavesofleisure.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/leisureteas
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/leisureteas
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-ullo-99061014/
• Other: tiktok: @leisureteas

Image Credits
Leaves of Leisure