Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittany Florentine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brittany, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Peach Pollen started with a simple but persistent frustration: single-use plastics in tea bags and packaging (and shipping material). I was learning about herbalism, growing my own herbs, and blending teas for fun, and I began to wonder if I could create a product that aligned with my values, something sustainable, plastic-free, and for consumers who cared about the planet. That initial spark turned into a vision for Peach Pollen, but I knew I had a lot to figure out.

The first step was research, endless hours of testing herbs, reading about compostable materials, and sourcing sustainable packaging. I wanted to make sure that every part of the product, from the labels, tea bags, and mailers, was eco-friendly. Finding suppliers who aligned with my values was challenging, but eventually, I connected with companies that offered the certified herbs, and compostable materials I needed. Once the packaging was secured, I collaborated with a local soil scientist, Andie Marsh, to test the compostability of our packaging. Her work was a game-changer, providing hard evidence that our packaging could break down in a home compost pile and most importantly, wouldn’t harm the soil.

With the idea coming together, I moved on to testing and refining. I spent months experimenting with tea blends in my kitchen, gathering feedback from friends, and family. They were my first “customers,” and their enthusiasm helped me overcome moments of imposter syndrome. As the pieces fell into place, I tapped into my tech background to build a brand, create a website, and plan my launch.

Then, off to the Farmers’ markets! This was my starting point, they allowed me to connect directly with customers, share my story, and see how my teas resonated in real-time. This was hard work in the Texas sun but everyone I interacted with made it worth it. I learned so much about what people were looking for in tea and what they liked about mine.

The process wasn’t linear, and there were plenty of obstacles, from sourcing challenges to moments of self-doubt, but I continued to focus on learning and improving at every step. Starting Peach Pollen isn’t just about selling herbal tea products, it is about creating something that inspires others to live more sustainably and connected to the soil.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those just discovering Peach Pollen, we’re a small-batch herbal tea company with a mission to make truly eco-friendly tea accessible to everyone. We believe that enjoying a delicious cup of tea shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. That’s why I’ve poured my heart into creating a line of plastic-free tea that’s not only good for you but also good for the earth.

My journey into the world of tea started with a passion for herbalism and a deep concern for the environment. I was troubled by the amount of waste generated by conventional tea packaging. So, I set out to create a tea experience that aligned with my values, focusing on compostable packaging, sustainable sourcing, and inspiring people to connect with soil through composting the product remains.

At Peach Pollen, you’ll find a curated selection of handcrafted tea blends, each one carefully crafted with organic and ethically sourced ingredients. Our compostable tea bags are made from natural wood pulp and cotton, free from any bleach or harmful chemicals. Even our eco-friendly ink labels and shipping mailers are designed to break down completely in your home compost (Guess how many days? 55-60).

What sets us apart? It’s more than just our commitment to zero waste. We believe in fostering an interest in composting and empowering our customers to embrace sustainable living. We’re proud to partner with local organizations and initiatives that share our values, giving back to the community that supports our planet.

I’m really am most proud of the impact we’re making on the way people think about tea and sustainability. We want our customers to know that every cup of Peach Pollen tea represents a conscious choice, a step towards reducing their environmental footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future. Sip it. Compost it.

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

We offer multiple ways for customers to experience Peach Pollen! Our online store, built on Squarespace, is a convenient option for those who prefer to shop from home. We also offer free shipping on orders of three or more products.

While our website is growing steadily, our primary revenue streams currently come from direct interactions within our community. We thrive at farmers’ markets, where we connect face-to-face with customers and we have also hosted unique events like craft tea parties and partnered with local women empowerment groups to discuss herbal remedies and womb health. These events allow us to build deeper relationships and introduce people to the joys of herbal tea and fun sustainable living habits.

Wholesale partnerships are another key aspect of our business. We collaborate with local restaurants, cafes, and grocers in Austin, Texas, expanding our reach and making our plastic-free tea more accessible. Yee haw.

This multi-faceted approach allows us to connect with a wider audience and diversify our income streams. We utilize Square for a seamless in-person transactions and invoicing, simplifying the purchasing process for our customers.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to explore pop-up events (SXSW 2025 *crosses fingers*) and influencer marketing as a way to further expand our online presence and share our commitment to composting, zero waste, and soil health with a broader audience.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was overcoming imposter syndrome. I’m not a certified herbalist, and initially, that held me back. I struggled with the lask of credentials. I thought, ‘How can I sell herbal tea without being an herbalist?’ It led to self-doubt and almost caused me to pause this dream.

Thankfully, I continued gardening, experimenting with different blends, and sharing my creations with friends and family. Their encouragement and positive feedback helped me realize that my passion and dedication were just as valuable as formal certifications. I learned to trust my knowledge of the plants I grew, my understanding of flavor profiles, and my commitment to creating high-quality, eco-friendly herbal tea.

While I don’t personally grow all of the herbs used in Peach Pollen teas, we source some ingredients from trusted organic farms. My hands-on experience with growing and harvesting ten of the fourteen herbs used in our blends gave me the foundation I needed to confidently create unique and flavorful teas. I’ve spent years cultivating a variety of herbs, and that experience taught me what a quality herbal product looks and tastes like, and the importance of soil health. No plastic.

This journey has taught me the importance of believing in my skills and just going for it. Maybe this business doesn’t make it big, but the experience so far and everyone I have met has been so worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peachpollen.com
• Instagram: @peach.pollen