We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janasha Sisco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Janasha, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The more we talk about good leadership the more we think good leadership practices will spread and so we’d love for you to tell us a story about the best boss you’ve had and what they were like or what they did that was so great?
Before launching Unova, I built a six-year career in the real estate industry, gaining experience in sales, operations, and management. Throughout this journey, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who guided me through the different seasons of my career, shaping the professional and business owner I am today.
Through the years, the advice I’ve received from my mentors has shared two consistent themes: 1) Be a creative thinker, and 2) Master the art of self-promotion.
At the start of my sales career, I worked on a team of real estate agents that fostered a sense of community and provided valuable resources and mentorship. The team leader, who was also a mentor to me, served as an inspiring representation of success within the Black community.
With his wealth of experience, he often would remind us; ” You can’t be the world’s best kept secret”. No matter how exceptional you or your talents may be, there can be no impact or monetization without making your value known.
I found this concept to be immensely important to both my professional and personal growth because it allowed me to break out of my shell & become more comfortable with being perceived.
Fast forwarding to today, I was fortunate to work with another mentor who provided a different perspective, yet just as valuable. His advice was simple yet powerful: How to Get to Yes.
The concept of How to Get to Yes is best leveraged in negotiations & business, but has helped me tremendously in my everyday life. This way of thinking prioritizes tasks that will achieve the best outcome for all people involved. Accepting “No” as is easy. Just as easy as focusing solely on your interests. Yet, there can be so much harm and stagnation in both. Whether you’re negotiating terms of a contract or resolving a conflict with a partner or friend, this can be a great way to strengthen & sustain relationships long term while still fulfilling your true self interests.
The wisdom and guidance of my mentors have profoundly shaped my mindset and armed me with the tools to grow with purpose. As I infuse these lessons into Unova, I’m committed to fostering bold creativity, championing the brand with unwavering confidence, and building meaningful connections within the tea community. By living these values every day, I’m confident that Unova will flourish, and I will lead with authenticity, vision, and innovation.
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.
I’m Janasha Sisco, the founder of an herbal tea company called Unova.
Although I joined the tea retailing industry in the fall of 2024, I like to say my journey began at the age of 7.
Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I often struggled to navigate the depths of my emotions. In those moments when I couldn’t find the safety I craved within myself, tea became my solace—a quiet embrace, a warm refuge, and a gentle reminder that peace could still be found in the simplest of rituals.
Unova stands out for several reasons, but one that deeply defines us is being Black-owned. Tea has long been a cornerstone of connection and culture in the African American community, from the 18th century to the Harlem Renaissance, where tea ceremonies and tea rooms became spaces of empowerment, unity, and shared experience. At Unova, we honor that legacy by blending tradition with modern creativity, continuing to celebrate tea as a source of strength and togetherness.
Another key reason Unova stands out is our intentionality. We are extremely thoughtful about every aspect of our brand, from carefully selecting herbs that blend beautifully together to introducing unique combinations that bring fresh perspectives to the tea industry. This intentionality also extends to our commitment to sustainability. From the compostable tea bags we use to the eco-friendly packaging that delivers our teas, every decision is driven by a dedication to both quality and environmental responsibility.
At Unova, we take immense pride in the quality and freshness of our teas. Each blend is crafted with the finest herbs and ingredients to ensure an unparalleled flavor experience, offering a cup that is both vibrant and satisfying. We’re also proud to introduce non-tea drinkers to the world of tea, creating blends that appeal to all tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned tea lover or new to the experience, we’ve thoughtfully created our products with you in mind, ensuring every sip feels like a new indulgence.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of clients have been everyday people. Everywhere I go & every conversation I have with someone new, I introduce my brand & my mission. You’d be surprised how many people are interested in your product, or know someone who is.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
As of recently, one of my close friends had suggested a podcast called “Redefining Wealth”. The host is Patrice Washington, a national spokesperson, financial psychologist & entrepreneur.
Her podcast has greatly shifted my own entrepreneurial mindset by redirecting me to continuously follow purpose, passion & religious faith. It has also reinforced my discipline to stay away from scarcity mindset, allowing me to only be open to receiving abundance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://unova-tea.com
- Instagram: unovatea
- Facebook: unovatea
Image Credits
Brian Asuncion