Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Janee Sheffield. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Janee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After completing 8 years of service in the United States Marine Corps, my active duty ended during the midst of the pandemic. Unfortunately, there were no job opportunities available for me at that time. Seeking advice from my friends, they unanimously suggested that I should consider opening a tea shop, considering my passion for sharing different tea blends with others. With ample time on my hands, I wholeheartedly embraced the idea and embarked on the journey of starting UpperTEA.
Janee, 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?
After deciding to open UpperTEA, I began by conducting thorough research on the tea industry. I studied different tea varieties, brewing techniques, and the market demand for tea. I also explored different suppliers and wholesalers to source high-quality tea leaves and accessories.
To gain practical knowledge and experience, I attended workshops and training sessions on tea blending, brewing, and customer service. I also reached out to experienced tea shop owners and industry experts for guidance and advice.
To establish a strong online presence, I created a website and social media accounts for UpperTEA. I regularly posted engaging content about tea, shared brewing tips, and interacted with tea enthusiasts online.
Additionally, I participated in local community events, farmers markets, and food festivals to introduce UpperTEA to a wider audience. This helped me connect with potential customers and build a loyal customer base.
Overall, getting into the tea industry required a combination of research, networking, continuous learning, and a passion for tea. It has been an exciting and rewarding journey so far, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love for tea with others through UpperTEA.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
After relocating from Baltimore, MD to Miami, FL, I faced the challenge of adapting my tea shop to the different climate and customer preferences. Recognizing that hot tea might not be as popular in the warm Miami weather, I decided to pivot my business strategy and introduce ice-cold fruit tea drinks.
I saw an opportunity to create a unique and refreshing beverage that would appeal to the local community. I carefully crafted fruit tea blends that were not too sweet or too bitter, striking the perfect balance of flavors. These ice-cold drinks quickly gained popularity and became the talk of the town.
To promote the new fruit tea drinks, I launched a marketing campaign that highlighted their refreshing taste and health benefits. I collaborated with local influencers and organized tasting events to introduce the drinks to the community. The positive feedback and word-of-mouth buzz generated a significant increase in sales.
As the demand for fruit tea drinks grew, I expanded my menu to offer a wide variety of flavors and combinations. I sourced fresh and locally sourced fruits to ensure the highest quality and taste. I also trained my staff to provide excellent customer service and educate customers about the benefits of fruit tea.
The success of the fruit tea drinks not only attracted new customers but also helped me build a loyal customer base. People appreciated the unique and refreshing experience that my tea shop offered. They enjoyed sipping on the flavorful and revitalizing fruit tea drinks, especially in the Miami heat.
Embracing the challenge of the Miami climate and adapting my tea shop’s offerings to the local preferences turned out to be a smart move. By introducing ice-cold fruit tea drinks, I was able to capture the attention and taste buds of the Miami community. The success of this new venture has inspired me to continue innovating and exploring new flavors to keep my tea shop thriving in this vibrant city.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Consistency, confidence, and responsiveness were key factors in building my reputation within the community.
Consistency played a crucial role in establishing trust and reliability. I made sure to consistently deliver high-quality products and services to my customers. Whether it was the taste of my tea blends or the level of customer service, I strived to maintain a consistent standard that customers could rely on.
Confidence was another important aspect of building my reputation. I believed in the quality of my products and the value I was providing to customers. This confidence translated into my interactions with customers, as I was able to confidently answer their questions, make recommendations, and address any concerns they had. This instilled confidence in customers and helped build a positive reputation for my tea shop.
Responsiveness was also crucial in building my reputation. I made it a priority to respond promptly to customer inquiries, feedback, and reviews. Whether it was through social media, email, or in-person interactions, I ensured that customers felt heard and valued. This level of responsiveness not only showed my commitment to customer satisfaction but also helped build a positive word-of-mouth reputation within the community.
By being consistent, confident, and responsive, I was able to build a strong reputation within the community. Customers knew they could rely on me for high-quality products, excellent customer service, and a positive overall experience. This reputation helped attract new customers and retain existing ones, contributing to the success and growth of my tea shop.
Contact Info:
- Website: UpperTEA305.com
- Instagram: UpperTEA305
- Facebook: UpperTEA305