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

Karina, appreciate you joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced as a business owner of Catalyst Tea Company was my dream of opening a tea house in Las Vegas. By that point, I had been running my business for about six years, blending herbal teas, selling them online, and hosting workshops that brought people together over tea. The idea of having a physical space—a tea house—where people could experience my blends in person felt like a natural next step. I envisioned a space where customers could walk in and create their own personalized tea blends at my signature Catalyst Tea Herbal Bar. They could enjoy it in a cozy atmosphere or take it to go. I also dreamed of making the tea house a community hub, with a dedicated room for workshops and events where local artists, healers, and creators could host their own gatherings.

With this vision in mind, I got to work. I created a detailed business plan, mapped out the layout, calculated costs, and explored partnerships with local vendors. It all felt exciting and full of possibility. However, as I dug deeper into the logistics, I encountered a critical realization: while I had extensive experience as a business owner, I had never worked directly in a cafe or hospitality setting.

Instead of letting that stop me, I took an unconventional approach. I decided to get hands-on experience. I applied for and got a job as a waitress at a local cafe. I wanted to understand every aspect of daily operations—customer service, kitchen flow, supply chains, and the overall rhythm of the business. It was humbling, to say the least. I quickly realized that running a cafe was far more demanding than I had anticipated. From the fast pace to the constant attention to detail, it was a different type of challenge than running an e-commerce business or hosting workshops.

But the biggest eye-opener came when I took a closer look at the business environment in Las Vegas. Unlike most cities, Las Vegas has a unique tourist-driven economy centered around the Strip. While tourists flood the Strip, they rarely venture into small local shops and cafes outside that area. As a small, local, self-funded business, I realized it would be incredibly difficult to draw enough foot traffic to sustain a tea house. Competing with the mega-attractions of the Strip would be a monumental task, especially on a small budget.

It was a moment of clarity for me. I had to make a difficult decision. I decided to pause my pursuit of a tea house. I shifted my energy back to growing Catalyst Tea Company in the spaces where I was already succeeding—online sales, workshops, and partnerships with other local businesses. I’m still holding onto that dream, though. I haven’t given up on it. I now have a more grounded understanding of what it takes to open a cafe, and I believe that with the right timing, resources, and perhaps a more strategic location, it could still become a reality.

This experience taught me the importance of adaptability. Sometimes, being a business owner means knowing when to step back, learn, and re-evaluate your strategy. It also taught me that dreams don’t have to be abandoned; they can be delayed, reshaped, and pursued with even more wisdom. While I haven’t opened a tea house yet, I’m still keeping that vision alive and building the foundation to make it possible in the future.

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 Karina, the founder of Catalyst Tea Company, a business that’s as much about herbal wellness as it is about community, creativity, and connection. My journey into this industry began over six years ago with a simple yet profound love for herbs and their healing properties. What started as a personal passion grew into a full-fledged business where I craft and offer a wide range of artisanal loose-leaf tea blends, herbal infusions, and wellness experiences that bring people together.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building an audience on social media has been an ongoing journey for me—a work in progress that’s been as much about personal development as it has been about brand development. From the beginning, I knew that I wanted my social media presence, especially on Instagram, to feel alive and authentic. I wanted it to reflect who I am in real life because I believe that authenticity is what creates genuine connections between people, and ultimately, between people and a brand.

At Catalyst Tea Company, I’m not just behind the scenes—I’m the face of the brand. I’m constantly striving to create educational, engaging, and interesting content that invites people into the world of herbal teas. But I’ll be honest, it’s not always easy. It’s a constant evolution of learning, experimenting, and finding new ways to share information in a way that feels fresh and valuable to my community.

In the beginning, I faced challenges with putting myself out there. Even though I have a background in journalism, I felt a little shy about posting videos of myself. Speaking to the camera felt unnatural, and I often found myself overthinking what to say or how I’d be perceived. But over time, I’ve grown. Each post, each story, and each reel has been a step toward greater confidence. Now, I feel much more natural in front of the camera, and I’ve come to see my audience as more than just followers—they’re like close friends. In fact, many of them I do know personally, and that personal connection is something I truly cherish.

Advice for Those Just Starting Out

If you’re just beginning to build your social media presence, my biggest piece of advice is this: be yourself. It’s tempting to strive for perfection or to present a “polished” version of yourself, but people connect with people—not perfection. Show up as you are, flaws and all. Share your journey, not just your victories. People appreciate honesty and vulnerability.

Another important tip is to start before you’re ready. If you’re waiting for the “perfect moment” or the “perfect post,” you’ll be waiting forever. Take action, even if it’s not perfect. Every post is a learning opportunity, and each one will bring you closer to finding your unique style and voice.

Finally, stay consistent and keep experimenting. Social media is constantly evolving, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Stay curious. Try new content formats, like reels or live videos, and don’t be afraid to test out new ideas. Over time, you’ll see what resonates with your audience, and you’ll get more comfortable being in front of the camera.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Building strong relationships with my clients is one of the most important aspects of running Catalyst Tea Company. I’ve found that staying connected and fostering loyalty happens most naturally through my events and social media presence.

Hosting events is one of the most meaningful ways I connect with my community. From tea-blending workshops to women’s circles and sound healing tea ceremonies, these experiences provide face-to-face interactions where I can engage with people on a personal level.

Social media is another vital tool I use to stay connected with my clients. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow me to maintain an ongoing dialogue with my audience. I’m intentional about creating engaging content, whether it’s through behind-the-scenes looks at my blending process, sneak peeks of new products, or interactive Q&A sessions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.catalystteacompany.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catalyst_tea_company/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catalystteacompany/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karinasventitskayte/