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

Nikkia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

When I started this business, I was a new mom with a baby. Needless to say, I was all over the place! I came from a cooperate background, and used to pride myself in excellent time management. Handling day to day tasks, let alone starting a business with a baby definitely put that to test. The funny thing is that I’m very happy with how everything turned out. Before my daughter I was very much in my head and at times was so focused on doing things perfectly. I didn’t have that luxury launching my business while caring for my baby, and I believe that my brand is better for it. Not being perfect has become my new perfect.

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?

I started this business on a whim, and at the suggestion of a friend who said that I should sell my teas. I had been making my own blends during my pregnancy to help with nausea, and migraines. After I gave birth, I made blends to help with my menstrual cramps, insomnia, and anxiety. I wanted a natural remedy to help me that wouldn’t effect my baby while I was nursing. I started gifting my teas to friends and family to see if they were feeling relief, and they were! That’s when my friend suggested that I sell them. Within two weeks of that time, I had launched my website, Instagram and Facebook.

My focus has been on helping anyone who wants to help themselves without taking over the counter meds. At this time, Tranquilitea offers nine teas to help handle congestion/cold symptoms, acne, migraines, inflammation, and more.

The herbal tea industry is huge, but I am carving my own lane. All of the teas are naturally sweetened with either a fruit or a spice. They are all certified organic, non GMO, plant based, and Halal. The herbs that are used are sourced from local POC farmers and herbalists, which is a way to support other businesses in my community.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

Back in October 2021, my business was going on ten months old. I was still working from home in my corporate position. I was struggling with getting the brand out, and working full time. I participated in farmers markets and small events almost every weekend, and was really feeling so guilty about not spending all of my free time with my daughter.

Mid month I ended up being furloughed from my job. I took that as a sign from the universe, and I was not sad about it. That being said, I needed to make my business work. I didn’t want to go get another job. I wanted to be my own boss. I wanted to show everyone that I could really do this. I had never ran ads before on Facebook or Instagram, but I really felt like I had nothing to lose. I made a Canva account and made a few cute clip art videos, put a couple of hundred dollars into ad campaigns, and crossed my fingers! Within three days of the ads running I was contacted by several small businesses who wanted to carry my tea! I was shocked.

This was the start of many successful wholesale partnerships. October 19, 2021 was the turning point for my business.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

First, people love the brand colors which are Tiffany Blue and white. I really wanted a color palate that represented SoCal, which I was born and raised. The main thing that I hear is “The tea really worked!”. I love that. I am happy that I have been able to produce a quality product that not only resonates with people, but actually helps them and does what I say it can do. Happy customers tell people, and then word spreads. It will always be important to me to help as many people as I can.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tranquilitea.shop
• Instagram: @shoptranquilitea
• Other: email: [email protected]