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

Hi Sarai, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Hi, I’m Sarai, Founder and CEO of TheTeaBarCo. My journey with tea began long before I ever thought of it as a business or even as a wellness remedy. It was a passion that brought me peace and a sense of creativity. However, my relationship with tea deepened when life threw me an unexpected challenge. I began struggling with a chronic illness that disrupted my sense of balance and well-being. Western medicine wasn’t working for me, and I felt lost in my search for relief. It was during this difficult time that I turned right to my love for tea—but this time, with a purpose!

I began researching herbal ingredients and their benefits, not just for flavor but for their healing properties. I started crafting blends designed to address the symptoms I was experiencing, and the results were transformative. Tea became more than a passion it became a lifeline. I felt my energy return, my health improve, and my spirit lift.

As I experienced this profound transformation, I realized I wasn’t alone. So many people were searching for natural, effective ways to support their well-being. That’s when the vision for TheTeaBarCo. was born. It was about more than sharing my love of tea; it was about helping others find the same sense of healing and empowerment that I had discovered for myself.

Starting TheTeaBarCo felt like both a natural progression and a bold leap. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it filled a gap I had experienced firsthand. There are countless tea brands on the market, but very few focus on blending luxury with purposeful wellness. I wanted to create something that was not only effective but also elevated—the kind of tea that feels like self-care in every cup.

The logic behind it was clear: people are seeking holistic solutions to everyday challenges, whether it’s managing stress, improving gut health, or finding restful sleep. But they also want products they can trust, crafted with sincerity and authenticity. That’s where and why TheTeaBarCo. stands out.

What excited me most was the idea of taking my personal journey and turning it into something that could help others too. I’m not just offering tea—I’m offering an experience, a moment of peace, and a tool for wellness. I combined my passion for tea with years of research into ingredients, carefully crafting blends that were as effective as they were enjoyable.

Seeing the impact these teas have on customers’ lives, their stories of improved health, reduced stress, and a deeper sense of balance continues to affirm that this mission was not only worthwhile but deeply needed.

TheTeaBarCo. isn’t just about selling tea; it’s about creating a movement toward holistic living, one cup at a time. And that’s what keeps me inspired every single day!

Sarai, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Sarai, and I’m the Founder and CEO of TheTeaBarCo., a luxury loose-leaf tea company born from my passion for tea and a deep desire to help others live healthier, more balanced lives. My journey into the world of tea began as a personal passion for the art of blending and exploring flavors. However, it took on a much deeper meaning when I faced a chronic illness that pushed me to explore natural remedies for healing and wellness.

As I researched and experimented, I discovered the transformative power of loose-leaf tea. Not just as a beverage, but as a tool for health and restoration. Tea became my therapy, my solution, and ultimately, my calling. That’s when I realized I could share this journey with others by creating a brand that offered more than just tea; it offers an experience rooted in wellness and self-care.

TheTeaBarCo., specializes in handcrafted, loose-leaf tea blends that combine sophistication with intentionality. Each blend is carefully crafted using high-quality, authentic ingredients designed to address everyday health concerns like stress, poor sleep, digestive issues, skin health and much more. I call them “Tailored Teas for Your Every Need” because the mission is to provide solutions that nurture both the body and soul.

What sets TheTeaBarCo. apart is the focus on redefining luxury tea through wellness and authenticity. While many tea companies focus solely on flavor or branding, TheTeaBarCo. digs deeper. Every blend is created with purpose, backed by research into the properties and benefits of each ingredient.

I’m not just selling tea, I’m offering a moment of restoration, an act of self-care, and a pathway to improved health. These teas are crafted to be both effective and indulgent, ensuring that every sip feels like a small luxury.

Additionally, TheTeaBarCo. is built on a foundation of faith, trust, and sincerity. This isn’t just a business for me it’s a calling. Every decision I make, from ingredient sourcing to packaging, is rooted in the belief that wellness should be accessible, meaningful, and enjoyable.

I’m most proud of the impact on our customers’ lives. Hearing stories about how our teas have helped someone sleep better, eased their stress, or supported their wellness journey is incredibly fulfilling. Winning the LUXlife Magazine’s Hospitality Awards 2024 for Loose Leaf Tea Company of the Year 2024 – USA was also a huge milestone that affirmed the quality and passion I’ve put into every aspect of this business.

Beyond the accolades, I’m proud that TheTeaBarCo. has stayed true to its mission of helping people. A true partner in your wellness journey.

I want people to know that TheTeaBarCo. is more than a tea company, it’s a movement towards holistic living. Here to support you, whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve your health, or simply enjoy a moment of peace in your day.

These teas are handcrafted with care, using only the finest ingredients to ensure they’re as effective as they are luxurious. But more than that, I’m committed to building a community centered around trust, authenticity, and well-being.

At TheTeaBarCo., I believe in the power to create big transformations. Whether it’s through our relaxing chamomile blends, energizing jasmine green teas, skin-nurturing herbal infusions, or gut health teas, I want to be a part of your journey to feeling your best self.

And finally, I want people to know that this business was born out of passion, faith, and a genuine desire to serve others. Every cup of tea is created as a reflection of that purpose. So, when you choose TheTeaBarCo., you’re not just buying tea, you’re embracing a lifestyle of luxury, wellness, and self-care!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely. Three books have profoundly influenced my approach to entrepreneurship and management: Atomic Habits by James Clear, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, and The Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki.

Atomic Habits taught me the power of small, consistent changes. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and long-term goals, but this book reminded me that success comes from mastering the day-to-day. Whether it’s refining business processes, nurturing customer relationships, or setting aside time for personal growth, the systems I’ve built stem from the principles of habit formation outlined in this book.

Rich Dad Poor Dad completely shifted my mindset about money, risk, and the importance of building assets. It emphasized the difference between working for money versus having money work for you, which inspired me to view TheTeaBarCo. as more than just a source of income it’s a long-term asset that aligns with my values and builds generational wealth.

The Cashflow Quadrant deepened that understanding by showing me the various paths to financial freedom and encouraging me to think like a business owner and investor, not just a self-employed individual. This shift in perspective has been crucial in how I structure and grow TheTeaBarCo., ensuring that I’m always focused on scalability and sustainability.

These books didn’t just teach me strategies; they reshaped how I think about discipline, opportunity, and success. They’ve given me tools to not only run my business effectively but also build a foundation for long-term impact and legacy.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success is tied to numbers – sales, followers, or any other metric. I used to think that if I wasn’t hitting certain milestones quickly, then I was failing. Subconsciously, I had started idolizing the numbers, letting them dictate how I felt about myself and my business.

I was so focused on comparing my journey to other brands. I’d see businesses with huge followings, viral content, or massive product launches, and it would make me question if I was doing enough. I thought success meant constant growth, instant recognition, and a polished image that matched what I saw online.

But over time, God showed me that success isn’t about meeting the world’s standards it’s about walking in purpose and being faithful to the work He’s called me to do. There was one moment in particular that really opened my eyes. During one of my slower months, I prayed for clarity. Shortly after, I received a heartfelt message from a customer who shared how one of the teas she purchased had helped her feel less stressed during a difficult time. That message reminded me why I started this journey: to make a real difference, no matter how big or small.

It was then that I realized my definition of success had been skewed. The comparison trap had taken my focus off the impact I was making and placed it solely on the numbers. I had to unlearn the mindset that bigger and faster is better. I stopped idolizing the numbers and shifted my focus to serving with purpose and trusting God’s plan for this business.

Now, I measure success differently. It’s about how well I serve my customers, how aligned I am with my mission, and how obedient I am to God’s direction. Unlearning that old mindset has freed me to run my race at my own pace, with joy and purpose leading the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theteabarco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theteabarco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theteabarco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarai-pressley/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTeaBarCo
• Other: Faire Wholesale: http://faire.com/direct/theteabarco
  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theteabarco