We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiffany Nakatani a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tiffany , appreciate you joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
I grew up in a single parent home. My mom was a single mother raising my sister and I. She was a young mother. She had my sister at 14 ½ years old and she had me in her early 20’s. So we literally grew up with her. It felt like a fine line of being raised by your mother and older sister.
Growing up in a single parent home was challenging. My mom had to work a lot. She was the breadwinner and sole provider of our home.
Because she worked a lot, it made her absent a lot from home. As a very young girl I didn’t understand…..I just saw that she was working a lot and she’s not here.
I didn’t realize or understand that she was not there because she had to work to support us… she took care of us and loved us the best she knew how.
Because of her love and tenacity to never give up even when things didn’t look all that promising she showed me how to persevere and it has definitely taught me how to keep going In business. You have ups and downs. You have wins and you have challenges. I’ve learned to rest when I need to, but don’t give up.
Tiffany , 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?
My name is Tiffany. I am the owner of Love In A Cup. Born and raised in Tucson Arizona on the Southside.💯
I have always been surrounded by herbs, botanicals and spices from my grandmother and mama who both had gardens in their backyards. I never really paid attention to any of it until I got older and realized that it is also apart of me and who I am. My tea journey became personal to me when I experienced some health challenges with my thyroid that created a desire in me to heal and support my body naturally. That lead to me really diving into herbs and botanicals that led to teas and herbal blends.
I took herbalism courses and obtained my certificate in 2018 that has led me to where I am today in my journey creating Love In A Cup. The art and love of tea has been so healing for me that I am continuing my relationship with tea, currently in the process of becoming a tea Sommelier.
My purpose here is to share the love and create tea experiences with you all. Showing you the many ways tea and herbs can be enjoyed.
Why should you choose Love In A Cup? Well our teas, herbal, flavored and infused blends are a VIBE! Each is filled with luxury and quality ingredients. Some Infused with fruits, florals or natural essence. These teas and blends are sure to give you quite the drink experience whether enjoyed alone, amongst acquaintances, family or friends.
They are enjoyable, bold, full bodied and flavor filled blends that connect you and those around you to create one of a kind, never again moments. After all tea teaches us to cherish the unrepeatable nature of a moment. Any moment in life cannot be repeated. Even if it’s with yourself or the same group of people that gather together, it will never be replicated. Making each moment a once in a lifetime experience. This is what Love In A Cup is sure to deliver.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Being consistent with telling my story and the benefits of my teas. This has definitely helped me connect with my customers and them to connect with me.
Also what helped me a lot was when I was able to to I began to outsource for ex: I found a tea distributor that I have given my recipes to, they have perfected them. They blend them and package them for me, which has allowed me more time to focus on my customers and sales.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn trying to do everything on my own and ask for help. I began reaching out and talking to other local business owners that led me to finding a mentor. The value and guidance has been a game changer for me. Finding someone who has experience in owning their own business and in tea has really helped me to level up in my own business and personal development.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.loveinacupblends.com
- Instagram: @loveinacupaz
- Facebook: @loveinacupaz
- Yelp: Love In A Cup LLC
Image Credits
Tommie Lorene