Inspiring Conversations with Ellie McCagg of Wizzie’s Tea

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie McCagg.

Ellie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Northern Virginia, where I developed a passion for film, photography, and art (painting, drawing, etc.). That led me to study film at Emerson College in Boston, MA, and from there, my journey continued as I spent my final semester in Los Angeles and started an internship with Partizan Entertainment. I was always interested in directing & cinematography, but as I made my way to LA, I began to work in production – from being a PA, then a Coordinator and currently working as a Production Manager on a variety of projects at Westbrook Media. I also continue to create on my own through painting, photography, and filmmaking.

Although my background and career has been in film production, my business/entrepreneur story starts with my grandmother, Wizzie’s, iced tea recipe created in 1975, which is known today as Wizzie’s Lemon Mint Tea. Throughout the years, she shared this tea with family & friends at community gatherings. In 2002, my mother (Wizzie’s daughter), Juliet, purchased a modern country store in Virginia where she served the tea over the counter to customers, and it quickly gained a following. By 2010, Wizzie’s Tea was in such high demand that she started producing it in bottles. Around 2021, my partner Brendan was visiting our family and tried the tea – he absolutely loved it and immediately understood the hype. Both Brendan and myself were inspired to bring this tea to markets in LA for all of our friends and community to try. So in 2021, we kicked off our research and development to launch the business of Wizzies Tea, LLC.

Throughout the last three years, our business has evolved from an idea to a product on the shelf. Currently, our teas can be found in stores in Los Angeles, Northern California, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia. We are just getting started, but excited to expand further with the goal of going nationwide.

As I navigate the business world of RTD beverages, I also am continuing on my path in film production, both of which can be challenging but rewarding.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Although the road has certainly not been smooth, I am sure for most people it never truly is, especially while building a business. Many of the obstacles have been teaching moments, helping me grow to become the entrepreneur and business owner that I am today.

Before entering this industry, I had little knowledge of the challenges it would present. Although we are just getting started, there have already been a variety of struggles along the way – including dealing with supply chain issues, the increasing cost of goods, and being a small start-up team trying to develop all areas of a competitive business.

I’m sure every business owner hopes for a smooth road, but in reality there are going to be many more struggles along the way, along with many wins. It’s about finding the balance and not giving up no matter the challenge because in the end, there is a reward if you truly believe in your product and you know there is a great intention, passion, and positive impact behind what you do.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Wizzie’s Tea?
Wizzie’s Tea is an RTD (ready-to-drink) iced tea company. In addition to the original Lemon Mint flavor, we formulated a new flavor, Peach Ginger, which is equally refreshing and bold. We are launching two new flavors this spring 2024, Blueberry Hibiscus and Passionfruit Lime!

All of our teas are freshly brewed, and we take great care to ensure that they are made using quality, organic & fair-trade ingredients. We infuse our fresh brewed teas with pure fruit juices and botanicals, creating iced teas that are bold, thirst-quenching, and full of flavor. Wizzie’s is also the ultimate drink to pair with a variety of foods or use as a cocktail mixer (recipes for our cocktails can be found on our website – www.wizziestea.com). We nurture connections through the joy of drinking tea and by embracing the simplicity of sipping, sharing, and unwinding. This makes Wizzie’s Tea an ideal choice to have at gatherings with friends, family, and loved ones, whether it be the next cookout, party, or special occasion.

As well we aim to build community awareness of inclusion and environmental sustainability by partnering with like-minded businesses and organizations.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My general advice for networking would be to put yourself out there as much as possible and stay true to yourself, your story, and your brand. Your product or service may not be for everyone, everywhere, but it will stand out and make a difference for the right people and in the right places. Joining trade organizations that represent like-minded businesses is always a great way to network and meet like-minded people. Don’t hesitate to attend that next event, panel, etc. – whatever may be of interest and potentially helpful to your path forward. You never know who you might meet and where that connection could lead.

Regarding mentors, I have found it happens naturally through networking or introductions to new people among my friends and family circles. Taking the time to build relationships with people I am truly aligned with has been successful for me. Those individuals are people I respect and admire and who have been most open to sharing their expertise and experience with me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wizziestea.com
• Instagram: wizziestea
• Other: TikTok – @wizziestea