Exploring Life & Business with Stefanie Warner of Tea Spectral

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefanie Warner

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was going to art college I always found myself frequenting tea shops to ease some of the stress from school. Over time I found myself fueling an obsession with tea. I just wanted to learn everything I could about it! Because I was so eager, those passionate about tea shared their knowledge with me. This hobby of mine opened a new world for me that was so expansive. As luck would have it, my mingling landed me a job at one of the local tea shops (it was a humble job as a receptionist) but being on the job allowed me to learn more about tea and how the industry was expanding.

When I graduated college I did everything right and left my little tea shop job to work in a field closer to what I got my degree in (Brand Identity). I even landed a great job working in the entertainment industry and worked on some famous video games, television shows, and documentaries. On the outside I seemed to have it all, but really I missed the tea industry so much through this time in my life. I knew I was good at what I did, but I missed the rewarding feeling of working in a place that prioritized the human experience and hospitality.

I didn’t hesitate to return to the tea when that small tea shop decided to expand. They asked if I would come back to help them with their re-branding as they moved into their dream space that was six times larger than their old location. Those years of helping them expand their clientele, menu, and breaking into an event venue location were such a growing experience for me. It also showed me that I could have both my creative talents and my love of tea in one place.

Tea Spectral was formed from a business plan I had originally created for the tea shop to move into e-commerce. Buying things online wasn’t as big as it is today, but I saw the potential. Lifestyle blogging was also in its heyday and I really wanted to make a connection between bloggers/influencers and the tea experience. My idea was a little too progressive for them, so this was when I went solo and created a small online tea shop of my own with tea blends.

My business has gone through so much through the years online from collaborating with You Tubers to even hosting a podcast for its community. After the pandemic I wanted to connect to our community in person which is why we started to set up our pop-up tea shop at art events and local farmers markets. I’m excited for what’s in store with the launching of our classes and tea tasting events this year.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When creating a small business there has never been a road map that guarantees perfect results. The path gets even less clear when you chose one that is not common. When I tell people what I do it’s either met with the reaction of wonder or confusion. I used to hate this about having my business, but now I just embrace it. The things that make my small business unique also makes my little tea store stand out the most.

Tea Spectral is tea store that creates tea blends meant to capture moments and entertain the imagination with its layers on notes in each blend. It’s also creates immersive events and has its own podcast, Authoress Cafe. It can be all these things or only some of these things to my customers. I enjoy that while this business is constantly evolving, the main goal of finding the best way to connect with people and bring them memorable tea experiences is always what’s in sight.

I don’t think Tea Spectral’s journey will ever be linear. Right when I think I’ve sorted it all out it always seems to rise and evolve into something different. It feels alive growing and always pushing my creative limits. I think this is the secret to its success and endurance.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Tea Spectral is a tea shop that specializes in gourmet tea blends. All our blends are hand blended and made in small batches. They are created to inspire and create pockets of savored moments through tea. The experience starts from the minute you pick your tea from our 30+ rotating selection. Open then bag to smell the mélange of flavors, view the mix of colors from botanical and spices, and lastly enjoy the harmony of flavors in each sip.

If you wish to expand on your tea experience, I welcome you to listen to our podcast. Authoress Cafe carries the feeling of going to your favorite cafe with conversations centered on tea and books. We start every episode showcasing a Tea Spectral blend and discussing the creation of each blend and its back-story.

For the curious and the voracious learners, we are also launching tea classes and tasting events starting this spring. Taste teas from around the world and learn about the history and cultures that make them! There will also be blending workshops, tea and food pairings as well as tea cocktails to name a few of the events that will be available.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
In a sense I do see moments where I found myself given better opportunities being in the right place at the right time. That being said, it was the follow through that made the difference.

At the end of the day, keeping the score on whether aspects of it all were lucky or unlucky is just tit for tat. There’s more to be said about pushing out of comfort zones, putting in the work and doing all the things scared.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.teaspectral.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teaspectral/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaSpectral
• Other: http://www.authoresscafe.com/