Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika J.
Hi Tamika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The genesis to Taomi Tea N Treats has so many layers and levels to it. There were so many pieces that confirmed the desire and need for me to start Taomi Tea N Treats. When I was a teenager, I developed a stomach condition and I was limited on food and drinks. When I would enter cafe stores, I could not consume what was on the menu because of my stomach condition. When I would ask about their tea menu, there were limited options. As a result, I was not able to purchase or consume nothing on their menu. This gave me an idea to start a tea company that only sold Tea, and my menu would include tea blends that cater to individuals with stomach conditions.
Another piece that formed Taomi Tea N Treats is my mommy!! Every morning and night she prepares Tea. My mom makes this Haitian Tea and it always helped my tummy!! Anytime I had a flare up and my stomach was not behaving itself my momma would make this tea and I was healed!! I had this idea…hmmm maybe my mom could start a tea business and I will help her promote and sell the tea. I presented the idea to my mom and in her cute Haitian accent she said, “No, Tamika…I am already too busy.” I told my mom that I was understanding but the idea of starting a Tea business was still incubating in my mind!
Wait there is more…Another piece that made Taomi Tea N Treats happen was, my sister and I went to the mall and we passed by this store, the beautiful aroma was so inviting. We walked in and saw TEA… Loose leaf Tea, Tea Samples, Tea accessories and I felt like my idea was right in front of me!! I was excited but I also felt like “this could be me.” The Tea was so delicious that I found myself always going to that Tea store just to look at the tea, smell the tea, sample the tea…I felt as if that was my store, even though it wasn’t but I felt connected to it because the idea of starting my Tea business seemed so real to me! I remember my sister and I were having a conversation about business, we conversed about if I started a Tea business what would we call it and boom Taomi was birthed. Therefore, Taomi is a blend of my name, Tamika and my sister’s name Naomi. When the name Taomi was created, I locked that name in my mind and I said to myself, “when I have my own Tea business, I want the name to be Taomi.”
Fast forward to now, during the pandemic so many things were happening to me mentally, physically and emotionally! I asked myself what else Tamika…besides music what else do you want to do? and then I went back to the day I wanted to start my own Tea business. I called my dad with excitement and said, “I am starting my own tea business” and next thing I knew he is helping me with the LLC. My dad calls me and informs me that for some reason, the LLC did not approve the name Taomi! So he tells me on the phone, “Tamika we need to add something to Taomi” I was in my bedroom and then “Tea N Treats” just popped in my head. I told my dad the official name is “Taomi Tea N Treats”, he said, “are you sure”, and I remember saying,” Yes I am very sure.”
Now a year later, Taomi Tea N Treats is finally opened to the world!! On June 5th, 2021 we launched Taomi Tea N Treats with a lavish Tea Party! The event was sold out in 24 hours!! This idea that has been incubating in my mind for years is finally a reality.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I thought it was going to be a smooth road! When I researched how to start a tea business, it seemed so easy to me but when I got into it, I realized that this is not going to be an easy, smooth road. Therefore, I had to give myself a pep talk, and in that self pep talk, I told myself, “Tamika take your time, if it takes a year or more for this tea business to launch, it is ok” lol.
I am so glad I did. I gave myself that pep talk because there were so many bumps on the road. I had to study for my Food Protection Manager license which I passed Yayyy! Find a great tea wholesaler and I was dealing with financial issues due to the pandemic!!
It has not been a smooth road especially because I don’t have a team yet. So a lot of the administration work, business duties, preparing the tea, marketing and so much more falls on me.
But thank God for prayer, a great support team, wine, lol. and remembering my why always keep me together! I tell myself everyday, “One day at a time and to trust the process”.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Delicious Loose Leaf Tea Blended With Love and Healing.
What sets Taomi Tea N Treats apart from others is the need to provide quality tea to my customers. All loose leaf tea have been double inspected to ensure quality taste. Taomi Tea N Treats believes in providing an amazing Tea experience.
I am most proud of the quality and flavor of the tea. All six signature Tea blends are very tasty and the aroma is so inviting.
You can find all six Signature Tea Blends and Tea accessories at www.taomiteantreats.com.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am very emotional when it comes to my business. I have so much to give to the world and I am very proud of myself and everything that I have accomplished but there are times I tell myself, “I have so much more to give and I want so many people to experience it.” As a result, I become emotional because I care too much and I wanna give more!
Pricing:
- $25 for Taomi Tea N Treats Tea Blends
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.taomiteantreats.com
- Instagram: @taomiteantreats
- Facebook: Taomi Tea N Treats
- Twitter: @taomiteantreats
- Youtube: TaomiTeaNTreats
- Yelp: Taomi Tea N Treats
Image Credits:
@gwin.lens Tamika J.
