Ellarose Preston founded J.Elise Tea, a beverage brand that is more than just a testament to the power of natural remedies and community connection. Preston’s inspiration for creating J.Elise Tea came from her deep love for tea and a firm belief in its therapeutic properties. Her personal journey of using herbs and teas to promote health and well-being laid the foundation for what would eventually become a beloved brand.
The story began in 2016 at a vision board party, where Preston prepared a batch of iced tea that quickly became the event’s highlight. Encouraged by the rave reviews and the suggestion to “bottle and sell it,” the idea of J.Elise Tea was born and this moment marked the beginning of Preston’s journey to bring unique, health-supportive tea blends to a broader audience.
Crafting Unique and Thoughtful Blends
Creating the tea blends for J.Elise Tea is a process rooted in Preston’s personal experiences and a deep understanding of the health benefits of various herbs. The first blend, Heartea Hibiscus, was inspired by her struggle with hypertension in her mid-20s. After researching natural remedies, Preston discovered the cardio-protective benefits of hibiscus tea, which can help reduce high blood pressure and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. This discovery led to a personal health breakthrough and inspired the creation of a blend that is both delicious and beneficial for the heart.
Each J.Elise Tea blend is thoughtfully curated to be both flavorful and supportive of health and well-being. Preston carefully selects ingredients like honeybush, lemon balm, and holy basil for their unique properties, combining them to create teas that are as enjoyable to drink as they are good for the body.
Commitment to Quality and Sustainability
Preston’s commitment to quality and sustainability is evident in every J.Elise Tea production aspect. The brand sources high-quality, ethically, and sustainably sourced natural and organic ingredients. Preston partners with wholesalers who share her dedication to providing ingredients that benefit the communities they are sourced from, ensuring that every cup of J.Elise Tea is environmentally and socially responsible.
To ensure the health benefits of her teas are genuine and effective, Preston crafts J.Elise Tea in small batches using only natural and organic ingredients, without any chemicals or artificial preservatives. This approach maintains the integrity of the herbs and teas, offering customers a product that is as close to homemade as possible.
Creating a Memorable Customer Experience
Preston aims to provide a boutique beverage experience that delights the senses from the packaging to the first sip. She envisions customers being captivated by the clean label, the vibrant aroma, and the refreshing taste of each blend. The goal is for every sip to convey love, support, and refreshment, leaving customers pleasantly surprised by the freshness and quality of the tea.
Overcoming Challenges and Growing the Brand
Like many small business owners, Preston has faced numerous challenges along the way. In the early years, the biggest hurdle was learning how to operate a business and finding the resources to structure it correctly. Through relentless research, networking, and seeking out guidance from various entities, Preston slowly but surely built the foundation of J.Elise Tea.
Scaling the business has been another significant challenge, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. While proud of J.Elise Tea’s growth, Preston acknowledges the difficulty of expanding without the necessary capital to focus fully on the business. Despite these challenges, she continues to explore local business incubators, coaches, and programs to help navigate the current needs and ensure the brand’s continued success.
Engaging with the Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of running J.Elise Tea for Preston is the opportunity to connect with the tea-loving community. Whether at store samplings, pop-up events, or as a sponsor, she finds immense joy in engaging with customers and receiving their encouragement and support. These interactions, filled with affirmations and love, motivate her to keep moving forward, even when the path is challenging.
Sustainability and Future Plans
In today’s eco-conscious world, J.Elise Tea is committed to sustainability in its operations and packaging. The brand strives to minimize waste and continuously seeks opportunities to recycle and repurpose materials, with a long-term goal of transitioning to glass bottles for their products.
Looking to the future, Preston has exciting new products on the horizon, including a highly anticipated green tea blend that has already received positive feedback from market testing. Additionally, customers can look forward to some new merchandise just in time for the holidays.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Preston offers valuable advice for those considering starting their own specialty food or beverage business: ensure that your venture aligns with your purpose and passion. There will be times when the only thing keeping you going is the knowledge that you are pursuing something meaningful to you. Thorough research, connecting with industry resources, and building a network within the small business community are also crucial steps for success.
J.Elise Tea is more than just a brand; it reflects Preston’s journey, passion, and commitment to wellness and community. With each bottle, J.Elise Tea offers not just a drink but an experience filled with love, care, and a deep connection to nature’s healing properties.
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