Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Boykin.
Hi Robin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
First, thanks for inviting me to share my story!
I am the wife, mother and nana of some extraordinary humans. Long ago and far away, I was born and raised in Boston, Mass with my six siblings, my mom, dad and several random pets. I was the middle child, so I had to be a little extra loud to be heard or acknowledged. And to this day I still struggle to find my ‘inside’ voice
I moved to Houston in 1986 while working for IBM. I always expected to retire from Corporate America with a nice pension. It was a comfortable and safe bet (or so I thought). After 23 years of service, I was part of a major layoff in 2008. Almost immediately, I recognized that unexpected experience was a blessing in disguise. Right before the layoff I had read a book called ‘A New Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle. That book literally changed my life to the extent that I have learned to appreciate change for what it is…a new door opening to a new experience that can bring you closer to your life’s purpose.
My journey into the wonderful world of wellness began with a very personal experience that I had in early February 2006. That was when I suddenly came down with a mystery illness. I became so ill I could barely stand up and I had painful lesions from my head to my toes…my world literally stood still. That whole week was spent trekking from one doctor to another and none of them were able to diagnose my illness.
After a frustrating experience with the medical community, I found myself sitting in front of Dr. Dang. He was a very old man who practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Within a few short moments of testing my meridians, Dr. Dang was able to diagnose the problem with precise accuracy. He created a special tea for me that was made of herbs (it tasted like dirt…lol!) After two weeks of gagging down this special tea, I was healed, and it made me a true believer in natural holistic healing.
Since childhood, I’ve always loved tea. Our mom would make us weak tea with milk in it. Although I was an avid tea lover all my life, never realized that it possessed so many healing properties.
After my experience with Dr. Dang I spent the next decade learning all I could about the world of natural remedies to the point my friends and family jokingly refer to me as ‘Dr. Robin’. My favorite pastime is helping my friends and family feel better with natural options. So, when the opportunity came for me to acquire a tea business in 2018, I jumped at it. Since becoming owner of UENDURE Tea Company, I have passionately developed several teas and tisanes that help address many chronic ailments. So many communities need healing…physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I truly believe that with the right combination of nature’s gifts, many chronic ailments can be treated without harsh chemicals that often do more harm than good.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No way, no how! One of the first obstacles I encountered was my lack of marketing and sales experience. I had never worked in sales, so I spent a tremendous amount of time, money and product learning the hard way. Nobody told me until much later in the game, that you are not supposed to give away your product without the promise of an ROI. I was so focused on helping people with certain conditions that I would not hesitate to create a ‘care package’ for them to feel better, and I often did not ask them to pay for the product.
It was a while before I realized that I was diminishing the value of my brand by not charging everyone. Fortunately for me, many of the early beneficiaries of my generosity came back as paying customers, so it all worked out for the most part.
Another obstacle I encountered was hiring a bunch of ‘duds’ early on. Sometimes it takes a lot of painful missteps in determining who was a true ‘guru’ and who was simply posing as an expert. That can be one of the most expensive lessons for a newly launched business. Due diligence is key when hiring a pro to help you build a successful business. I’ve learned to rely on referrals from my colleagues.
We’ve been impressed with UENDURE Tea Company, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Although UENDURE Tea Company is a woman-owned business, it is much more than that. It is a passion project for me and that means I will always go above and beyond what is expected to ensure my customers know I am personally invested in their wellbeing. UENDURE is known for high quality premium tea blends from around the world. Our tea selections consist of: black teas, green teas, herbal blends, functional wellness teas (Hormonal, Detox, Mulberry, Senna and Peppermint) I am also starting to add more pure organic healing herbs to my menu.
Most recently I have partnered with another woman-owned tea enterprise in Kenya to bring the exotic Purple Tea and White Tea Golden Tips to my customer base. The reason I partnered with her farm specifically is because she was recognized by the United Nations for her work in employing women farmers while paying them a decent living wage. To be part of a women’s empowerment movement all the way in Kenya was very appealing to me.
Because the environment is important to me, we also carry eco-friendly accessories that are BPA-Free made of glass, stainless steel, ceramic and bamboo.
My mission is to give each customer a world-class experience and I take that mission seriously. I regularly receive many emails, notes and comments from customers who marvel at the level of service they get. Some flavors are simply for the enjoyment of delicious high-quality tea, but most of my teas are considered functional teas that support a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
Many scientific studies have proven that tea (especially organic) is the 2nd healthiest beverage in the world, after water. High cholesterol, diabetes, depression, anxiety, hypertension, digestive concerns and other chronic, yet treatable issues have plagued the underserved community in alarming numbers for years.
My specialty is having an innate ability to help people find alternative methods of addressing ailments without relying on traditional medications. This is what I am personally known for. In fact, I have been told by two clairvoyants that I was a healer in a previous lifetime. The tea business has allowed me to reach more people who suffer from chronic ailments that are treatable. My teas are just one of the natural remedies that are available. I’m familiar with other methods as well and I often recommend what I know yields results.
My business success so far has been widely attributed to my love for networking and my love for the community. Much of the attention and press that UENDURE has received is due to the great network of people that I know and by word of mouth, which included a feature on a local network show called Houston Life and a magazine article in International Focus magazine. I was recently honored with a nomination for a Global 7 award through Houston International Trade Development Council (HITDC). The ceremony takes place in October 2022.
I have been personally invested in the well-being of my community for most of my adult life. In the 90’s I became a volunteer and board member for three local non-profits in support of underserved families within the inner city. When I purchased UENDURE, I extended my support by donating a portion of my monthly sales to these organizations: L.I.F.E. Houston and Best Buddies.
I recently partnered with a local environmental artist Mr. Charles Washington, to develop a project that blends the relationship between art, business, sustainability and community. You can check it out here: https://www.harambeeartgalleryhtx.com/communi-tea.html.
I am currently working on an amazing project with a new Houston Area Airbnb that is beautifully teacentric. The main attraction of the gorgeous property is a Tea Wall that holds 140 teas from around the world! UENDURE is the exclusive tea supplier of this amazing venture. I’m very excited. I’m sure we’ll be holding local events here as well.
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the knowledge that my contributions in the natural healing space has made such a positive impact on the lives of my customers. I receive so many warm messages (and even gifts) from my customers thanking me for taking a personal interest in them way beyond that of just a customer. I am most proud of how my customers trust me enough to share their painful journeys because they know I will do whatever I can to help support their well-being.
Most recently I received a very heart wrenching letter of gratitude from a customer who was sexually abused from childhood to her teens. When one of my teas did not help her medical issue, I refunded her money and sent her something ‘off menu’ that I believed would help. When I followed up with her a week later, she stated that I likely saved her life because her condition was so severe, and nothing in all her years had brought any relief from chronic pain she’s been plagued with from the abuse.
She also stated that I was only person throughout her lifetime who took a personal interest in her well-being. Receiving testimonials like that validates the fact that I have indeed found my purpose.
Since receiving that email, two more customers have shared their SA stories with me. Now I am working to reach more SA victims who are most likely suffering from the same physical damage. One of my customers who is also a survivor of years long sexual abuse loves to tell me: “I endure because of UENDURE.” She appreciates the play on the words U-Endure. My plan is to make this tea and information about potential remedies more widely available.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory always involved being outside and exploring. Our favorite uncle was the life of the party, and he would pick me and my siblings up and bring us to his house to spend summers with our cousins in Cambridge.
Back in those days, it was perfectly safe to wander unfamiliar neighborhoods for hours looking for adventures. We had the best times doing nothing but walking and exploring since this was way before Xbox, cell phones and social media. I’m grateful for those experiences. They make me appreciate the simple pleasures.
My other fond memories from childhood involved music. My younger sister and I even formed a Girl Band with two neighbors who were around our same age. We even got to perform once or twice in public. We were convinced we would be famous singers one day!
These days my focus is on bringing awareness of natural healing to my community that will undoubtedly expand beyond the world of tea. I am also the host of a wellness Facebook podcast called “How You Livin’?” (along with a chiropractor/yoga instructor) where we discuss the nine dimensions of wellness.
My vision is to expand UENDURE to other healthy living products and services. Yes, my tea company is the vehicle to reach you initially, but once I have your attention, the sky is the limit!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@uendure.com
- Website: https://uendure.com
- Instagram: @Mind_Body_and_Tea_
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/
uendure - Twitter: @UEndureTea
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/
uendure
Image Credits
Robin Boykin
Jennifer (@jenandthecity)
