Today we’d like to introduce you to Yolanda McGowan.
Yolanda, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been a tea drinker. My love for herbal tea started about eight years ago when a then boyfriend made ginger tea for me. I fell in love with it! So naturally, ginger would be my initial research. Learning that ginger has numerous benefit from reducing inflammation to boosting your immune system, my interest was sparked and I began researching other roots, flowers, and herbs. The dried hibiscus flower paired with ginger root was the first combination I tried and I must say I was blown away by the delectable flavors and the way they complimented one another. The tartness of the hibiscus, the spiciness of the ginger, and the sweetness of the honey made my taste buds dance! So, the fact that the tea not only tasted amazing but knowing of the numerous medicinal benefits of the tea I made it often and began to share it with family and friends. One of those friends, Lilith, encouraged me to start selling the tea, that it was that good. I listened. I heard her but my thoughts were, “who will pay for my tea.? Who will even like my tea? There are so many of teas out there why would anyone be interested in purchasing my tea?” For years I allowed those fears and doubts to hinder me from moving to the next level but I was still making my tea and coming up with new tea combinations along the way.
Fast forward to Spring 2019. I began posting about my teas and the benefits on Face Book. To my surprise, I very soon began to receive messages asking about ordering and prices. Shortly after that I came across an event flier advertising a Nu-Seoul Art/Street Show to be held outside on Emancipation Avenue. This is when I knew my thinking began to change because previously, my first thought would have been, “oh I think I’ll be attending this event; this sounds like something i would like”. However, my first thought was, “hmm, maybe, just maybe i could be a vendor at this event”. It was at this event that realized “this is what I’ m supposed to be doing!” I will never forget about one lady in particular that sampled my tea. She put the little sample cup up to her lips, tasted the ginger hibiscus tea, closed her eyes and paused. She then opened her eyes, smiled, and said “this was made with love, I can taste it.” She said “this puts me on the beach laying in the sun on the sand, this is delicious!” I wanted to hug her! June 2019 after attending the Saturday morning health class at Sunshine’s Vegetarian Deli, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to the class and share my tea with Mr. Sunshine. He loved it and invited me to bring in six jars to put in his cooler to see how they would sell. Of course, I was super excited! It wasn’t long after me dropping off six jars that it turned into me dropping off two cases at time. A year later, I now offer the tea in not only the 16 oz mason jars but also 16 oz bpa free plastic bottles. And due to popular demand, I also offer half gallons and gallons.
Has it been a smooth road?
In the beginning I struggled with the doubt and fear of people not liking and wanting to purchase my teas. Due to the quick influx in orders when I first starting posting about my teas I let the details of keeping track of numbers and cost fall to the side. I always sample my tea before I bottle it up. There have been times that because I was not satisfied with the taste, I have had to pour out an entire pot of tea. It hurt but I will not put tea out there unless it is up to the highest standard. I work full time as a nurse. I often experience very late nights and very early mornings. It can be a challenge but it’s definitely worth it.
Please tell us about your business.
I make and sell homemade herbal teas. Current flavors are Ginger Hibiscus, Ginger Mint Lime, Ginger Mint Lime with Cayenne, Elderberry Cinnamon, Ginger. My teas are sweetened with honey or agave, whichever is requested. My teas are known for the exceptional flavor of each one. I pride in the fact that they not only taste fabulous but the teas are very good for you. They offer a wide range of benefits from aiding in reducing blood pressure to boosting immune systems. I also deliver teas around Houston and surrounding areas.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Despite the forever construction and seemingly endless traffic, Houston is a beautifully diverse and full of hidden gems throughout the city. As an entrepreneur, Houston has provided me the starting ground for learning, building, and networking as a small black business. If you have that “go-getter” spirit inside of you, the hustle and bustle of the Big City will definitely bring it out. In the same breath, there are also those quiet, relaxing, kickback places tucked away in the City that you can go to when you just need to get away for a moment.
Pricing:
- 16oz Mason jars or 16 oz bpa free plastic bottles are $5
- Half Gallons are $12
- Gallons are $25
Contact Info:
- Phone: 409-750-0852
- Email: beeveesteas@yahoo.com
- Instagram: coachbee_24fit
- Facebook: beeveemcgowan
Image Credit:
Damon Saunders
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