(Boulder) Community Spotlight Series #5: The Tea Spot (Brought to you by Natascha Lee Studios)
Community Spotlight! We are continuing to book spring sessions, and with the gorgeous weather lately we are really feeling the itch to get back outdoors and shoot!
This week we take a look at an exciting business in Boulder, The Tea Spot with CEO Maria Uspenski.
Maria describes herself as a mechanical engineer by background as well as a Cancer survivor. Cancer is actually what helped her discover the amazing health benefits of tea while in recovery. Through this experience being able to provide quality tea products and make them accessible became the inspiration behind The Tea Spot.
Maria’s story is truly so inspirational that I could go on for days but to learn more click here.
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“Loose leaf tea became an integral part of my own recovery and continues to be a key component of my daily health regimen. The simple act of preparing loose tea is likely just as therapeutic as the tea itself. It gives me great joy to be able to share this with others and I am continually inspired by the people who courageously and actively fight to survive.”
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Can you tell me about The Tea Spot?
We are a for-profit philanthropic business whose mission is to foster wellness by making loose leaf tea an everyday luxury. That said, we approach the solution from 2 directions – by offering healthy, antioxidant-rich teas that people will find so delicious that they can’t HELP but keep drinking them; and by designing and manufacturing a line of housewares that make loose leaf tea EASY – this excited line is called STEEPWARE.
How did you decide to get into this business? – Any inspirations?
My inspiration is the drive to change American drinking habits (esp. those of young girls). I want to get them off unhealthy sugared, preserved beverages and on to healthy, fresh brewed teas.
Curious to what this loose and whole leaf tea is all about? Check out this amazing starter kit that really includes all you need to brew and steep your own tea! You can also purchase their tea in many locations in the area.
How does your business/product positively affect the community?
We benefit the community in two key ways – by introducing better teas, and through our 10% Pledge! The Tea Spot pledges 10% of all sales as in-kind donations to cancer wellness and community programs – predicting to give back $250,000 this year!
What is your favorite product that you offer at The Tea Spot?
It’s always the latest one I’ve been working on! The new NEW thing… but there are many really. The Steep & Go which debuted last year, is picking up lots of traction internationally, and we’re looking to get US distribution on it this year.
Also most recently, I’ve been working on a line of certified organic teas which we’re getting into tins this year, and they will be launching in Whole Foods in the Colorado region as well as in Canada this Spring. I’ve just loved working on that project.
Wondering about the difference between bagged tea and loose-leaf tea? Check out the explanation here!
What makes your business unique?
THE PEOPLE . Everything else is secondary. I know that good business practice always puts the customer first, and all my team does – with the 10% Pledge in mind – but for me, it’s ALL about the employees. Each of our amazing products, each of our wonderful customers – they are ALL a reflection of the people at The Tea Spot.
Here at Natascha Lee Studios, we have tried their tea and it is truly wonderful! So tasty! Our favorite is Boulder Blues!
To learn more about The Tea Spot you can visit them online!
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