Greetings!
Since announcing that we are closing the retail store front, many customers (new and old) have expressed disappointment and even sadness at our decision. My brother, who is also one of our business advisors, shared that he too was sad to hear the news though he believes we made the right choice.
It is not an easy decision. Many times during the past two years, customers asked if this is my dream. Not exactly. One of my goals is to operate successful businesses. In order to do this, I have to analyze what is working and what is not. We learned from this experience and will use the lessons to make the business stronger and better. Focusing on a wholesale approach with a smaller percentage of retail is what makes sense for our business. This is not true for all tea merchants, but we believe it is true for us.
Our focus is on exceeding our customers' expectations whenever possible. That will not change after we relocate the business. Sure, it will be different, but I will still be available to provide presentations. And, my motto has always been "have tea, will travel!" Our beverage catering business will also have an opportunity to expand. Heck, I will even entertain hosting teas in a person's home. This is something I could not do with a store front. Tea tastings are still available and can be conducted at a location determined by the customer. No store front really translates into greater flexibility.
Steve and I are excited to begin a new phase of our business. Operating a business is challenging and rewarding. Many of you know that I loved my former career as a consultant, but I got bored. That meant it was time to move on and challenge myself with something new. Tea was and is a great fit, but the better fit is simply the challenge of growing and improving a business. Like other entrepreneurs, we have tons of business ideas. Which one do we go after first is our question.
Entrepreneurs are a different breed of people. Sure, they are risk-takers, but in a very calculating way. And, they have more than confidence, passion and determination. I have always known I would do my own thing. I cannot speak for Steve, but I'd bet money he would say the same thing.
I rarely see a situation as a problem. In my former role, one of the concepts I taught was E+L=M. This means event + language = motivation. For example, let's imagine you were just fired (event). You could use all sorts of language to describe the negative aspects of the event: I'll never find another job; That employer was _______; The economy is so bad... You get the idea. Or, you could use more positive language: You know, it was time for me to move on. That job was not a good fit for me. There are so many new possibilities. I could explore a whole new area! The list goes on and on. The positive language moves you forward while the negative language brings you down. I am not saying this is easy, but I am saying that I am in control of how I perceive a particular situation.
I'm not advocating the wearing of rose-colored glasses, but I am advocating accentuating the positive. Life is too short to get bogged down. My father always says if something is an albatross around your neck, kick it to the curb (okay, something like that!)Personally, I like Auntie Mame's philosophy: Life is a banquet and most poor saps are starving to death! Live! Live! Live!
So, will I miss having the store open? No, not really. I loved having it. I enjoyed building it with my husband. I had a great time meeting some fabulous people. (One of my favorite people was probably one of our first customers: a then 10-year-old boy. He taught me to play chess. We'd play weekly and simply chat. What a great kid! His parents are doing something right!)Life is definately about the people you meet along the way and the impact you allow them to have on you. I love playing chess now!
When you find yourself needing tea, give us a call or email. We'll get it to you. If you want to try something, we'll get a sample to you. If you want to have a special blend for that special someone, let us know. We will be happy to work with you! We are the area's largest tea merchant. If we do not have a tea you want, we can probably get it!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Peace.
Kori
