Friday November 23, 2012 | 6 comments
Lots of buzz in the world of tea these days! And we love it all! Some stores are closing, some are opening, some are being acquired, and some are still living in the heads and hearts of tea lovers. What does it all mean? It means the tea industry is alive and well – no matter how many are still hanging on or moving on.
Someone’s dream was just purchased for $620 million – not bad for a fifteen-year investment of living out your passion. What’s your passion worth? Yes, some will gripe about the $620 million acquisition out of fear – or is it jealousy? The reality is that the tea industry still needs each and every one of us – no matter how big or small the dream is!
We are all here to open the hearts and minds of as many folks as we can reach. Does the number really matter? I think not. What matters is that while we are on this mission, isn’t it wonderful to simply offer another human being a cup of tea?
I have had the privilege of assisting James Pham with his dream of opening a tea business. The EnlighTea Cafe has just opened three locations in the San Diego area. Everyone’s dream looks different and offers something different simply because we are all individuals.
Think not and worry not about the competition. The tea industry needs more collaborations and less competition. Every tea store closing is sad, but in remembering the souls touched along that journey, the sadness disappears. Every new tea store offers another way to reach out to new tea drinkers and serve the dedicated tea connoisseurs.
It’s all good – just as all tea is good for you. Congratulations, EnlighTea Cafe, Teavana, Starbucks, and Tazo. To those who have surrendered their tea businesses this past year – but not their dream – it will surely manifest in another way. This is the way of the universe.
Dharlene – You always find a way to see the good in situations. You’re absolutely right. It’s not about the competition but the cooperation. There is room for everyone. If we could live by that concept in all that we do, the world would be a better place. I too applaud the recent profound successes in the Tea industry.
Thanks, Michelle. I love all the buzz right now. The comments on the social media sights are wonderful to read – the good ones and the not-so-good ones. TEA IS ALIVE AND WELL! Bottom line – so keep sipping – more tea options are coming your way!
Congratulations Dharlene to all of you associated with Enlightea Cafe! Are you in the locations Infuzions of Tea used to be in? Is there any association?
Thanks for asking Dianne. One of the EnlighTea Cafe locations is right across the street from the previous Infusions of Tea, in the UTC Mall. This is a kiosk – Carlsbad Mall has the full tea shop with premium loose-leaf teas available to purchase by the cup or by the ounce. The kiosk in Parkway Plaza (east county) will now be featuring loose-leaf teas to purchase by the ounce, as well. James Pham is the owner of the EnlighTea Cafes, of course, we know Ron from Infusions of Tea and we will do our best to service his previous customers.
More collaboration, less competition! Love it. We need to think of everyone in the tea ecosystem and build things that benefit everyone, including the tea farmers, distributors, retailers, and even customers.
Yes, Elyse there is a much bigger picture out there to remember beyond brick and mortar sales and internet sales. If we keep everyone involved with tea in mind and see each other as playing a vital role in the advancement of tea and tea consumption – then everyone wins. Competition is not necessary in our industry – that comes from insecurity. If we are all in this together – the vibration changes and I believe that is what most of us are ultimately about.