In the beginning...
It all started in 2013 when I read a simple bit of history from 19th Century Ireland: tea was an everyday affordable beverage that all levels of society could enjoy. With this concept in mind, my intention has been to create tea blends that suit all types of people; from tea connoisseurs to brand new tea enthusiasts- I create tea blends to be unique for every person's needs and desires.
Besides organic loose leaf tea blends, I want people to really experience tea. We live in such a fast paced culture and barely give ourselves time for any sort of break. The ritual of brewing tea reminds us to be mindful of ourselves and our surroundings- it gives us the opportunity to slow down and enjoy that moment in time. I want people to experience this when drinking a pot of tea at Luna Tea Company. Nothing fancy, culture specific, or overwhelming; just a relaxed tea lounge with open doors.
With all of these ideas in my mind, I eventually decided to quit my art teaching job in San Jose to pursue my dreams of owning a tea shop. I moved back in with my parents and started bartending to save money. The hardest decisions I ever made led me to the most supportive group of people who have helped me reach my goals.
Three years ago this was all a concept in a business plan...
...today it's finally happening!
Here's the deal...
After spending the last year creating a small online presence and selling my blends online, I did a pop-up retail tea shop on Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley. It was a success (!), but I could not actually serve tea in this location. The city wanted me to pay a minimum of $5,000 in fees and wait up to an entire year for zoning permits. While retailing my tea was fun (and a good start), I REALLY wanted to serve tea the way I had always planned.
A year ago, I also started working at a craft beer bar in Blacksmith Square downtown Livermore. After spending much time in that area, I knew I had found something special. Recently, I learned that a storefront CAME AVAILABLE in this very location! I have been waiting for the opportunity to open my shop there, and now it's finally happening! I closed my pop-up shop in March, signed a lease at the new location, and I've been working daily towards my goal of opening Luna Tea Co. this summer.
Now I'm asking for some assistance from my friends, family, and community to help fund some of the building process.
What I Need & What You Get
- I need to reach this goal for things like: a dishwasher, a 3 tiered sink, a food grade refrigerator, an ice maker, hot water heater, counters, tea cups/pots, tables and chairs...basically the essentials for serving hot tea, iced tea, and tea lattes! Some of the funds will also be used for working capital to help keep my doors open in the first few months of business.
- One of the perks for donating includes a Luna Tea Co. tea blend named after YOU! That's right- as a thank you for donating, I'll create a tea blend specifically for you that will be served and sold in my shop. Don't forget to take a look at the other perks as well!
- If I do not end up reaching my funding goal, money will STILL go to necessary items: serving supplies, herbs and tea for blends, glassware...any and every donation is 100% helpful!
The Impact
- Livermore is ready for a unique tea lounge- help be a part of this new addition!
- Not only will I be providing unique tea blends, but also a real sense of community. I am located in Blacksmith Square with a few other businesses that share a courtyard and always support each other. Drinking tea is such a unique and awesome experience, and I can't wait to share that with this community.
- I want to support LOCAL! Local artists, local food, local vendors, local musicians...you name it. Luna Tea Co. will support as much of the community as possible. Nothing says it better than my slogan: Brewing community through tea & art.
Risks & Challenges
- I struggled to get a small business loan; these days the banks make it near impossible to get start-up funding. Instead, they gave me a credit card with a limit and a high interest rate. Right now I'm using credit cards and my bartending job to fund the opening of my tea shop. This is why I'm asking for donations through IndieGoGo.
- This is going to take a ton of time and LOTS of help from friends and family, but I know I can make it happen with everyone's support.
If you can't donate money...
Some people simply can't contribute, but that doesn't mean they can't help:
- At that absolute least, SPREAD THE WORD! And share this with any friends, family, and tea lovers that you know!
