Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Shelton.
Brandi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
just add honey tea company was created by a tea lover. I wanted to enjoy tea and knew that there was more out there. Instant, artificially flavored, penny-pinched tea bags, 5 o’clock teas, feel better teas, etc., etc… I HAD THEM ALL!
While scouring places for tea, I decided I would MAKE what I want. Combining flavors from around the world that was pleasing to the palate while still keeping it light and interesting, just add honey tea company was born. Fresh, fun, and sophisticated flavors combined with stimulating and soothing ingredients are in every cup. Our ingredients are all natural, pure, and easily recognized. Nothing is changed or altered. Our mission is to bring thoughtfully blended teas to your doorstep.
Since 2006, just add honey has offered thoughtfully blended teas that anyone can enjoy. Whether it is a black tea, herbal tea, fruit tea or specialty tea, just add honey wants you to enjoy every cup. Anytime. Anywhere.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are always challenges when running your own company but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Some of the struggles I had to overcome was thinking small. Not small like dollars and cents but small as my next steps for my brand. Sometimes, I could only see one step ahead and the future seemed so far away. I had to reprogram my thoughts and create long-term goals that were bigger than current dreams. By doing so, it has stretched me to grow my brand in ways I’ve never imagined and 12yrs later, we’re still going strong with plans for the years to come.
Another challenge was asking for help. As women, we have the tendency to appear like we have it all together and behind the scenes are on FIRE! Learning to ask for help AND pay for it, has freed up time and stresses. It allows me to focus on MY strength and grow my brand.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with just add honey tea company – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
What do I do – I blend teas using local and/or organic ingredients.
What do I specialize in – loose leaf teas, small batch harvested honey (from beekeepers around the US), cold brew iced teas
What are we known for – delicious teas, amazing customer service, parTEAs at our two locations (Sweet Auburn Curb Market and Hammonds House Museum), mobile tea bars at offices, movie sets, and special events
What are we most proud of as a brand – staying relevant for 12yrs, our consistent flavors, our loyal customer base.
What sets us apart – we work with family-owned farms and tea growers to create our blends. we try to recognize the source of our ingredients whenever we can. the customer knows exactly what’s in their cup with every sip.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Finding a mentor – I have mentors that don’t even know that they influence me! I personally find it helpful to have several people as mentors and pick one amazing thing about them. They each have one trait that I admire and strive to incorporate into my daily life/business practice. That way I’m not trying to “be” them as a parent, life coach, business owner, etc. I can stay true to myself and try ideas/suggestions that the mentor has given without totally altering my life.
Networking – I’m outgoing when talking about tea and asking a tea lover about their life (AKA networking), in that regard, feels natural. But when I’m in a room of strangers, I’ll gravitate to the back door and not speak to a soul! I didn’t answer the question, did I?
Contact Info:
- Address: Sweet Auburn Curb Market
209 Edgewood Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303 - Website: justaddhoney.net
- Phone: 404-314-6261
- Email: info@justaddhoney.net
- Instagram: instagram.com/justaddhoney
- Facebook: facebook.com/justaddhoney
- Twitter: twitter.com/justaddhoney
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
