Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Rubens
Hi Renee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Many years ago, I was introduced to premium quality loose leaf teas. My initial introduction was to loose leaf Chinese teas. As my interest and appreciation for finely crafted teas grew, I began taking classes and reading about the multiple facets of the tea industry. From that, I began to learn about how different artisanal tea growers harvested their teas in other tea producing regions.
My combined enthusiasm and fascination with tea led to me gifting teas to friends. Premium quality teas are safe and always well received. As my knowledge and approach to understanding more about the tea industry grew, I considered where my “footprint” could be in the space should I launch a business,
I have never had this burning desire to be a small business owner, so this was a journey of years of just “considering” whether I wanted to open a business. Once I decided, even then I moved slowly, with a lot of uncertainty. The global pandemic,helped “push” me to “launching”.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha! Smooth. Being a small business owner is everything but smooth. So much of any business is identiying where there are gaps, where customers are underserved and learning how to position your brand to fill the gaps.
One of my biggest challenges was finding my lane and then positioning my voice in that lane. That took years of trial and error.
Initially I was at farmer’s markets. The response was good, but the uncertainty of consistency was real. My packaging was just not great. I had the beginnings of a journey to take my customers on…but there was no clear and easy path that would make customers want to join “our tea revolution.”
The struggles included any and everything you can imagine or not imagine. Packaging and presentation – including sourcing the packaging. Brand messaging. Website presentation. Product procurement. And let’s not think about the back office.
Additionally, I made the decision to selff-fund. I wanted to grow slow, so I don’t owe. I only wanted to owe myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Throughout most of my professional career, I had the pleasure of selling media. Print, digital, events, broadcast. I have worked with companies around the world. It was the most “fun” job you could have. As much as it was fun, It was also challenging. It’s highly competitive. You are selling something abstract. Nonetheless it gave me the opportunity to work with and collaborate with smart and sophisticated marketers.
Having access to so many talented marketers was a blessing when I started my business. Having forstered relationships that allowed me to still have access to marketers who have worked on world class brands helped me to get the much needed feedback about my brand messaging and positioning. Many of my former clients generously invested in my success as a small business owner, They reviewed and provided feedback on my packaging and my website’s story. They also-thank goodness, bought product from my business!
We sell artisanally grown, premium crafted teas procured from producers who are committed to growing responsibly, harvesting ethically and paying equitably through the entire tea ecosystem. Our brand ethos includes a commitment to fair trade.
In addition to selling and advocating for high quality teas, I am particularly proud of our packaging. Our packaging is our visual card.
The goal of the packaging was to present to the market a combination of sophisticated and elegant. We want our existing and prospective customers to be introduced to our brand in a way that invites them into chose us. The packaging is a black background with rose gold font. The font is a combination of elegance and contemporary.
As important as the visual of our packaging is, so is the quality. I intentionally sought out eco-conscious packaging. I knew that I wanted a package to minimize their environmental impact. Eco-friendly packaging benefits our customers, our brand, and the earth.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
There is a difference between an entrepreneur and a small business owner. I am a proud small business owner. I am not trying to scale quickly and grow rapidly. I am committed to growing a business ocused on fair trade.
Also – ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask connect with others and build relationships with other small businesses.
A riend of mine sells her handbags at Bloomingdale’s. She generously introduced me to decision-makers at Bloomingdale’s Atlanta. That has in turn given me access to other Bloomingdale’s locations that we are now doing tea activations in.
We all have the opportunity to lift and pull one another into the rooms where decisions are made. When we get into rooms, we should always recommend other small businesses we know to try to help them secure access also.
The circle of life is about each one of us supporting one another through elevation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.symphonyofleavestea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/symphonyofleavestea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SymphonyOfLeavesTea/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-rubens-433b794/
