Name: The Greenwich Tea Company
Based: London
Website: www.thegreenwichteacompany.co.uk
I work full-time in the media industry in an office-based job but it’s always been my dream to open a tea shop. I decided to stop moaning about wanting to change careers and go for it.
I spent 12 to 18 months researching the industry and perfecting my business plan until I was ready to jump in and start looking for premises. However, family and friends were very cautious and weary of me leaving the safety of an office salary and going self employed with a mortgage and bills to think about.
So, I decided to flip my business plan round. My original plan was to open a tea shop first and then develop some unique blends further down the line. However, I decided to play it slightly safer and create some unique and quality blends, selling at markets and fairs and building up a strong reputation in the local community.
Two years later I have 11 blends and a range of products that I am proud of. I am building my business through my product range first with a strong intention to open that tea shop when the time is right. Watch this space in 2017...
Elizabeth Sambrook is the founder of The Greenwich Tea Company
