Name: Tonia Jahshan (Steeped Tea Inc)
Location: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
Education: Graduated from college with an ECE diploma and Business Marketing diploma.
Professional Background: 12 years of owning and operating 2 businesses including doing administrative, bookkeeping, accounting for each business.
What you wanted to be when you grew up: A kindergarten teacher.
What you are: Busy mom of 3 children under 5 with a thriving business!
Brief Summary of your Start Up: Approximately six years ago, my husband and I had the desire to start a family. We were very happy to find out we were pregnant and were in a world of bliss that did not last for long. Early in the second trimester of my first pregnancy we suffered the devastating loss of our baby.
This devastation provoked my husband to suggest we take a vacation to begin our healing process. It was at a bed and breakfast in Nova Scotia where we discovered the amazing taste of Cream Earl Grey tea. We were instantly hooked on this loose tea. This is when the company Steeped Tea was born. I started doing tea parties for friends and family, spreading the word about loose teas. The following year we incorporated the business, adopted the direct sales model and brought on our first consultant in September 2007. Today we have over 600 consultants across Canada and are launching in the US this fall.
Where you are located: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
Company Website? www.steepedtea.com
What inspired you? My love of tea and my experience selling with another direct sales company.
How long have you been in business? 6 Years.
How did you fund it? Self funded for first 5 years, now we have investors.
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? My husband is my mentor, my hero and best friend. Without his support and love, Steeped Tea would not be where it is today. He now is the full time CEO of the company.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? We are proud members of the Direct Selling Association and the Tea Association of Canada.
Current Business Challenge? Keeping up with growth!
What are you doing about it? We have hired more staff and stocked our warehouse with lots of inventory.
Favorite motivational quote: “Women are like teabags, they never know their true strength until they are in hot water” -Eleanor Roosevelt
Family? We have 2 little girls, Jenna is 2 and Layla is 4…and a baby boy on the way in July…it’s busy!
If so, how do you balance family and business? I am super lucky to have amazing family support and a caregiver who lives with us full time. Without this, my life would be chaos!
Favorite book? The Kite Runner by Khaled Hossein
What do you do to relax? I spend time with my kids outside playing or go to the Spa!
What do you want to change most about your world? Nothing, it’s perfect!
What are you most proud of? I am super proud of all the women and men who run very successful Steeped Tea businesses – they inspire me every day!
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? If you have an idea, take a risk and go for it! Don’t listen to the negative people in your life who will tell you “you’re crazy!” I didn’t and look where I am now?!
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Our amazing Steeped Tea staff, without them in our office and warehouse, Steeped Tea would not be where it is today.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds and rubies!
Did I leave something out you would like me to know about yourself or your business? This fall Steeped Tea will be on the most popular show in Canada, Dragons Den! Steeped Tea is geared for expediential growth after this hits the air!
