The good brew – how passion built a business
This month, I had the pleasure of chatting with Prati Bhatt, founder of Teaphoria.
Through meeting Prati, I discovered that there is a lot more to the average brew than I realised. Prati’s company Teaphoria is a unique tea experience, driven by five pillars: patience, sustainability, nature, an extraordinary tea tasting experience and good health. The teas combine native Australian ingredients with Ayurveda practice. Prati was trained by a 'tea master', which she attributes to much of Teaphoria's success.
1. Can you tell me more about why are your teas different?
We create each tea with a purpose - I don't believe in having a large range. Teaphoria partners with companies, individuals, and health professionals to create a unique blend of signature teas that speak, smell, and taste as what they stand for.
Each creation is executed by me, starting from research to sourcing the teas till the end experience, no matter how extensive and complex.
2. How did you get started - in your passion for tea and also in business – and what has been the biggest obstacle to this point?
My passion began from childhood when I was attached to nature, and I felt like a little scientist at home doing all the alchemy. As I grew, I started having this love for good quality tea, which led to meeting a tea master. He trained me, and I have never looked back. I took the company name in 2016 even when I did not have a business. I knew one day I would grow my passion into a business.
The biggest obstacle has been my own mindset and trusting my instincts. I try not to blame external factors as there are so many things you cannot change, like COVID-19.
When you are facing external challenges, I have found that being adaptable is key. You need to be ready to pivot, like reworking your business strategy – of course, while trying to maintain a positive outlook!
3. Until we met, I had never really considered that different blends of tea can have an impact on your health and diet. What are your favourite blends and why?
My favourite blends are:
1) Workout box - hands down, my favourite tea box. It has Ashwagandha cacao and pure vanilla beans in a latte form. It is yummy and creamy and boosts your energy levels in minutes. It also has muscle relaxant Saffron Turmeric latte. I highly recommend this one as it is very grounding and relaxing - you will go off coffee in no time! I found it helps me perform better in Jiu-Jitsu as it leaves me feeling energised.
2) Premium Teaphoria club Subscription box - this is when we select tea of the month with a surprise gift and sent direct to your doorstep. They are blended as a one-off just for you or chosen from our premium range. Being part of the Teaphoria club means a service tailored with you in mind.
4. What has been a highlight for Teaphoria?
Hands down my Chai ceremonies are the highlight.
From a business perspective, launching the subscription boxes has been a highlight. It has allowed our business to operate nationally, rather than just locally.
However, it definitely came with challenges! I am constantly trying to create new experiences for people and predicting what they are going to like. Because of this, it has also involved educating others, too.
5. We have spoken in the past about the importance of rituals and taking time just for yourself; an opportunity to mentally and physically reset. I’ve seen some images of traditional chai ceremonies. Watching tea is almost meditative, can you tell me more about what a chai ceremony involves?
Chai ceremonies are an ancient concept from India. With little uptake in recent years, I decided to bring out the hidden aspects of their importance. With different kinds of chai in India, I have split them into the five pillars of Teaphoria: patience, nature, extraordinary tea tasting experience, sustainability and good health. Each ceremony is different, and you experience a magical world of chai in each one of them.
One thing is for certain, during this latest round of lockdown, I am taking the time to enjoy the little things more in life, especially my tea. I can hand on my heart say that the blends I have tried from Teaphoria are excellent.
If you would like to know more about Teaphoria or the health benefits of tea, visit https://teaphoria.com.au or drop me a line and I will be happy to connect you.
