Elz Tastes & Tea
Owner: Shelly Stanley
KW: Tell us about your business.
SS: Purchased it from the original owners in August of 2020. Our main products are spices, vinegars, and over 100 teas and oils. Herbs, tea accessories, and soups are also sold here. We have been in business for four months.
KW: Who is your target customer?
SS: Primarily stay at home moms and people that cook at home. Parents looking for fun, non-standard things to do with the kids. People that generally like wine tend to shop here – even though we don’t sell wine.
KW: What has been the greatest impact of COVID-19 on your business?
SS: If people are at home, cooking, they are looking for options. We are able to provide fun ways to be creative with cooking. Since we just opened, we’re not really sure what life looks like outside COVID. We struggle getting our name out. (talked about marketing)
KW: What are one or two actions you’ve taken to make a difference?
SS: We worked on our online presence. We put inventory on our new website. We have done a lot of posting on Facebook and now on Instagram. We have advertised with coupon books, and that has worked well for us.
KW: What is a mistake you’ve made along the way that other people can learn from?
SS: Some hoops that we’ve had to jump through have been keeping us really busy. Logistics for inventory has been a struggle. Navigating COVID. Getting the work out. Would have loved to have inventory and website done sooner. Do better preparation before opening the business!
KW: What is inspiring to you today?
SS: We have just met some of the most amazing people working here. People are really responding positively to the tea blends. Having a personal connection to people and hearing their stories is great!
OFFER: Mention this newsletter and get 1 small complementary bottle of oil or vinegar with purchase of another item.
Elz Tastes & Tea
Owners: Shelly & Kelly Stanley
tastesandtea.com
info@tastesandtea.com
By Kendra Wiiest
