Today we’d like to introduce you to Trista Sanford.
Hi Trista, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story starts many years ago in my childhood home. It starts with a mother who made tea for me when I was sick or my spirit needed uplifting. It starts with a father who nurtured my love for cooking with an Easy Bake Oven and allowing me to help in the kitchen. My story starts with rushing home after school to watch Food Network and realizing just how much you can tell about a person or culture by what they eat and drink. That story continues with welcoming people to my first apartment with a pot of tea in hand to have “a green tea moment.” Ora Teahouse has been my lifetime in the making – way before I knew it.
Back in 2019, I was a new mom who wanted to spend more time with my daughter. I had a visual representation of lineage and a personification of legacy right in my arms. I started thinking about what made me feel the most like Trista and tea was the answer. At the time, I was the owner of Bespoke Bakery & Dessert Bar but I knew it could be and would be much more. During the pandemic, I had the time to focus on crafting tea blends that would become my Signature Collection to this day. Ora Teahouse is a love letter of sorts. It is a love letter to myself, to my family and to each person that this business touches.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think that most entrepreneurs would call their journey a smooth road. I’m fortunate that Ora has felt intuitive. It is an extension of who I am so, in that way, there has been a feeling of effortlessness.
The business of being an entrepreneur, however, can be challenging at times. There is the challenge of having the capital to drive your business forward and scale. I have received some grants, but my business has been built by bootstrapping for the most part. I have also had to learn who my ideal customer is, what my brand voice sounds like and when to say yes versus no.
Owning a business feels a lot like a second adolescence…a true act of growth, guidance and trust.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Ora Teahouse started out as a premium source for hand-blended loose leaf tea. While that is still true, it has grown to be the catalyst for me to encourage people – especially women – to take a moment for themselves. This is my mission. Tea is the perfect conduit for people to infuse mindfulness and ritual into their lives.
What sets me apart? I built Ora on 3 pillars: Inspiration, Intention and Love. These things are at the center of all that I do. It is also powered by heart. There is a fine line between where Ora begins and Trista ends. This has allowed me to show up authentically and add what makes me special and different. For example, because I have a love for food and a background in baking, I bring my understanding of flavor profiles to tea blending. My tea blends will make you feel amazing due to all of the benefits while bringing flavors that will have you reaching for them again and again.
I offer the following services:
• tea blends available for purchase on the website (www.orateahouse.com) and with our retail/service partners
• beverage program consulting for coffee shops, bars, and wherever else tea is sold or used as an ingredient
• private events like afternoon teas, corporate/organizational workshops and team building
• bespoke blends – tea blends created for businesses, events, press packages, etc.
• tea education and speaking
I’m also very proud of Ora Peace Retreat, a women’s wellness retreat taking place this September. This retreat is a collaboration with Nicole Gaines of The Clarity Shop who is also my best friend of over 25 years. Ora Peace Retreat offers space and sanctuary for women to just be with the focus on rest, restoration and reflection. You can learn more about the retreat at www.orapeaceretreat.com.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The best advice that I can give is to be open. Mentorship can come from so many sources (in your industry and outside of it) and last for years, months or weeks. It looks different for everyone.
I have been open to learning from many people and opportunities. My constant prayer is that I meet people along my path that catapult me forward in my purpose. You never know who you may meet or where inspiration may be planted. Be open!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.orateahouse.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/orateahouse
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/orateahouse
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristadavis/
- Other: https://www.orapeaceretreat.com
