Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jessica Vidican-Neisius, Founder and President of Morning Glory Chai, located in Seattle, WA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Morning Glory Chai makes handcrafted chai in Seattle. Since 1995, our robust tea blends have fueled the movers, shakers, and makers of the Pacific Northwest with our secret blend of spices, tea, and beneficial botanicals in our signature brews. All our teas are lightly sweetened with honey and have less than half the added sugars of other brands, which means even health-conscious tea lovers can enjoy our spicy chai every day!

Tell us about yourself

Since childhood, I have had a love for botanicals and natural remedies. As a young woman, I pursued this interest in greater depth, taking courses with herbalists and studying the lore and uses of plant allies. I had always had a desire to start a business. My passion for herbs and spices opened me up to many different ways of using botanicals in foods and beauty products, and as a spicy food and tea lover, I spent a lot of time experimenting with various chai recipes to share with family and friends.

My overarching goal was to create a unique, delicious brew to warm the soul and energize the body by combining supportive tonic herbs with strong tea and hearty spices. My mission is to fuel people's lives with spice, to be the humble brew in their daily life that they reach for when they need that extra lift to do the work of pursuing their dreams.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Creating a successful business that has been in operation for nearly 30 years!

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

While there are many challenges in being a business owner, I'd say the hardest part for me is when it's time to take a new leap of faith, whether that is with a hiring decision or a new product introduction. I get nervous that I am making the right move, even though I have plenty of experience and make sound decisions. That little voice of self-doubt likes to pop in, but thankfully, I don't listen to it that often.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Gather all the knowledge you can, and keep looking for more information and learning opportunities, always. Reach out to your local Women's Business Center for classes and free coaching, there is one in every state, and they are federally funded and contain a wealth of resources to help you succeed!
  2. Don't be too afraid of debt. Better to take out a modest loan than to empty your retirement account! Think about your future needs, and have an idea of what your exit strategy will be when you are ready to retire or do something new.
  3. Have fun! Don't take yourself or your business too seriously. It's important to have a life outside of work, even if your work is your life. Friends, vacations, family, hobbies, and self-care all are important to living a happy life, and your business is there to support your life, not to devour it.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I'm always happy to talk with fellow business people about the journey, and I wish you all success!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.morningglorychai.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorningGloryChai/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morningglorychaiseattle/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mgchaiseattle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/morning-glory-chai-inc/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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