Meet Georgia Rayna of Blue Heron Tea Traditions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Georgia Rayna.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Georgia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have enjoyed tea my entire adult life; whether iced or hot, I have made a point to take time out of each day to appreciate a cup or two. The more I explore tea, the more I realize the world of loose-leaf tea is vast and I can enjoy a unique flavor every day.

Besides tea, one of my other passions is the study of humanities – culture and art to be more specific. The taking of tea is an everyday occurrence in many cultures, but every culture has a distinct approach to tea, from the way it is prepared to the way it is consumed. When I learned about the art of Gongfu Cha, the Chanoyu ritual, and the fellowship of Wu-Wo, I wanted to share these experiences, and more, with my tea-loving friends.

To share my love for tea, I would gather a group of friends and create a tea experience – explore a new tea, discussing the culture, and enjoying a peaceful time with my friends. One of my friends suggested I start charging for the tea experiences which I lovingly create. I gave it a lot of thought and decided to begin my business.

Feeling that I had to acquire credentials before becoming the owner of Blue Heron Tea Traditions, I started taking tea courses that were designed for both the curious tea nerd and the tea professional. The courses exposed me to a study of terriors, tea chemistry, the biology of taste and aroma, and cultivation and production methods around the world. The coursework deepened my understanding of all aspects of tea. Even though I have reached the title of Certified Tea Sommelier, I realize there is so much more to learn about tea – I will always be a student of tea.

Much of my success I owe to my husband, who already has a full-time job, but is nevertheless 100% behind anything I want to do with my business, We do all the work ourselves, from writing copy, designing and maintenance of the website to filling orders, setting up for events, and every other detail it takes to make my small business successful. Let me not forget my regular customers, many of whom I have become good friends with.

I have been in business for almost two years, sharing tea experiences and high-quality loose-leaf tea with both locals and customers throughout the country.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have been in business for almost two years, sharing tea experiences and high-quality loose-leaf tea with both local customers and worldwide audiences.

There are many other challenges to growing my customer base. For instance, as a niche market, advertising must reach a broad audience; potential clients must be taught what a quality tea experience can be and how that experience translates into their daily lives. Also, having a home-based business limits “walk-in” opportunities and leads people to incorrectly assume this is a multi-level/direct sales business.

The biggest challenge in growing my business has been getting past the coffee-centric culture. The tea culture is very weak in Dallas. Yes, everyone loves their glass of iced tea, but many don’t understand that hot tea, steeped well below boiling, can be enjoyed on the warmest days of summer.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Blue Heron Tea Traditions – what should we know?
Although I sell tea and teaware, my focus is the intimate (2-8 guests) experience, exploration, and education surrounding global tea traditions, culture, and the unique cultivation and production practices of quality loose-leaf teas.

These are one-of-a-kind experiences, in a relaxing, warm environment with beautiful traditional teaware and fine china. I want my guests to discover how tea can be enjoyable, surprising, and entertaining; and I want them to share the experience with their friends and make new friends, in a communal setting.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
It is crucial that my guests have a unique, enjoyable experience. Every guest is special: listen to what they like; match the tea and experience to their needs; entertain with the lore behind the tea; taste something new, and have them learn something surprising.

Every online order is special: a handwritten note relating a tale, or unique quality regarding their tea purchase; and perhaps a curated sample included in their order. Attention to details and the ability to build a relationship with each guest are very important aspects of my success.

Pricing:

• Tea price ranges from $5.00 for two ounces up to $30 for two ounces
• Tea Classes range from $12 – $20

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blueherontea.com
• Phone: 214-549-2383
• Email: teaspecialist@blueherontea.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueheronteatraditions/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaHeron/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TeaHeron

Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.