Do you work really hard at trying to see the big picture and not getting stuck in achieving success? Do you believe we’re all put on this planet for a purpose, and your dreams of being a successful entrepreneur is taking too long? Well, Gitaanjali Taneja, India’s Iconic Tea Designer who has recently launched Tea Time Stories by Gitaanjali is not just a source of inspiration to most Indian women but a divinely sorted woman-of-substance too.
In an era where Coffee shops are doing roaring business, this Revolutionist Diva has taken giant strides into reviving the Tea culture. Her A-grade Tea (leaves) with all-natural edible flavours are hand-picked from across the globe have high intrinsic values with an overdose of healthy benifits. Apparently, her client base include elite medical practitioners who recommend her Teas to various Bollywood celebs, sportspersons and high-net worth CEO’s.
Over to Gitaanjali Taneja who shares her gems of wisdom which will surely inspire the Mommy-wanting-to-be-a-successful-Entrepreneur!
How did you find inspiration in choosing “Teas” as your entrepreneurial venture?
Can you believe it that I shut my almost two decade booming fashion export business to pursue my passion for Teas? Somehow Teas from across the globe have always fascinated me. Initially, I pursued with a handful of herbs from around the world studying their properties. It wasn’t meant to be an entrepreneurial venture but the research intensified as I’m always inclined to natural methods of healing rooted in ancient wisdom. The tea blends which I created started gaining awareness through word of mouth. It’s been four years of intense research that gave birth to Tea Time Stories by Gitaanjali.
Do women have better business sense than men?
I strongly believe women and men both have their individual strengths and complement each other well even in business.
How do you balance family work pressures and focus on your business venture?
My family and my business are my love and my passion hence I flow with the need of the hour. An Indian housewife and Mommy is like Durga Maa, she can single-handedly don multiple hats and find solutions to most problems. On the personal front, I don’t think much. Tasks which require prioritisation automatically find the time zone for completion. Yes, it’s all driven with a sense of commitment towards both but the home always takes a precedence.
What 3 tips would you give to budding women entrepreneurs?
First and foremost, you need to discover yourself, your true potential and what kind of venture will keep you happy. Never try to start a business because you want to do something. Spend time in identifying what unique ideas drive you and what could be a profitable, money-making venture. Gear your passion limits, these will withstand all following pressures and obstacles.
Study your own strengths and weaknesses. Your role would be your main strength as the driving force. Invest in competent people who can add value to your weaknesses. Use their core competencies to achieve your goals without you having to do all the nitty-gritties yourself. Business is all about team work, so getting the right people cracks the success code.
Do your homework and research. Set higher targets, learn from every experience not just of people who have carved a niche in the similar field. Read as much as you can and for sure get legal counselling for registration, copyrights and licenses. Initially it is nerve-wrecking but the ultimate gain is an ecstatic achievement.
Where do you see yourself in the next two years?
Oh thank God, you gave me a shorter target. I live for tomorrow. I keep evolving, re-inventing and recharging my batteries every day. Well, in next two years I see myself as not just a global brand but taking Tea Time Stories by Gitaanjali to the international horizons. And see that happening soon gauging the response have been receiving from my friends across the globe. The world is my oyster and Tea Time Stories by Gitaanjali is a stunning pearl all set to shimmer.