There’s nothing like curling up on the couch with a good book and a warm cup of tea. Shelley is your lady boss behind TotaliTea and she’s here for all your loose leaf loving selves. Enjoy!
Shelley – TotaliTea, the Tea Boutique
What do you make / sell? Tell us about yo’ self.
I am the sole owner of a small loose leaf tea shop (booth) located in the Calgary Farmer’s Market. I purchased this long-time business (Est. in 2002 – the previous owner retired) about 3 years ago. It’s a work in progress, we’ve changed it up, refreshed the logo, are changing up the packaging and labels at the moment and have substantially increased product line. We sell about 150-200 kinds of loose-leaf and tea-ware.
How long have you had your business?
I have been in the tea business about 5 years.
How did you get started?
I opened a tea shop in another market here in Calgary under another branding, and then purchased TotaliTea when the owner retired. Since then, have closed the two other market locations to focus on the one amazing shop.
Who or what inspires your work?
I love being an entrepreneur and working for myself. It’s always something new, products, ideas, ways of doing things to make it all better. We want to be the best local loose leaf tea business by catering to our customers and providing unique products and tea. My children and nephew work in the location, and being able to provide jobs for them has also been a very satisfying endeavour. I truly love what I do.
What do you dream for your business in the future?
To have another viable location (possibly stand-alone or another new market setting) and be the go-to for premium loose-leaf in Calgary.
What’s your favourite social media platform and why?
I love Instagram. The posts are engaging and are so varied, it’s never the same old thing. I utilize Twitter and Facebook of course, but don’t find near the same interaction.
How do you pick yourself up when things go wrong?
I have a saying “Keep on Keepin on……” A person may have a down day, or week, but all you need to do is look around you and see what you do have, thankfulness brings happiness. What’s done is done, live and learn, move on.
What’s one thing no one knows about you?
Though you may never think it now if you met me, but at about the age of 18, I sky-dived. In fact, I did it 5 times. Scary….YEEES. Would I do it now, NEVER.
If you could have any super power what would it be?
To bring my Father back from Heaven, to spend one more day with him. Sounds cheesy, but trust me I would. He was an AMAZING man and father.
What are your social media handles?
Where can we find your stuff?
Calgary Farmer’s Market
TotaliTea.com
TotaliTea.com