Why I Started Delighted Tea: A 2025 Journey

The Curiosity That Started It All

2025 has been a spectacular year. We launched a new tea brand, and looking back from the beginning, I wanted to share how this all came together.

I've always been drawn to entrepreneurship, but I didn't know where to start this time around. When tariffs became a major topic, I found myself fascinated by the economics behind them—how global supply chains work, how trade affects the United States and other countries, and how money and goods travel across the world so we can all enjoy them together. The internet has truly connected us in remarkable ways, and I wanted to understand the systems that make it all possible.

Finding the Right Commodity

I knew I wanted to build a business around a simple commodity—something we consume every day, something familiar. As I researched different options, tea stood out for one compelling reason: more people are drinking tea, while coffee consumption has plateaued.

Based on my market research, tea is growing at 8% per year in the US, compared to coffee's 4% growth in the United States. Even alcohol sales are stagnant, hence the rise of alcohol-free drinks. Our palates are changing, and I've always been fascinated by taste—whether it's bartending, cooking, or cigars. It's all about how we experience flavor.

The Tea Question

This led me to wonder: why don't Americans drink as much tea as coffee? What is it about tea that doesn't resonate here?

I'd tried many different teas over the years, and honestly, most didn't taste that good to me. I'm personally drawn to herbal tea, though if you've read my other blog posts, you know that herbal tea isn't technically tea—it's a blend of different ingredients we steep in hot water. (And don't get me started on "chai tea"—that's like saying "tea tea!")

I wanted to find the best flavors, the best blends. I wanted to dive deeper.

The Search for the Perfect Blend

That curiosity sent me down a rabbit hole of research into herbal blends and flavor profiles. I've always been health-conscious about what I consume, and we're living in an era where people care more about pure, true ingredients than our grandparents did. We want small-batch, sustainable products with real ingredients—not manufactured substitutes.

My research led me to reach out to tea brokers, manufacturers, and even tea farmers. The more conversations I had, the more I learned. I'm no blend master—I definitely needed help. But what I discovered is that tea is exciting, beautiful, and delightfully complex. It has a pleasant foundation that's endlessly versatile.

Working with blend masters is how Blueberry Bliss came to life, and there are many more blends to come. All of this happened in 2025.

What 2026 Holds

I'm excited to see what 2026 offers and how I can best serve all of you. I want to grow this community and serve you as if I'm sitting at the table with you.

It reminds me of being in a movie theater, watching the best film ever, and sharing that emotion with everyone around you. That's the experience I want us to have together—but with a single cup of tea. Sharing this moment, growing together, enjoying it together.

A Tea Renaissance

We're going through a renaissance as tea merchants. I'm able to deliver you the best cup of tea without barriers, searching far and wide to bring you exceptional blends.

I look forward to your reactions to the different teas I create and serve, and I'm always open to feedback on how I can do better for you.

I love you all, and I appreciate you.

Here's to 2026.