Today we’d like to introduce you to Meghan Dolly.
Meghan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started having a deeper interest in nutrition and how the body works around the age of 20. Around that time, I became really sick with a sinus infection and was snowed in. All I had at my fingertips was this box of decaf green tea. I started to alternate cups of tea with hot compresses for hours. I was not new to sinus infections and knew I would have to go to the dr for antibiotics. After a few hours of tea and compresses my sinus’ cleared and after a night of sleep, I had fully recovered. At that point, I knew I wanted to be involved in herbal medicine.
Fast forward to a few years later and ending up in CA, I then enrolled in the Natural Healing Inst of Naturopathy in Encinitas and focused on Herbal medicine 101, Nutrition and then the Master Herbalist program. Towards the end of that, I landed a job in an alternative wellness clinic as a receptionist. I was just thrilled to be a part of something that spoke to me and gave me enthusiasm. I was at that job for 2.5 years and learned an incredible amount! Before leaving there I started The Loose Leaf. I was also waiting tables part-time. So, I was full time at the clinic, part-time server and committed to building this Tea company. I left the clinic and went more full-time serving. I had no idea what I was doing with building a brand/company and hell, I still don’t!
At some point, I started doing farmers markets and that’s really where things got started for me. I went full time with farmers markets in 2011 and was able to quit the restaurant biz three months later. I worked 7 days a week working Market’s on top of blending tea without a day off for six months straight. I honestly was just so happy that I was actually doing it. That people actually wanted to buy something I was making… and they liked it! We then grew large enough to add some employees and then I met my husband! Now, this part is kind of insane: we met and about three months later, we were partners, signing an LLC.
He brought all the back end grind that I was clueless about. I can make the tea and sell the heck out of it but our website was a pile, our branding was terrible and don’t even get me started on paperwork and taxes. Cheyne has so much to offer and he really changed the entire shape of this company. Two months after we became partners, we signed the lease to our tea bar. It was a blank retail space that had not been updated in any way for years. The bathroom hadn’t even been used in 10 years. It was in bad shape, to say the least. To say we hustled to open the shop is a complete understatement… honestly, we had no idea what we were getting into, but we grinded and opened up a year later. So, at this point, we had around 10 farmers markets a week, the shop open for business, a website that was making money and a few wholesale accounts. Fast forward three years and here we are, still growing! It’s been a huge adventure that fills me equally with immense joy and pain. I remember waiting tables and getting on my calculator to add up what I would have to make in tea sales to be able to quit. I told myself that I would never complain if only I could get there… I always bring myself back to that time, that day, that thought, that feeling. I am incredibly lucky, but mostly, I’m a badass mother fucker who doesn’t take no for an answer very often. Nothing is easy and I don’t ever expect it to be.
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?
It has not been a smooth ride. And you should never expect it to be. A few major struggles I’ve had along the way we’re self-doubt, fear, and money. I always knew that failure was not an option. Money is more than likely always going to be a struggle and that’s ok. But I got rid of the self-doubt and fear years ago.
My advice for young women who want to be an entrepreneur is simple. Work hard. When you think you’re working hard enough, work harder. Ask questions and surround yourself with motivation.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The loose leaf tea – what should we know?
We are a loose leaf tea company that specializes in herbal medicinal teas. I formulate specific teas for sleep, stress, digestion, migraines, etc. we also offer a selection of green and black teas. What I am most proud of as a brand is our integrity and dedication to offering the best herbs and teas. We do not use any preservatives or“natural flavorings” . We are all organic and blend all the teas fresh weekly. We love our community, esp Oceanside which is where my husband was born and raised and we feel proud to have a brick and mortar that we built together. I believe what sets us apart from other tea companies is our medicinal aspect. Yes, there are a few companies out there doing what we do, but not that many! Tea is not as widely known here in the US, but has made leaps and sounds since when I first started back in 2008. I’m proud to be a part of the natural health and home health movement that is growing worldwide.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
This is an interesting question. My first thought: my mother. We have our ups and downs, but she’s a firecracker, a pistol. I love that about her. She always told me, “don’t sit still, don’t let them tell you you have to work in an office and wear cardigans.”
Ani Difranco was a trailblazer for me. She was tough and poetic.
I honestly get a ton of inspiration from my friends. I have strong girlfriends who work hard and carve their own paths, that doesn’t have to mean their own business. I honestly am inspired by any woman who works their ass off and shows humility.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Loose Leaf Tea
408 Mission Ave
Oceanside, CA 92054 - Website: www.looseleafblends.com
- Phone: 760-231-8338
- Email: info@looseleafblends.com
- Instagram: Thelooseleaftea
- Facebook: The loose leaf organic tea
Image Credit:
Chelsea Jimenez, Michael Beck
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
