Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashleigh Dale.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I don’t know how I got here. I wish I had this great, awe-inspiring story. The truth is, though, sometimes I get a random Idea and go with it. The business name and logo came from my late pet duck, and I love tea. That duck and tea brought comfort and happiness during an uncertain time. Nothing made me believe I could successfully start and run a business. But eventually, I realized there was no reason I couldn’t do it. I decided that no matter what happened, It would only be a failure if I never tried.
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been twisty, which is to be expected. The biggest struggle has been getting in my way, to be honest. I second guess, overthink and want other people to make decisions only I can make. There are opportunities that I have missed out on because I was too afraid to step out of my comfort zone. There needs to be more than starting the business and making the product. It isn’t even the hard part. The hard part begins when you launch yourself and this thing you’ve built into the world—opening yourself up to criticism, judgment, and naysayers. You have to make peace with the fact that those things will happen.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Little Diddle Tea Co.?
I want to cater to everyone. I have all the typical teas that people enjoy but also some wilder flavors. I have a lot of chocolate-based flavors at the moment. Sounds strange, I know, but I promise it is delicious! I am proud to have introduced people to something they never thought they would enjoy. My best customers are people that never liked tea before. Tea Is my business, but it’s also art. The colors, the flavors, the smells, and all the ways you can combine them. Tea is an experience, and that experience is different for everyone; at the end of the day, I want to create something fun, brings happiness, and, most of all, something delicious that brings people together.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’ve been fortunate in this respect. I work for a Woman that owns several businesses, and other women head up all of them. She’s there for me any time for anything. I”ve connected with other women in business by putting myself and my product out there for people to see and try. I spent so much time looking into local businesses that I respected and would want to be a part of. Then I sent emails, made phone calls, sent chat messages on the website, and randomly showed up. I don’t think I was a nuisance, but some folks would disagree with that. For every 10 people I talked to, I was taken on by one. That part was hard. It still is. That being said, I do have advice that has made this easier for me:
- One: You can’t take it personally when someone declines to work with you. We all have the same goal: make the best decision for this business that you love.
- Two: Surround yourself with people who will give you tough love, push you, and won’t lie to you. Those are the people that want you to succeed.
- Three: Seek advice from people you respect.
Pricing:
- Tea is sold by the oz. Prices range
- Sample sizes are 1/2 oz and are $3-$4 depending on the blend
- 1 0z teas are $6-$8 depending on the blend.
- We sell flavored sugars, starting at $2.00 an oz
- Silicone infusers are $3.25 each
Contact Info:
- Website: www.littlediddletea.com
- Instagram: littlediddle_teaco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiddleTea
