Inteview with Teatulia Co-Founder, Linda Appel Lipsius

What inspired you to start your business?

My background is in consumer products/packaged goods – when my good friend, Anis Ahmed, Teatulia’s President & Co-Founder, said he wanted to bring his teas to the US, I offered to help him out. The more I learned about the garden and the business model (and the more I learned to love the teas themselves), I was hooked!

What is your proudest accomplishment?

Re Teatulia, bringing a high quality product with a greater mission to the US marketplace. I look forward to expanding the circle of people who learn about what we do as the business grows.

Personally, my proudest accomplishment = my 2 kids!

How does your business serve your local community?

The Zuni Hub is home of Teatulia’s headquarters, The Mother’hood, Green Garage, and Tea Bar by Teatulia.  We encourage the community to use the space for meetings, events, parties, or just to hang out.  Teatulia also participates and donates tea to local charities events year round.

Furthermore, Teatulia serves not only our local community, but also the Bangladeshi men and women who help cultivate our teas through revolutionary education, health and cattle-lending programs.

How do you want to make a difference?

I want to make a difference by changing the lives of Bangladeshi women, men, and children by creating opportunity for them.  I know that our programs on the garden are making a huge impact and bettering the lives of the people. 

Then, by sharing the Teatulia story in the US, I hope to expand people’s minds and experiences as they learn about how we are doing things different and how good tea really can be.

What tech gadget can you not live without?

My iPhone, of course.  I am constantly checking my email, making calls, or texting when I am out and about.  I use it to stay organized and to surf the web when I am not around a computer.  As a CEO and mother of two, it makes life less complicated.