The Birth of Blossom: A Two-Season Journey to Tea for Women's BalanceNew Post

Hello, my dear Ur Happy Place Family,

How have you all been? Here, the cicadas have given way to crickets, and a cool breeze has replaced the humid air of summer mornings and evenings. The leaves are slowly beginning to change color. What's it like where you are? As the weather turns cooler and the desire for a warm, deep cup of tea grows stronger, I'm thinking of you, wherever you may be, and starting this newsletter with a warm heart.

The Journey of a Tea, Two Seasons in the Making

It's hard to believe that it's been two seasons since I began the journey of creating Blossom, a tea for women's hormonal balance. This was a project I started this year as I turned 50, wanting to do something meaningful and a labor of love. Now, like the autumn harvest, this journey is in its final stages.

We're at the packaging label phase, but to be honest, it's been a month since we made any progress. I felt completely stuck, as if trapped in a box, but I've also learned so much during this time. The tea manufacturer was hesitant to take responsibility for anything that might violate FDA regulations, so I had to take on the challenge myself.

I reached out to so many people—the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), a YouTuber who posts videos about tea, non-profit organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, and even a professional FDA Compliance Label Expert. It took a lot of courage for someone as naturally cautious as me. But it was also such a wonderful opportunity for growth, and I know that next time, this part of the process will be so much easier.

Because this isn't just a simple tea but a blend for women's hormonal health, I had to be very careful with every word I chose. We have to use a label that says "Herbal Dietary Supplement" and includes "Supplement Facts," so I've been proceeding with extra care. We're also at the stage where we need to get our label packaging inspected by the OEFFA (Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association) to receive our USDA Organic certification.

All of these things once felt overwhelming, but I'm tackling them one by one. I should be receiving the mockup design today! We decided on a simple, clean design with a beautiful purple theme. On the back of the package, under "Our Story," I've included the reason why I created this tea, along with a prayer and a heartfelt message for everyone who will receive it.

Blossom is getting closer to being real. There will surely be more challenges ahead, from the organic certification to getting on Amazon, but knowing you're with me on this journey makes me feel so much stronger.

Small Joys That Keep Me Going

In mid-August, we launched our summer teas on Etsy: Strawberry Hibiscus, Pink Champagne Green Tea, and Orange Rooibos. Lately, sales have been picking up, and these small, sweet victories have been such a comfort and motivation to keep going. With the weather getting chillier and tea becoming even more appealing, I'm planning to email the manufacturer today to order our fall and winter teas.

I'm a tea lady now, aren't I?

Slowly, little by little, I'm growing this tea journey. I'm still not great at social media, but I started a few accounts this year. The other day, a friend told me that they find my Facebook and Instagram posts incredibly healing. I was so touched, and it reminded me that when we share from our hearts, people can really feel it. So my tea lady journey continues today with even more love!

Even when things feel hard and challenging, let's hold onto hope together and keep dreaming and trying new things—especially those that have real meaning for us. After all, if we never start, we never get to experience the joy of the journey. As we enter this season of harvest, I hope we all have a time of growth and fulfillment. Let's make this beautiful time a gift to ourselves.

I'm sending you the warmest cup of tea, made with love.

With gratitude and a full heart,

Until we meet again, may your days be filled with cozy moments and gentle joys.

See you next time, dear friend! ☕