Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr Yraida Faneite.
Hi Dr Yraida, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello, I am Dr. Yraida Leonides Faneite (Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management with a Specialization in Leadership). Today, I would like to tell you about my second business that I started when I was 59 (fifty-nine) years old: Tea House Cafe. Several years ago, while I was pursuing my Associate’s degree in Business, I was assigned a project to present a business plan. I asked myself: what kind of business would I personally like to visit to feel relaxed, and enjoy healthy food and drinks? I thought it over and developed a business plan for a Tea House—a place where customers could select the actual tea leaves to brew their own tea, and where the snacks would be made from herbs and seeds. That business plan was very well received by my classmates and professors—and, of course, by me as well. That plan remained tucked away in my mind until 2021, when a friend—who happened to have extensive experience in the coffee shop industry—stopped by my office and mentioned that she was interested in opening a café. My heart told me that this was finally the moment to put my Tea House business plan into action. In my original business plan, the name I had chosen for the Tea House was *Albahaca Tea House*. *Albahaca* (Basil) is an herb that makes for a truly delicious tea when prepared with milk. However, my friend—who became my business partner at the time—was not fond of the name *Albahaca*; furthermore, she wanted the establishment to serve coffee as well. Consequently, we agreed on the name “Tea House Cafe”—a venue where people would have the option of choosing either tea or coffee, featuring décor centered around lush greenery, and accompanied by music played on guitar, piano, flute, or any other instrument that is soothing to the ear. On July 8, 2022, Tea House Cafe opened its doors, and to this day, it has been a resounding success. The very essence of this business lies in providing a place where one can eat and drink while feeling relaxed and cheerful—a place where every customer is treated exactly the way I myself would wish to be treated.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has actually been quite easy to learn the ins and outs of the food business. The hardest part for me has been learning the variety of cups, plates, and all the other tools and inventory required in a coffee shop. For instance—matching the right lid to a specific cup—I was constantly confused about that in the beginning. And while these might seem like minor details, you can lose a lot of money if you make mistakes when purchasing supplies. Another obstacle I encountered was having to memorize how each customer liked their coffee, tea, or sandwich prepared. This detail is important because it feels really nice to walk into a place where they already know, for example, that I like my coffee without sugar or milk. I’ve since learned some tactics for those times when I forget how a particular customer takes their coffee; for instance, I might ask them: “How’s your day going today? Do you need sugar, or not?” I know my customers appreciate it when I say to them: “Here is your coffee—no sugar.” But overall, the whole experience has been quite easy and enjoyable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the co-owner of Tea House Cafe (I have a business partner). I work at the business three days a week—Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. I am responsible for preparing specific dishes, such as our Italian herb lentils and our herb-rich pasta dishes; I also prepare teas, coffees, and fresh-squeezed juices right in front of our customers. At the same time, I manage the company’s bookkeeping and taxes. We specialize in healthy food and beverages, and we are particularly well-known for our Italian herb lentils, as well as for the way we treat our customers. I take great pride in the positive reception of our “natural” brand; what truly sets us apart from the competition is the freshness and healthfulness of our products—along with our customer service—because we truly pamper and cater to our clients.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My most important piece of advice for anyone starting a business is to trust in yourself and believe in your idea, regardless of your age. Sometimes, slow sales or sheer exhaustion might lead you to think that your idea didn’t work. First, rest, and then keep going. Everything takes time—but, above all, it requires a great deal of hard work and planning. Always consider how you would like to receive the product or service you offer, and put that into practice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://teahousecafes.com/index.html
- Instagram: @teahousecafes
- Facebook: Tea House Cafe
