Meet Lilly Leon | Founder of Tea Kulture

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lilly Leon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lilly, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
I’ve always had a somewhat unconventional perspective on work-life balance, but over the past four years, my approach to this concept has undergone a significant transformation. Initially, a substantial chunk of my time was devoted to building my business, and even now, as I settle into life in Europe while simultaneously expanding the company, my commitments demand a considerable amount of my time, energy, and focus.

However, my evolution in this regard has been marked by a profound shift. Instead of relentlessly pursuing an elusive notion of “balance,” I’ve learned to prioritize harmony and joy over the relentless pursuit of perfection, which often leads to burnout. As the founder of a wellness brand, the very essence of wellness is deeply woven into our company culture. Consequently, I constantly remind myself of the underlying purpose behind my work and the vital significance of recognizing the immense power of rest and play.

Despite the inevitable challenges that come with running a Tea Subscription company, I no longer perceive my work as mere “work.” I’ve developed an all-consuming passion for what I do. The opportunity to work with teas, botanicals, herbs, and roots from diverse corners of the world has granted me a profound insight into the healing potential of plant medicine. At Tea Kulture, our commitment to quality is unwavering, as we meticulously test everything before it graces our shelves. This rigorous process isn’t just exciting and enjoyable; it’s also an ongoing education in itself.

In moments when my workload is getting close to overwhelm me, I remind myself of my core four principles: Have I meditated? Have I prayed? Have I taken meaningful actions to advance our business? Have I continued to learn and grow? If these foundational aspects are attended to, the rest becomes flexible, allowing me to navigate the intricate dance of work and life with a newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Here are 3 teas that I love sipping when it’s time to re-center.

Chamomile Tea: Chamomile is renowned for its calming properties. It contains antioxidants and natural compounds that can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality. It’s an excellent choice for winding down after a long, stressful day.

Lavender Tea: Lavender tea is made from the dried flowers of the lavender plant. It has a pleasant, soothing aroma and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s often used as a natural remedy for relaxation and better sleep.

Green Tea: Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to have calming and stress-reducing effects. While green tea does contain caffeine, it typically has less caffeine than coffee, and the L-theanine can counteract the stimulating effects, promoting a state of relaxation without drowsiness.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hello, I’m Lilly, the founder of Tea Kulture, a monthly tea subscription company dedicated to inspiring and educating tea enthusiasts about the incredible healing properties of tea, herbs, roots, and botanicals. I’ve had the privilege of nurturing this brand for the past four years, navigating both the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

If there’s one message I hope readers, especially aspiring entrepreneurs, take away from my journey, it’s this: Anything is possible. I embarked on this venture right from my kitchen in Irvine, California, and today, I find myself living my dream life in Europe while continuing to shape this brand, write our first book and record our first masterclass.

So, dear reader, whether you’re embarking on a new business venture, starting a new role at work, initiating a project, getting a fresh haircut, entering a new relationship—don’t let fear hinder you from living your BEST life.

While the road ahead may seem uncertain, don’t be afraid to take that leap of faith. In the face of challenges, embrace growth rather than fear it. When tough times inevitably arise, have confidence in your ability to overcome them. And when others speculate, doubt, or try to cast doubt on your dreams, don’t be afraid to silence those distractions. Remember, TIME is a precious, borrowed resource, and all we truly possess is today. #onward

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
1. Monarch 2. Dallas Symphony Orchestra
3. Catbird
4. Casablanca
5. Paradiso
6. Mesero Mesero

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Tea Kulture owes its present success to the unwavering support of our community, and it’s with heartfelt gratitude that I extend this special Shoutout to our valued customers, trusted retail partners, and my dear family.

Furthermore, I also want to express my deep appreciation for an extraordinary woman who has not only played the role of a mentor but has also become a cherished friend. Katie Sowa’s enduring inspiration has been a guiding force, even from a distance, offering invaluable motivation to entrepreneurs on their journey of growth and development.

Instagram: @SipTeaKulture

Image Credits
Photos captured by Azeez Alayah, Create Upscale, Upscale Film