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

Hi Rebekah, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I graduated from Homeschool Highschool in 2007 and soon decided that I wanted to pursue a business that would allow me to work from home. After several years of trying many different avenues, nothing clicked. Then, in 2015, God gave me the idea for my first tea blend, Sweet Anna. Named for my sweet little black poodle, Anna, who had recently passed away. I debuted my company, Black Poodle Tea Co. on what would have been Anna’s 14th birthday; October 23rd 2015.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I take ingredients from all over the world and blend them to make delightful and comforting tea blends. My blends are original and unique to me. Something that is really neat about me is that I can mentally taste flavor combinations and hit the nail on the head 90% of the time without having to make any adjustments. It’s hard work learning how to gauge my time, finances, marketing, making sure I have enough product and enduring all kinds of weather at the markets where I sell my product. I love what I do and I love sharing Tea with anyone I meet, after all: “tea is comfort in a cup”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE the atmosphere of open air markets, whether Artisan, Famer’s or Maker’s markets they are full of passionate and friendly people who really care about what they do and who they meet. I’d start at the Press Cafe for brunch, shop at the Clearfork Farmer’s Market and then head to the Fort Worth Stock Yards. From there we’d board the train and ride to Grapevine, TX for some specialty shopping and dining downtown and then to the Galleria in Dallas for more shopping and maybe a movie to end the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Heavenly Father first and foremost; He has led me this far and I can’t wait to see what and where He will Lead next. Second is most certainly my family. They have been super supportive in encouragement, advice and help on so many occasions and quite a few late night prepping sessions.

Website: blackpoodleteaco.com
Instagram: @blackpoodleteaco
Facebook: facebook.com/blackpoodleteaco

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