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

Hi Tiashia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The majority of my life, owning my own business has always been in the plan. I had a strategic plan that involved continuing education, expanding my work experience, and learning the economy and market trends along the way. I’m a firm believer that working your way up, through, and to a particular level will elevate me and ensure I’m ready to leap into anything, especially business ownership. Once I was at the level of assurance and breakthrough, I began planning and researching business ownership and progressed from there. With business ownership and the planning that goes along with it, in the forefront of my mind, my strategy was to learn/obtain the necessary knowledge, grow, and execute to expand, take advantage of my leadership abilities, gain financial freedom, create a legacy for my child and grandchildren, provide service to others, and to independently and creatively craft my vision.
 

What should our readers know about your business?
Blends Daiquiri also known as ‘Blends’ was founded and created in the mind for people, food and entertainment! The company, for the most part, was well thought out along with months of researching business ownership, rules/regulations, as well as the restaurant and entertainment industry (this took about a year). Blends main product is daiquiris (hence, it’s in our name). Born and raised in Louisiana, I saw a daiquiri shop on just about every corner but with very limited products and services. I felt I had an opportunity to expand on what the traditional daiquiri shop offers as well as put a twist on it. Similarly like the traditional daiquiri shop, we offer daiquiris with different flavors, combinations, and sizes, but unlike them, we also offer food, hookah, events, and entertainment. This sets us apart – We are a one stop shop!

Thinking back to the beginning of this journey, it took a lot of perseverance, determination, grit, and patience to get to the sixth year of business. From being a new business owner, to being in a critical and tough industry to going through a pandemic in year two, to instantly changing with the new way of living, it WAS NOT easy!! I found myself learning a new, revised industry (based off of the pandemic) and modifying established and sound policies and procedures that worked pre-pandemic, it was almost like creating a new business. Once I realized we were entering into a new way of living, I got on board. I followed the restaurant associations, listened to daily news, read weekly articles, and pivoted as such. Although it was a lot and there was uncertainty day by day, I managed through it like I managed throughout my uncertain life and made it through! I did learn that you have to quickly adjust to change, be open-minded, have backup plans, and do not panic.

Blends has seen and gone through quite a bit in its six years of existence. The Blends brand and culture caters to many taste buds, reaching a diverse customer base that strives for superb customer service and satisfaction. Blends atmosphere is inviting and the products are crafted and prepared with in-house recipes and techniques. I’m most proud and excited that along the way, Blends has served hundreds and thousands of customers over the past six years and has grown tremendously in our sixth year! Also, in our fifth year, Blends relocated to a new location and now has a drive-thru – this is BIG in Louisiana and our Texans love it!!!!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My friend(s) and I enjoy low-key, relaxing, and unique things to do. I’d take them to a speakeasy, a lounge with live music, a fine-dining restaurant, a spa, and a nice brunch spot. These activities will be broken down by specific days based off of the mood we are seeking for that day. We do like adventures and unique things every now and again so if we can find an exciting or interesting activity that is new to us – whether a concert, pop up shop/location, DIY idea, or immersive gaming, we’d definitely try it. I enjoy traveling so branching out having a little fun all while trying different things are top of my list!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a small circle of supporters that saw me grow and beat the odds on a few life altering experiences, so I keep them near and dear in just about every move I make. I’ve never been a solid risk taker and I found it rather difficult to do the opposite of what I’ve done for so many years but while I was growing and learning, my husband was there guiding and pushing me (he’s a BIG risk taker). I wouldn’t have ever taken this leap of faith into business ownership if it wasn’t for him. He showed me that life is about taking chances and risks so don’t think too hard, just do it and be the best you can be at it. My mother (I feel) is my biggest fan. Not only did she raise me and knows me inside and out but she’s never left my side. She has supported every journey I’ve taken and never really ask too many questions about it besides, ‘How can I help’?! I trust her and she remains my rock within every journey and situation. My son saw me progress along the way and paid close attention to the strategies I took to get to the next level. He provides me a sense of peace and calmness, an alternative way to maneuver through life, and the reassurance of why I’m in this current space. I do believe that it’s important to have like-minded and relatable people that knows what you’ve gone and going through on this business ownership journey, I have a handful of family and friends that are business owners so they know the journey, hurdles, success stories, and aching moments. I lean on them for inspiration, direction, and opinions!

Website: www.blendsdaiquiri.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blendsdaiquiri/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blendsdaiquiri

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlendsDaiquiri

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blendsdaiquiri/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blends-daiquiri-express-the-colony-2?osq=blend+daiquiri+express

Other: Google: Blends Daiquiri Express TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blendsdaiquiri Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g56763-d25215895-Reviews-Blends_Daiquiri_Express-The_Colony_Texas.html

Image Credits
Mel Riley and Ruthie Woodard

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