My entrepreneurship journey started in 2010 when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and I began teaching yoga in Washington, DC. Since then, I have taught hundreds maybe even thousands of people of every age over the years and had many requests to teach on Capitol Hill.  I've also been in remission since 2011. My journey in health and wellness shifted in 2020 after my mother passed and the changes in health and wellness. I started researching and learning about the benefits of herbal teas for wellness but also as an alternative to other drinks. I ordered books, researched and when I could during COVID discovered apothecaries and herbal stores to build relationships. I came up with the business name Langteen & James, which is a combination of my uncle, my mother and my father.  Those three were integral parts of support in my life and started the entrepreneurial bug in me at a young age with my uncle owning a flower shop, my mom volunteered at prisons while working for a major oil company and my father gave me the spirit to be passionate about making dreams reality. After 25 years of being a legal assistant, and 12 years of teaching yoga, I decided to take my entrepreneurship and professional career in a different direction. Tea whether medicinal or not is a great complement to anyones life.  The benefits of medicinal herbs or artesian teas have been well documented in medical journals in the US and abroad.  My experience in this area is still growing as I grow my business. I've attended trade shows, David Winston's herbal talks and have applied to his school which is a 2 year program in herbal studies. I'm currently studying adaptogens and their benefits to the major systems of our body specifically the nervous system as well as the cultural history of teas and their use. In the next year I plan to attend the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas as well as the Fancy Food Show in New York City where I hope to be able to show case my teas.

Langteen & James is a tea company that specializes in artisanal and wellness tea blends using adaptogens.  We also carry tea ware and seek to source from the best gardens and farms in China, India, Japan, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Sri Lanka and other regions that have been certified by one if not more of these organizations, the Rainforest Alliance, Ethical Tea Partnership, Fair-trade and Certified Carbon Neutral Company.  Our goal is to ensure that we use as minimal if not zero plastic in our tea bags or caddies. We also strive to bring more awareness to customers and communities of the benefits of tea as a wellness alternative. Our company is seeking to solve and assist with the current work disparities in countries that have tea gardens or farms.  Most of the workers (are predominantly female) in the gardens/farms are typically underpaid, overworked and in some cases are subject to abuse/assault by their supervisors with no justice.  Langteen & James will gave back starting with 1% to increase as revenue increases to 2% of each purchase to those workers.  We will continue to work on ways to lessen our carbon footprint and plastic use to save the environment and the planet as a whole. Our customer base is the true tea artesian that enjoys the fine tastes, aroma and body of a bergamot in an Earl Grey to a customer that seeks a wellness blend to cope with lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and sleep deficiencies just to name a few.  

Langteen & James is an e-commerce tea company that specializes in artisanal and wellness tea blends using adaptogens.  We also carry tea ware and seek to source from the best gardens and farms in China, India, Japan, Kenya, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Sri Lanka and other regions that have been certified by one if not more of these organizations, the Rainforest Alliance, Ethical Tea Partnership, Fair-trade and Certified Carbon Neutral Company.  Our goal is to ensure that we use as minimal if not zero plastic in our tea bags or caddies.  Currently we carry seven teas. Of those teas five are with adaptogens for sleep, stress/anxiety, women's balance of hormones, blood sugar, hair and skin health, and reducing inflammation. Two are artisanal teas one black and the other green. Both also carry antioxidants but are not adaptogenic in compound.

This opportunity will offer me the tools and networking ability to continue to grow my business as well as the strategic knowledge to navigate the obstacles of each of the next steps of growth.  The next steps of growth is to be able to build out a stronger marketing strategy and refine how I plan to tackle the future phases which include, clientele, environmental, political forums I will eventually have to navigate through for the success of the business. I also believe this boost camp will assist me in navigating and understanding how to stay true to the companies mission and objectives and plans which is to source from  sustainable gardens/farms and continue to educate the consumer of the benefits of tea as a whole.