Flowerhead Chai Kits
Donation protected
Hi Friends,
It feels extremely strange in these times to be doing this but I am reaching out for support to have my Chai Kits produced for my tea company, Flowerhead. I am a small business owner living in Oakland and the direction of my company has drastically shifted in the last month. The majority of my income was wholesale orders to cafes around the bay area, many of those are now closed due to shelter in place. The other large part of my income was from serving tea to people at public/private events and craft markets. All of my tea events have been cancelled or postponed until at least September of this year. Although I am truly grateful for the support of people purchasing tea through my online store, I have been devastated by the loss of the majority of my accounts and the events that I rely on each season.
I have not received any money from SBA, PPP, or other loans that I have applied for. I am the sole owner and operator of my company. I don't live from paycheck to paycheck, I live from sale to sale. I put all of my profit back into the business by continuing to purchase the best ingredients to make more quality products as well as pay for my production space.
My goal for this spring was to release my Chai Kits for the public to purchase at events this summer and on my website. They are already designed and I was taking steps towards production for them right before the lock down. Not knowing the extent or the severity of this crisis, I had planned to purchase the boxes on a credit card. After carefully reviewing my expenses to keep living and producing/shipping tea on my website, I reevaluated and concluded the times are too uncertain and risk was too high to proceed.
The one thing I am certain about is that I love giving people tea, and doing so over the past month has given me strength each day to get up and get those bags out. Getting these kits made and into your hands is a goal that I've had for well over a year. Its always been one step at a time for me because thats all Ive ever been able to do on my own. The notion that people would be able to buy these kits and make their own Flowerhead Chai at home is something that would be so special during this time. With your help, I will be able to produce these boxes as soon as possible, assemble them, get them online and into your homes.
Even if you have just taken the time to read this whole thing, Thank you. To all the people who have purchased tea or posted photos of support online, I cannot tell you how much it encourages me and helps me to not lose hope. I miss all of my little Flowerheads so so much. I really hope everyone is staying safe, healthy, and resetting priorities in their lives. These Chai kits are the only hugs I am allowed to give out for the unforseeable future. Honestly, this has been a really tough decision, but I decided it is a necessary risk to stay focused, not lose sight of my goals, and keep doing everything I can to give everyone Flowerhead Tea. I love you all so much, xoxo - Karina
It feels extremely strange in these times to be doing this but I am reaching out for support to have my Chai Kits produced for my tea company, Flowerhead. I am a small business owner living in Oakland and the direction of my company has drastically shifted in the last month. The majority of my income was wholesale orders to cafes around the bay area, many of those are now closed due to shelter in place. The other large part of my income was from serving tea to people at public/private events and craft markets. All of my tea events have been cancelled or postponed until at least September of this year. Although I am truly grateful for the support of people purchasing tea through my online store, I have been devastated by the loss of the majority of my accounts and the events that I rely on each season.
I have not received any money from SBA, PPP, or other loans that I have applied for. I am the sole owner and operator of my company. I don't live from paycheck to paycheck, I live from sale to sale. I put all of my profit back into the business by continuing to purchase the best ingredients to make more quality products as well as pay for my production space.
My goal for this spring was to release my Chai Kits for the public to purchase at events this summer and on my website. They are already designed and I was taking steps towards production for them right before the lock down. Not knowing the extent or the severity of this crisis, I had planned to purchase the boxes on a credit card. After carefully reviewing my expenses to keep living and producing/shipping tea on my website, I reevaluated and concluded the times are too uncertain and risk was too high to proceed.
The one thing I am certain about is that I love giving people tea, and doing so over the past month has given me strength each day to get up and get those bags out. Getting these kits made and into your hands is a goal that I've had for well over a year. Its always been one step at a time for me because thats all Ive ever been able to do on my own. The notion that people would be able to buy these kits and make their own Flowerhead Chai at home is something that would be so special during this time. With your help, I will be able to produce these boxes as soon as possible, assemble them, get them online and into your homes.
Even if you have just taken the time to read this whole thing, Thank you. To all the people who have purchased tea or posted photos of support online, I cannot tell you how much it encourages me and helps me to not lose hope. I miss all of my little Flowerheads so so much. I really hope everyone is staying safe, healthy, and resetting priorities in their lives. These Chai kits are the only hugs I am allowed to give out for the unforseeable future. Honestly, this has been a really tough decision, but I decided it is a necessary risk to stay focused, not lose sight of my goals, and keep doing everything I can to give everyone Flowerhead Tea. I love you all so much, xoxo - Karina
Organizer
Karina Vlastnik
Organizer
Oakland, CA