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Since then, her range of tea has grown from one to 25 and her products are stocked in health food stores across the country.
Hilbert's brand, Tea Tonic, differentiates itself from the market through its premium grade organic quality tea. All Tea Tonic tea is manufactured in Australia using unbleached teabags.
Ahead of International Women's Day, Hilbert shares with Business News Australia her journey and what it has been like being a woman in her field of work.
1. How was Tea Tonic born?
Tea Tonic was born from my ongoing struggles as a child, teenager and young woman with skin issues. As a beginning naturopath, I developed a powerful herbal infusion I could drink which had a very significant effect on the quality of my skin. Working as a naturopath, I discovered that many other people were suffering similar skin problems to me and there was a demand for this type of product.Thus, "Complexion tea" and "Tea Tonic" were born from my intention to make tea that worked as tonics for the body in various ways, allowing people to incorporate a simple drinking tea into their busy lifestyles that has a positive effect.
2. What has been the biggest influence to your success?
Having a strong internal compass as to the integrity of my products and making sure all my tea are from the highest quality ingredients. Being organic and professionally formulated blends is the cornerstone of our success. Also, resisting the trend to follow the pack and to maintain our individuality and ensure strong points of difference in the marketplace. Tea Tonic is not just a business to me, but my passion.Everything that I want in a tea is the driving source for what I have created.
3. International Women's Day celebrates the achievements of women all around the globe. As a successful woman yourself, what does the day mean for you?
Hope! Hope that recognition of women's equality will grow and things will be even better in the future for my two daughters and following generations.4. What barriers have you faced as a woman in becoming successful in your field? How did you overcome them?
I did not have many female role models in the tea industry to look to, thus I looked to other women in other industries to inspire me to follow my dreams and passion. Women do need other women as role models.5. Based on our own experience, what advice would you give to women considering starting up their own business?
Go for it! Australia is one of the most open markets to create a new business. Do your homework, prepare as best you can and have passion in your decisions. Don't be intimidated if you don't know everything or you'll never take that first step. Seek out good advice, listen to it and if you are smart you'll make it happen as you go.6. What drives you every single day?
The greatest joy I get from my business is the many letters and emails from customers saying how much they love my tea or what great benefits they have derived from drinking it. As well, I love listening to all customers feedback, as they are the focus of my endeavours. This direct connection to my customers is very important and I find it stimulating in developing the next new blend.
Business News Australia
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