Meet Jennifer April 26, 2010

Jennifer Portaro is the type of girl you just want to be around. She’s spunky, full of life and laughter, and just an all-around good person. Her parents founded Iceni Tea, and she assists in the marketing/business side as well. I first met Jennifer when her fiance, my second cousin, was staying at my grandpa’s house for while as he made the transition to live in the South. Upon introduction, I was immediately drawn to Jen’s quiet calmness that seemed to radiate around her. Further conversation proved her to be a true delight–an intelligent woman with a warm smile.

As we wrap up our posts on this company, I thought it fitting to offer you a little background on one of the faces behind the business. I present to you, Jennifer:

10 Interesting Facts about Jen:

1. Her husband is my second cousin.
2. She loves to work with charities (Susan G. Komen, NC Children’s Promise, Humane Society)
3. She snowboards, hikes, dances and mountain bikes (whew!)
4. Her eclectic television tastes run from the Crosby Show to Mythbusters
5. She has an adorable dog named Leo
6. She just bought a new house!
7. She is new to the South 
8. One of her first Southern discoveries was Lexington barbecue
9. She just celebrated her one-year wedding anniversary
10. She likes Christmas music year-round.

Below are some pictures that highlight Jen’s life:

Jennifer and Jim on their 1-year anniversary

Isn’t she lovely?

  

 

Her dog Leo

Her new house

Check out that yard!!

Jennifer has provided me with much insight and information about Iceni Tea thoughout this blog process. Thank you, Jen for all your assistance! Through her, I have discovered a fantastic, tasteful, fun new tea company. I sincerely hope Iceni has much success and continues to thrive as a new business. I can tell it’s already on the path to greatness. See you soon, Jennifer!

The Company You Keep April 19, 2010

My parents used to have a saying, “You are known by the company you keep.” Growing up, I thought it was an quote they invented to keep me away from strange boys with piercings or girls who just wanted to gossip. However, I have since learned that this is a commonly repeated phrase, and one that I’m sure many children have imprinted on their intellect. Associations are important things. They represent our ideals, our goals and our future. Thus, it was nice to see that Iceni Tea is also a member of a larger association, the Tea Association of the United States of America. The Association’s Web site is a tea lover’s dream, with statistics and facts about the beverage, a calendar of tea-related events, a how-to about reading tea leaves, information on tea careers, and a tea certification test. To look at every single aspect of the Association would be overwhelming, as there is a seemingly unending supply of information, but let’s take a look at some of its most highlighted features:

1.  Tea Tours. There have not been any tea tours listed in the past couple of years, but shall we take a look at the fabulousness that is a tea tour? If one has a few thousand dollars to spend, this looks like an interesting, beautiful thing to do. In 2007, the tour was in China. The Web site describes the event activities including, “visiting tea estates and factories…(and) an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the culture and to gain a tiny insight as to just how revered tea is in China.”

China Tea Tour 2007

2.  Reading Tea Leaves. Let it be known that I am a Methodist. I am a rural-living, God-fearing Christian and things like reading palm lines or tea leaves is usually frowned upon. However, this was by far the most interesting page on the Web site. I would venture to say it is downright fascinating. I learned that the person whose future is being told is called the “Sitter.” The cup is to be taken in the left hand, moved in a circle three times fast so that the tea leaves cling to the sides. Then, the “Seer” will observe the pattern, and might have an observation such as this one, found on the site: 

 “The tea cup reveals good fortune for you. I see a lover and much success. I see the letter “L”- perhaps his name begins with “L” but you have not met him yet because he seems to be in the future – not far distant perhaps but not in the present. I see success is about to crown some venture you have undertaken or are about to undertake. But there seems to be difficulties closing in upon you in the near future.”

Tea Leaf Reading Diagram

Not quite. I’m married and his name is Robert. It’s still fun though:)

3.  Tea Test. The site claims that “if you’re in the business of selling tea today, then you also need to be in the business of educating consumers about tea.” It is advertised that this test will maximize a tea company’s sales and profit potential. Upon browsing the test, I can see how it would help. The questions range from historical (When, where and by whom was tea first discovered?) to informational (How many types of tea are there?). For every question—there are 34, there is a detailed answer available. This is an excellent resource to learn some quirky, useful and interesting facts about tea and I can definitely see how this knowledge would make a tea company more informed and helpful. 

Tea Test Welcome Screen

I believe my parents would not object to my keeping company with such an Association. They’re far too worried about my sister, who is coming to N.C. State in the fall with a penchant for cute boys in red.  

My First Love: The Dictionary April 12, 2010

  I have a confession. I am an English nerd. Do you want to know how I spent my Saturday? Attending a grammar conference in Raleigh, and  

  loving every single minute of it. I thrilled when we finally cleared up the “who vs. whom” controversy. I almost jumped out of my seat when

  she selected me to teach a section on plural vs. singular noun-verb agreement. I love this stuff. It’s no surprise then, that one of my favorite

  features of Iceni Tea’s Web site is its “Definitions” page. For a bibliophile like me, this page is pure heaven. Iceni provides the reader with

  definitions to the many types of teas they sell. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting ones:

Assam: A strong full-bodied black tea with a rich robust flavor grown in the Northeast section of India.  

Assam Tea

Lapsang Souchong: Fine grade China black tea with a distinctive smoky flavor which is derived from a unique drying process.  

Lapsang Souchong Tea

Muscatel: A characteristic reminiscent to grapes. Also describes an exceptional characteristic found in the liquors of the finest second flush Darjeeling tea. 

Muscatel Tea

PU-ER / PU-Erh: Technically classified not as black, but dark black. The best of which is aged for decades before use. The base may be green or black tea and its tastes and aromas can range from earthy to elegant. 

Pu-Er Tea

It’s just nice to see when a company goes out of its way to inform its potential buyers of the products it’s offering. This makes me feel more knowledgeable about Iceni’s products and I am now more inclined to peruse the Web site and make a purchase. It’s a simple, informative marketing tool that the company is using wisely.

I don’t know about you, but I certainly feel more informed from these definitions. There is a word game, similar to Scrabble, that I play with my family called Banagrams. You can be that I’m going to be knocking their socks off next time by throwing a little curve ball I like to call “Lapsang Souchong.” 

Inquisitive Minds Want to Know April 5, 2010

When I was in fourth grade, I received the horrid grade of “S” on my report card. The “S” was not in math, though that certainly wasn’t my strong suit. Nor was it in science, where I daydreamed more than listened, and it certainly wasn’t in English. No, the “S,” which stood for Satisfactory (every over-achieving student’s worst nightmare-only “O” for Outstanding would do), was for “excessive talking.” Yet, what the teacher did not write on my report card was that my excessive talking was not gossip. It was not chit-chat. I was asking too many questions, too frequently. I would constantly turn to my peers and ask for clarification, or raise my hand obnoxiously to receive further detail. I was simply too inquisitive. As I grew, I came to appreciate this side of my intellect. It is so important to ask all sorts of questions—sometimes it’s the only way to learn. Thus, one of my favorite aspects of any help Web site or feature is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. Lucky for us, Iceni Tea has an excellent FAQ section on their Web site, with answers that range from scientific to historical. Below are some examples, followed by my commentary.

Iceni Tea FAQs

Q. What is a scone?

A. Traditionally associated with England, scones originated in Scotland, were triangular and often made with oats and baked on a griddle on top of a stove. Modern scones can be triangular, round or square, are flour based, baked in an oven and are sweet and savory. Scones are neither cake nor bread but more like a flavorful moist “fine bread” or “quick bread”.

Knowing that scones are flour-based helps me understand their flaky and sometimes starchy consistency. The only modern ones I’ve ever seen have been triangular, but it’s interesting that they can also be made in round or square shapes.

Q. What are curds?

A. Curds are a fine fruit butter.

Who knew? I thought curds were just little clumps of old milk. I never considered fruit, nor the word “fine.”Learn something new every day!

Q. What is organic tea?

A. Organic tea requires specific growing and processing techniques to certify that the tea was grown without using any chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides for at least 3 years.

I knew that many painstaking processes went into place before a product could be certified organic, but I never knew those processes had to be maintained for at least three years. This is very interesting, as it shows me that companies that provide organic goods have made a long commitment to such quality.

  Q. What is clotted cream?

A. Clotted cream is a thick cream made primarily in South West England (Cornwall and Devon) by heating unpasteurized milk until a layer of cream forms on its surface and develops ‘clots’ that are then cooled and skimmed off. Generally served with jam and is traditionally used instead of butter.

 I have never heard of clotted cream, but this sounds creamy and delicious.

I always love learning more about a favorite product, and Iceni’s FAQ page is an excellent resource. I give it an “O.”

Iceni Tea and Yahoo! E-Commerce March 29, 2010

One of my goals for 2010 (besides cutting out in-between-meal snacks and gossiping less), is to open a store on etsy.com, a handmade and vintage goods marketplace. I think the idea of being able to use the Internet in this way, to share goods with the world, especially those who might not live in an area where your product is available, is a fantastic way to use this technology. While perusing the Iceni Tea site this weekend, I noticed a little bar at the bottom of their home page that looked a little something like this:

Yahoo! E-Commerce Tab

Curious, I clicked on the link and was taken to the Yahoo! E-Commerce Web page. The page is divided into six categories that provide everything a small business would need to create a substantial, design-oriented Web presence. The entire package costs a business $39.95 a month. The categories are:

1. Design Tools: On this tab, users can create a personalized design layout for their store, or pick a pre-designed theme created     by a professional.  This is also the place where links are created and placed, and color palettes are established. From here, you can choose to have your links on the left-hand side of your Web page, or on the top. Using this tool, Iceni Tea placed their links on the top menu of their page, as shown below:

Iceni's Home Page

2. Product Information: On this tab at Yahoo!, the user can use an ecommerce wizard to add product details. This information is found on the Home Page and other pages within the Web site. An example of this is Iceni’s “Loose Leaves” page, which lists product information in a visually stunning way:

Iceni Product Information

3. Billing: From here, the site creater can decide to accept credit, debit or PayPal payments and set up accounts with which to do so. On their “About Us” page, Iceni mentions they accept major credit cards and debit cards as long there is a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover symbol on it. They also also accept Paypal.

4.  Marketing: This site on Yahoo! offers free marketing features and discounts that are designed to direct traffic to the user’s online shop. Such marketing features include coupons, grand opening e-mails and cross-sell tools. Iceni has successfully marketed itself through Facebook and LinkedIn and has not needed to pay for these services (which cost extra).

5. Processing: This tool is where site administrators process orders and prepare shipments. It is an internal tool that is included in Yahoo!’s e-commerce package. This is also the place to establish security features such as the Secure Socket Layer that protects customer financial data.

6. Tracking: This tool allows site administrators to track their shop’s success with reporting capabilities that maximize marketing efforts by identifying and targeting the lead sources that visit and purchase goods on the site.

I was happy to see that Iceni has taken advantage of this excellent resource and has set up its store in a way that is visually dynamic and customer friendly. I am thinking more and more about forgoeing a site that is already created for me (such as on etsy.com), and instead branching out on my own into the crazy, interesting world of ecommerce. Now, if I could only cut out those in-between-meal snacks…

Iceni on Facebook March 22, 2010

    There are many humorous groups and fan pages that one can join on Facebook. A few specific examples that I find  

   especially great are being a fan of “Randomly laughing because you remembered something funny,” “Regularly   

   opening the fridge and standing gazing inside for no reasonat all,” and “I hate getting texts that only say ‘k’.

However, with so many awesome options, it can be difficult for a legitimate product to make its way into fan pages and really take advantage of the great advertising opportunities that Facebook presents. Iceni Tea has its own fan page on Facebook, where new products are discussed and photos are posted. It is an excellent supplement to Iceni’s official Web page, and utilizes social networking to the fullest. In fact, it is through Facebook that my cousin (Iceni’s creator), told me about her new company. Especially for a product that is geographically based many miles away from me, this Facebook page is a great way to stay up-to-date with the many goings on that are happening at the store.

Iceni Tea’s Facebook page has many tabs, including: 

Wall: Here, similar to a personal wall, real-time status updates concerning Iceni are posted for all fan members to read. For instance, a      wall post from February reads, “Looking for a dessert without the guilt? Try our NEW Chocolate Souffle Tea – a Rooibos blend w/real chocolate pieces in the blend. Visit http://www.icenitea.com for that and other delicious blends.” 

Iceni's Wall Page

 

 

  Info: Come here for background information about how the company was started, its mission statement, and the different types of products

  offered at the store.

Iceni's Info Page

Photos: Similar to the photos found on Iceni’s home page, there are gorgeous up-close pictures of loose leaf tea, tea wares, and food products. This is a great visual reminder of Iceni’s delicious offerings.

Iceni's Photos Page

Notes: Iceni utilizes Facebook’s “Notes” page to write descriptions of and directions to the many shops around Michigan that sell its products. This is extremely helpful, as it goes into a little more detail about each shop than is listed on its Web site.

Iceni's Notes Page

So go ahead, become a fan of “I say ‘OK’ when you’re speaking but I’m really not listening.” However, make sure and save some room in that Fan section of your profile for Iceni, a great product with an informative, current page that caters to its fans through excellent use of social networking.

 

Luck of the Irish March 16, 2010

I’ve never been one to full-out celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. In elementary school, I was always pinched against my will, screaming “But I’m wearing green socks!! You just can’t see them under my super sweet light-up tennis shoes!!” I had friends who wore leprechaun earrings and appliqué sweatshirts with 3-D clovers on them. Not me. I followed a pretty strict baggy-Wal-Mart-sweaters-only wardrobe routine all throughout my gloriously awkward adolescence, and that did not budge for anything, especially not the fleeting moment of pain that came with each pinch. Because of course-pinches are temporary. Kelly Kapowski-inspired bangs and acid wash jeans are forever.

However, as I’ve grown, I’ve come to appreciate the holiday a little more for its joviality and culture. I’ll still undoubtedly forget to wear green tomorrow, but at least my tea utensils can be festive! Iceni Tea offers a multitude of Irish-inspired tea ware, perfectly speckled with tiny shamrocks to make even the most ordinary task seem special and lucky.

Offerings include:

1. Earthenware Shamrock Tea Pot ($29.99): Dishwasher safe, this little cutie would look darling on your stovetop. It holds six cups of coffee and is also microwave safe. For something a little lighter, consider the Small Shamrock Tea Pot ($19.99). Holding two cups, this adorable little gem is perfect for brewing a pot of tea for one or two.

Earthenware Shamrock Tea Pot

2. Shamrock Mug ($6.99): Throw away that old corporate stinker you’ve been pouring coffee and tea into for years! This Earthenware mug holds eight ounces and is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Shamrock Mug

3. Shamrock Tea Bag Rest ($6.99): I didn’t even realize they made these things until now. What a handy idea! My stove at home always gets spotted with little light-brown tea stains from slinging the bag out of the hot water. This is perfect for setting your used tea bags, and is also perfect for holding your tea strainer.

Shamrock Tea Bag Rest

4. Shamrock Sugar and Creamer ($21.99). I store my sugar and creamer in Tubberware containers. How boring! These lovely dishes would look great sitting on a countertop year-round. Dishwasher safe, they are also practical.

Shamrock Sugar and Creamer

Whether Thursday morning brings a sleepy hangover or a bruised arm from too much pinching, there will definitely be a need for comforting, delicious tea. Make your own luck with these special items from Iceni!

Days Gone By March 8, 2010

Since moving into a little brick cottage built in the 1940s, I have come to love vintage charm. My home is filled with timeless pieces and retro flair. The more I see of modern trends, the more certain I am that the bygone days are just simply a timeless, beautiful period. One particular trend that seems to be getting lost is the tea party. The emergence of Starbucks, paired with our fast-paced culture, has made grabbing a cup of coffee on the run the popular way to enjoy a hot beverage. It seems that taking the time for a formal, seated tea party is a thing of the past. Nowhere is this more obvious to me than my china cabinet. My uncle has visited countless flea markets and online auctions to get myself and each of my cousins authentic, vintage china from the 1930s-1960s. The one dish most prevalent in my massive collection? Tea cups. I could host the most amazing tea party with my retro, colorful collection. However, these dainty beauties have hung lonely on my shelves, replaced by enormous coffee mugs branded with corporate logos. Wouldn’t it be fun to gather your friends for a delightful party beside some big beautiful shade trees and flowers like the photo below?

Tea Party on the University of London Lawn

Now, Iceni Tea has made it possible to host a most special tea party with their retro-inspired tea ware. Selections include:

English-Style Teapots ($19.00) : Isn’t everything classier in England? These adorable pots come in hunter green, clean white or lemon yellow. Each pot holds six cups and is dishwasher safe.

English-Style Teapots

 Aranware Creamer and Sugar Bowl ($43.99): These ceramic beauties will look beautiful on your shelves. Throw away those plastic Tubberware containers and serve your guests in style.

Aranware Creamer and Sugar Bowl

Winter Bouquet Tea Cup ($8.99): Nothing says vintage charm quite like floral print. Made in England, this delicate cup will hold 10 ounces of tea. These would be just perfect for a summer tea party on your lawn.

Winter Bouquet Tea Cup

Handcrafted Rustic Tea Set ($65.00): Truly a southern belle, this set is made in Tennessee and comes in a gorgeous color pairing of paprika brown/black or white/black. The set includes one teapot and two cups that look delicate, but are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Handcrafted Rustic Tea Set

The weather is getting more beautiful, begging us to go outside. Today I beg you-step away from the Starbucks and step back into a quieter, calmer time with a sunshine-filled tea party.

Great Partnerships March 1, 2010

  Don’t you love it when great entities mesh and partner with other great entities? Great partners of our time include Johnny Depp and Tim  

  Burton, Barnum and Bailey, and Siskel and Ebert. What makes these powerhouse pairs so perfect? Each member is equally talented, special

  and unique on his own. However, when combined, they form an unstoppable force of genius and creativity. In a similar fashion, Iceni Tea has

  partnered with several Michigan shops and boutiques, combining powerful flavor with something equally as powerful—retail. Next time you

  happen to find yourself in northern Michigan, check out Iceni’s offerings at these nearby stores:

1.  Jefferson Market: This Ann Arbor eatery uses local vendors to create healthy, delicious breakfasts, brunches and bakery goods. The Knot magazine voted it the “Best Local Cake Vendor 2008/2009.” This woman-owned company was started by an interior designer with an eye for design and a knack for baking. The result is a beautifully chic restaurant with delicious offerings. http://jeffersonmarketandcakery.com.

Jefferson Market

2.  Boulevard Market: Opened in 2004 by a local married couple, this market has a distinct family atmosphere. Its focus is on artisan cheeses and global specialty foods, as well as an eclectic selection of wines and import and craft brewed beers. Corners Creamery, located within the market, churns out fresh cheese daily, making about 200 pounds each week. Can’t get any fresher! www.boulevardmarket.com 

Boulevard Market

3.  Main Dish Kitchen: Sometimes there just isn’t enough time in the day. Main Dish understands this and offers a fantastic catering service. Their meals range from Family Size (feeds 4-6) to single serve and there are more than 24 new meal choices each month. Plus, it’s economical at an average cost of only $3.50 per serving. You can even come into the kitchen and prepare your own dish, if you want. This saves valuable clean-up time at home and makes for a fun family event! http://maindishkitchen.com 

Main Dish Kitchen

4.  Hiller’s Market: This grocery store offers gourmet selections and healthy choices. Created in 1941, the market is a Michigan staple that prides itself on being “Your neighborhood store, where satisfaction meets selection.” With departments ranging from Fruits and Vegetables to Sea and Stream, there’s sure to be something at this eatery to delight you. www.hillers.com 

Hiller's Market

Girl Power February 22, 2010

As a female, I love anything that empowers and embraces womanhood. I love chick flicks, pretty power suits, and Oprah. And when you think about it, tea is the perfect symbol of the ultimate femininity- it can be sweet, strong, bold and mellow all at the same time and still be amazing. Yet, tea can be masculine too, which is important in achieving the ever-vital balance between Mars and Venus in this world. How fitting then, that Iceni Tea chose to exhibit its products at three expositions in Michigan that center solely around women and their tastes? Below are the three upcoming events in which Iceni is sure to turn heads.

The Bay City Times 7^th Annual Women’s Expo:

When:  Saturday, March 6, 2010, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  5221 Bay City Road, Midland, MI

What to Do:  From gardening tips to a New York-style fashion show, this expo will provide hours of fun for every type of girl. It just so happens that I am a food type of girl, and this expo even provides something for me. I can start the day with a mimosa, move on to a tropical breakfast of cinnamon sugar French toast with mango and strawberry syrup, then work all the calories off in a rendition of Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” dance at 3 p.m. Can’t beat that.

Bay City Times Expo

West Michigan’s Women’s Expo:

When:  March 12-14, 2010, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. -8 p.m. / Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where:  DeVos Place-303 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

What to Do:  A corporate-driven event, this expo provides women with the opportunity to sell their products and promote their brands. It’s a great place to network with thousands of women and meet future customers. There will be sections for vendors focusing on Fashion and Beauty, Health and Wellness, Décor and More, Shopping, Family, Career Planning, Community Involvement, Vacation Planning and more.

West Michigan Women's Expo

Michigan International Women’s Show

When:  April 29-May 2, 2010

Where:  Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan

What to Do:  Catered after my own heart, this show will teach you how to make delicious sandwiches, save money by shopping at Kroger, and whiten your teeth, all at the same spot.  Top Chef Winner Michael Voltaggio will be a celebrity guest.

Michigan International Women's Show

So what do all three of these events have in common? They promote healthy, strong women. They encourage productivity and female entrepreneurship. Oh, and delicious Iceni tea will be served at all of them. Who wants to fly to Michigan with me?