We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eleftheria Karakatsina a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Eleftheria, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
As the owner of Greek Superherbs, I am often asked about how I found my purpose in creating this herbal tea business. It’s a story that resonates deeply with my personal journey and the values that drive me.
Growing up in Greece, I was surrounded by the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of my homeland. I was particularly drawn to the healing traditions and ancient wisdom associated with Greek herbs. I witnessed their remarkable effects on health and well-being, passed down through generations.
When my husband and I moved to Boston, I found myself longing for the familiar flavors and healing power of these Greek herbs. I noticed a gap in the market for high-quality herbal teas that captured the essence of Greece. It was then that I realized my purpose—to bring the healthiest part of Greece to the people here and share the benefits of these traditional herbs.
However, starting a business from scratch in a new country presented its fair share of challenges. Language barriers, cultural differences, and navigating unfamiliar business regulations were just a few of the obstacles I encountered. But my passion for Greek herbs and my determination to share their goodness kept me going.
I immersed myself in learning everything I could about entrepreneurship, herbalism, and the tea industry. I attended workshops, connected with local experts, and researched extensively to understand the preferences and needs of the American market. This constant pursuit of knowledge -and my husband who is a Doctor and a Harvard Researcher- helped me develop the skills necessary to create high-quality herbal tea blends that would resonate with my customers.
Overcoming these challenges required resilience and adaptability. I fostered an essential quality of perseverance, constantly reminding myself of my purpose and the impact I wanted to make. I surrounded myself with a supportive community, both online and offline, seeking guidance and inspiration from other entrepreneurs who had faced similar hurdles.
Finding my purpose wasn’t a linear process. It was a journey of self-discovery, exploration, and continuous growth. As I worked tirelessly on my business, I found joy in witnessing the positive impact of Greek Superherbs on people’s lives. Customers shared stories of improved well-being, moments of tranquility, and a connection to a culture they had come to admire through our teas.
Through Greek Superherbs, I found not only my purpose but also a way to contribute to the well-being of others. Each cup of our herbal tea is a bridge connecting two worlds, blending ancient wisdom with modern lifestyles. It’s a reminder of the beauty and power of nature, and it’s a testament to the resilience and determination that brought me here today.
In the end, finding my purpose was about staying true to my roots, embracing challenges, and channeling my passion into a business that reflects the values I hold dear. Greek Superherbs is not just a tea brand; it’s a representation of my journey, my heritage, and my commitment to bringing health and happiness to others.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’d be happy to share more about Greek Superherbs and what makes it exciting and special. Greek Superherbs is not just a tea business; it’s a passion project that combines my love for Greek culture, my commitment to health and wellness, and my entrepreneurial spirit.
I just love creating premium herbal tea blends using traditional medicinal Greek herbs. My infusions are carefully crafted to capture the unique flavors, aromas, and therapeutic properties of these herbs. I source our ingredients directly from Greece -like Ikaria, Crete, Magnesia, Mount Olympus-, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity.
What sets Greek Superherbs apart is my dedication to promoting holistic well-being. I believe in the power of nature and its ability to nourish both the body and the soul. My herbal teas are crafted with a deep understanding of the health benefits associated with each herb, offering a range of blends designed to support various aspects of wellness.
One of the most exciting aspects of Greek Superherbs is the opportunity to introduce people to the wonders of Greek herbs and their rich cultural heritage. Each sip of our tea transports you to the picturesque landscapes of Greece, where these herbs have been cherished for centuries. I strive to create an immersive experience that goes beyond just a cup of tea.
In terms of what’s new and upcoming, I am thrilled to announce the launch of our expanded product line. I have developed new herbal tea blends that combine traditional Greek herbs with complementary flavors, allowing our customers to explore a wider range of tastes and benefits. I’ll give you two keywords: Olive Leaves (shhhhh it’s still a secret). My focus remains on creating unique, high-quality teas that promote wellness and provide a moment of tranquility in my customers’ busy lives.
Additionally, I are actively working on establishing partnerships with local health and wellness organizations, as well as collaborating with experts in the field to offer educational workshops and events. I believe in the importance of sharing knowledge and empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.
I am also exploring opportunities for expansion beyond my online presence. I aim to make Greek Superherbs more accessible to customers through partnerships with retail stores, health-conscious cafes, and wellness centers.
Overall, Greek Superherbs is more than just a tea brand. It’s a vehicle for connecting people to the beauty and benefits of Greek herbs, promoting well-being, and sharing a piece of Greek culture.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey with Greek Superherbs, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been particularly impactful in my entrepreneurial journey:
Passion and Persistence: Passion is the driving force behind any successful endeavor. It fuels motivation, creativity, and the ability to overcome obstacles. In my case, my passion for Greek herbs and the desire to share their benefits kept me focused and determined, even in the face of challenges. Persistence is equally important because entrepreneurship is a journey filled with ups and downs. My advice to those starting their journey is to find something they are truly passionate about and let that passion guide them. Cultivate it, nurture it, and let it fuel your determination to keep going, even when things get tough.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The world of entrepreneurship is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial to stay informed and adapt to changes. Throughout my journey, I realized the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement. I dedicated time to research, attended workshops, connected with industry experts, and sought feedback from customers. This allowed me to stay ahead of trends, improve my products and services, and make informed decisions. My advice to early-stage entrepreneurs is to embrace a growth mindset and actively seek opportunities to learn and expand their knowledge. Stay curious, be open to feedback, and be willing to adapt your strategies and approaches as you gain new insights.
Building a Supportive Network: Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of like-minded individuals is invaluable. Building relationships with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and industry professionals has been instrumental in my journey. They provided guidance, support, and valuable insights based on their own experiences. Networking events, online communities, and industry conferences are great avenues to connect with like-minded individuals. My advice to those starting out is to actively seek out mentors and build relationships with individuals who can offer guidance and support. Collaboration and community can provide a strong foundation and help navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship more effectively.
In summary, my advice to early-stage entrepreneurs is to cultivate passion, persistence, continuous learning, adaptability, and a strong support network. These qualities and skills have played a crucial role in my own journey with Greek Superherbs, and I believe they can help others thrive in their entrepreneurial pursuits. Remember that entrepreneurship is a journey, and it’s essential to enjoy the process, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and never stop learning and improving.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience for entrepreneurs, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities and facing the inevitable challenges that come with running a business. Here are some strategies that I have found helpful when feeling overwhelmed:
Prioritize and Delegate: Start by identifying the most important tasks or projects that require your immediate attention. Focus on those that will have the most significant impact on your business. Delegate tasks that can be handled by others, whether it’s hiring employees, outsourcing, or seeking support from freelancers or virtual assistants. Delegating allows you to free up time and mental energy to focus on critical areas of your business.
Break It Down: Sometimes, overwhelming situations can be managed by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Create a to-do list and break down complex projects into smaller action steps. This helps to create a sense of progress and accomplishment as you tackle each task individually.
Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care: When feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to prioritize self-care. Take short breaks throughout the day to recharge and clear your mind. Engage in activities that help you relax and unwind, such as going for a walk, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential for maintaining resilience and managing stress.
Seek Support and Talk it Out: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your support network when feeling overwhelmed. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or fellow entrepreneur who can provide a listening ear or offer guidance. Sometimes, simply venting your concerns or discussing your challenges with someone who understands can provide valuable perspective and relief.
Practice Time Management: Effective time management is crucial for avoiding overwhelm. Break your day into blocks of focused work, allowing time for specific tasks, meetings, and breaks. Utilize productivity techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique (working in short, focused bursts with regular breaks) or time-blocking, to maximize your productivity and create a sense of structure.
Learn to Say No: As an entrepreneur, it’s important to set boundaries and recognize your limitations. Learn to say no to commitments or opportunities that do not align with your goals or will stretch you too thin. Focus on the essential tasks and projects that align with your priorities and values.
Remember, feeling overwhelmed is normal, but it’s how you manage and respond to it that matters. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to adjust your approach as needed. By taking proactive steps to address overwhelm, you can regain control, maintain focus, and continue moving forward in your entrepreneurial journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://greeksuperherbs.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greeksuperherbs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greeksuperherbsco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbo37wQA4oV2M6kkrCl_Opw
Image Credits
Eleftheria Karakatsina (me)
