People come by or schedule events because they see the great reviews and pictures posted on our Google Business Profile by other customers.
Brandi Shelton
Founder & CEO
Tea is more than just a beverage for Brandi Shelton, CEO of just add honey tea company. “It’s about a slower pace and a quieter environment, and the conversations and friendships that develop over a cup of tea,” she says. Brandi founded just add honey in 2006, selling her tea blends at pop-ups and farmers markets before opening a store and cafe in 2014. Her husband, Jermail, is now the chief development officer. Tea lovers can buy leaves and accessories online–about 35 percent of their sales–or shop in person while visiting the cafe. Women-owned, Atlanta bakeries supply the pastries, including the matcha brownies or Earl Grey cookies made with Brandi’s blends. Tastings, tea parties, and classes make up a growing part of the business, and the company sells to over 50 wholesale partners. Their Google Business Profile helps bring customers in, Brandi says: “People come by or schedule events because they see the great reviews and pictures posted by other customers.”
Insights from Google Analytics help Jermail shape their marketing strategy. “We can attract the people looking for our product based on the data, and use our ad spend more wisely because we don’t have to throw out a wide net,” he says. Now they’re growing about 20 percent year-over-year and plan to add a larger event space and production facility to go with their shop on the BeltLine, a 22-mile trail that connects neighborhoods and parks near the heart of Atlanta. Yet each cup is still infused with the Shelton’s enthusiasm and passion. “It doesn’t feel like a job, it feels like an opportunity,” Brandi says. “We keep finding new ways to grow, and that’s exciting.” Adds Jermail, “We’ve built a community around our product. We’ve seen people meet, then catered their wedding. People from different backgrounds share a conversation over our tea. I really, really love the community aspect our business fosters.”