18 Business Ideas For Tea Enthusiasts [2024]
The world of tea is ever-expanding, offering numerous entrepreneurial opportunities for tea enthusiasts like you. Whether it’s through sharing your own unique blends or opening a cozy tea shop, the possibilities are diverse and exciting.
You could create a subscription box service, delivering unique teas from around the world to customers' doorsteps. Alternatively, developing an online store specializing in rare and high-quality teas might be another avenue worth exploring.
If you’re passionate about education, teaching tea-tasting classes or workshops could be a fulfilling venture. Whatever your interest, there are plenty of business ideas to consider that align with your love for tea.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other tea enthusiast businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog as a tea enthusiast can be an exciting way to share your love and knowledge of tea while supplementing your income. By creating unique and informative content such as tasting notes, brewing guides, and tea reviews, you could engage with a passionate online community of fellow tea lovers. Monetizing your blog through affiliate links, brand collaborations, and potentially expanding into related areas like YouTube could turn your passion for tea into a profitable side business or even a full-time venture. For more insights, you can explore more about niche blog profitability here.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could connect with a passionate community of tea lovers and build a loyal following.
- Monetize through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and collaborations with tea brands.
- Share your deep knowledge and passion for tea, turning your hobby into a rewarding business.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
As a tea enthusiast, starting a subscription box business offers an exciting opportunity to share your passion with others while supplementing your income. Subscription box businesses are in high demand, providing customers with niche products on a monthly basis and adding value through exclusive offerings. By curating unique tea selections and related items, you could build a loyal customer base and turn your love for tea into a profitable side business or even a full-time venture.
Why consider a subscription box business?
- It's a booming market with high demand, ensuring a steady customer base.
- You can showcase and share exclusive teas, enhancing customers' experiences and building loyalty.
- As a tea aficionado, you'll enjoy curating each box, turning your hobby into a profitable passion.
For more insights and success stories, you might want to explore: /ideas/subscription-box-business/success-stories
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
3. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
As a tea enthusiast, starting a YouTube channel could be a fantastic way to share your passion while supplementing your income or even creating a full-time business. By creating engaging content such as tea reviews, brewing techniques, or cultural insights into different types of teas, you could attract a dedicated audience who shares your interests. Monetization options like ads, sponsorships, and selling merchandise could turn your hobby into a lucrative venture.
Creating quality, consistent content and engaging with your audience are crucial for building a successful channel. If you're willing to invest the time and effort, the payoff can be both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. Check out this link to see how other YouTube channels have achieved success.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You could turn your love for tea into a profitable digital venture.
- You have the opportunity to educate and inspire a community of fellow tea enthusiasts.
- The platform allows for diverse content, from tutorials to vlogs, giving you creative freedom.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
4. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Starting a niche website dedicated to tea enthusiasts allows you to combine your passion for tea with the potential to generate extra income. By crafting specialized content that appeals to fellow tea lovers, you can build a loyal audience that shares your enthusiasm. Monetization options such as affiliate marketing, ad placements, and selling digital products can turn your knowledge and creativity into a steady revenue stream. If you're ready to dive deep into the world of tea and create engaging content, a niche website could be a rewarding side project or even a full-time business.
Find inspiration and success stories from tea niche websites on Starter Story.
Why start a niche website?
- You could create a community of fellow tea enthusiasts who share your passion.
- Your specialized content can attract targeted traffic, offering greater monetization potential.
- It provides creative freedom to explore and share various aspects of tea, from brewing techniques to product reviews.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
5. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
For a tea enthusiast looking to start a side business or generate extra income, creating and selling online courses about tea can be a rewarding venture. Share your passion and expertise about tea varieties, brewing techniques, and the cultural significance of tea. With the growing e-learning market, anticipated to exceed $645 billion, your initial efforts can yield significant returns over time.
Why start an online course sales business?
- The e-learning industry is booming, offering a lucrative opportunity.
- Turn your deep knowledge of tea into a passive income stream.
- Help others discover the joys and benefits of tea, enriching their lives while earning profit.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
6. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business is an excellent way for tea enthusiasts to turn their passion into a profitable venture. By purchasing unique tea-related products or curated tea selections, you could delight fellow enthusiasts with your keen eye for quality and variety. This business model allows you to tap into the booming online market without the hefty investments associated with production.
One of the best parts is that you do not need to create a website right away. Instead, you could start through social media platforms to build your customer base and then invest in a dedicated online store as you grow. Here are some success stories to get inspired and understand the potential of this business idea.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- You could provide unique and high-quality tea products that are hard to find, elevating the tea-drinking experience for your customers.
- Utilizing social media helps you build a community of tea lovers without needing to spend initially on a website.
- As a tea enthusiast, you already have the knowledge and passion required to curate an appealing product selection, making the business both fun and fulfilling.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
7. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business is a savvy move for tea enthusiasts looking to supplement their income. By leveraging your passion and knowledge about tea, you could promote products such as specialty teas, teaware, and accessories, earning a commission on each sale made through your referral. This allows you to monetize your hobby while sharing your love for tea with a broader audience.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- It's a low-cost startup with the potential for passive income, allowing you to earn even while you sleep.
- You can turn your tea knowledge and enthusiasm into a platform where you recommend high-quality products you believe in.
- The flexibility of affiliate marketing means you could easily run it alongside other commitments, making it an ideal side hustle.
Interested in learning more about how to get started? Check out this page for some helpful tips [link to /ideas/affiliate-marketing-business/tips].
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
8. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a tea enthusiast is a fantastic way to share your passion for tea while building a loyal audience. You could discuss tea varieties, brewing techniques, tea culture from around the world, and even interview tea experts or review tea products. By leveraging your love for tea, you have the potential to create engaging content that attracts both casual listeners and dedicated tea aficionados.
To jump into the podcasting world, you will need basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones, and choose a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes. Promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to grow your listener base and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers over time. For more inspiration, you can check out the podcasting inspiration on Starter Story.
Why start a podcast?
- You could monetize your passion for tea through sponsorships and advertising as your audience grows.
- You have the chance to establish yourself as a tea expert and influencer within the tea community.
- Creating a podcast allows you to connect with fellow tea enthusiasts and build a supportive, engaged community.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
9. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
As a tea enthusiast, starting a stock photography business allows you to combine your passion for tea with a profitable side venture. By capturing stunning images of tea varieties, tea settings, and the art of tea preparation, you could build an impressive portfolio that appeals to marketers, bloggers, and businesses in the tea industry. With the right photography gear and a keen eye for detail, you’ll be able to capture high-quality photos that have the potential to generate a steady stream of passive income.
Why consider a stock photography business?
- You could monetize your love for tea by selling high-quality, niche-specific photos that businesses use for marketing and advertising.
- You have the opportunity to create a portfolio that highlights your unique perspective on tea, attracting brands looking for authentic imagery.
- This business can be managed flexibly, allowing you to upload and sell your photos online while enjoying your tea passion.
Explore how to start your stock photography business by browsing these success stories and startup tips.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
10. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business is a great way for tea enthusiasts to share their love for tea while earning an income. You could design custom apparel, home goods, or unique tea-themed merchandise that resonates with fellow tea lovers. By leveraging platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or eBay, you could reach a global audience without worrying about inventory costs or complex logistics. Learn about the pros and cons of a print-on-demand business.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Low startup costs make it accessible for anyone, especially if you're passionate about tea and want to share your enthusiasm through unique designs.
- You could run this business from home, giving you the flexibility to balance it with your other commitments.
- Customizing tea-themed products allows you to connect with a niche audience, fostering a community of like-minded tea lovers.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
11. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
Creating an email marketing tool as a tea enthusiast offers a unique way to combine your passion with a thriving business opportunity. You could tailor your marketing tool to focus on niche markets, such as tea businesses, offering specialized templates, automated drip campaigns, and engaging newsletters that resonate with tea lovers. As the global email marketing tool market size is expected to reach $2.53B in 2028, now is an excellent time to dive into this lucrative field and carve out a niche for yourself.
Why create an email marketing tool?
- The demand for specialized tools tailored to niche markets like tea enthusiasts is growing.
- Email marketing remains one of the most effective marketing channels, offering high ROI.
- Combining your knowledge of tea with email marketing can create unique, effective campaigns that stand out.
For more information, you can check out email marketing tool startup costs.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
12. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business makes sense for tea enthusiasts who can combine their passion for tea with a tech-savvy approach to marketing. You could create engaging content calendars, schedule posts, and even automate customer interactions for tea brands, influencers, and small businesses within the tea industry. Your specialized knowledge about tea will allow you to tailor social media strategies that resonate well with the tea-loving community. To get an idea on profitability, you can explore examples from other entrepreneurs in the field.
Why start a social media automation business?
- You could use your tea expertise to create targeted, authentic content for tea-related social media accounts.
- Automating social media frees up time, allowing you to focus on perfecting your tea recipes or engaging with your community.
- There’s a growing demand for strategic social media engagement, especially within niche markets like tea enthusiasts.
For more insights, check out these successful social media automation business tips.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
13. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Consider starting a health and wellness app that caters specifically to tea enthusiasts. This platform could offer personalized wellness routines, including tea-based nutrition plans, guided relaxation techniques, and mindfulness exercises, all while tracking progress towards health goals. By integrating the soothing and beneficial properties of tea with other wellness activities, you could create a unique virtual coach, providing expert advice at any time.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could blend your passion for tea with health technology, offering a holistic approach to wellness.
- The app market is growing rapidly, providing substantial opportunities for financial success.
- You'll be able to make a meaningful contribution to people's lives by promoting healthier habits and stress relief through tea and other wellness practices.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
14. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business is a fantastic opportunity for tea enthusiasts to turn their passion into a profitable venture without the need for heavy upfront costs or managing inventory. By leveraging platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce and sourcing products from reliable suppliers on AliExpress, you could offer a curated selection of unique teas and tea accessories to your customers. The key to success lies in your ability to market effectively and provide excellent customer service, allowing you to gradually grow your side business into a full-fledged enterprise.
Why consider a dropshipping business?
- Minimal upfront investment required, allowing you to test the market without significant financial risk.
- Flexibility to focus on curating the best tea products and building a brand without the hassle of inventory management.
- Potential to scale your business rapidly by targeting a global audience and leveraging online marketing strategies.
For more insights and inspiration, check out these dropshipping business marketing ideas.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
15. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business can be a lucrative side venture for a tea enthusiast. If you've ever wanted to share your passion for tea with the world, you could create plugins tailored for tea blogs, tea e-commerce sites, or communities of tea lovers. These plugins could range from a tea recipe manager to an interactive tea calorie tracker, enhancing the user experience on tea-centered websites.
To learn more about starting a WordPress plugin business, you can visit this helpful guide on how to start a WordPress plugin business.
Why starting a WordPress plugin business?
- You align your tech skills with your tea passion, creating niche solutions for fellow tea enthusiasts.
- This business model allows you to generate passive income by selling your plugins on platforms like CodeCanyon.
- Developing these plugins can provide immense satisfaction as you offer unique, valuable tools to the tea community.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
16. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a tea enthusiast, you could turn your passion into a lucrative venture by creating a mobile app tailored to tea lovers worldwide. This app could offer features like tea brewing tutorials, personalized tea recommendations, a vibrant community of tea enthusiasts, or even a marketplace for unique tea blends and accessories. With mobile apps consistently integrated into daily life, the potential to engage users, foster a community, and generate revenue is substantial.
Why start a mobile app?
- You could connect with an ever-growing audience of tea lovers seeking quality content and community.
- Mobile apps offer a scalable platform for monetizing your passion through subscriptions, in-app purchases, or ads.
- An app allows for innovative tea-related features that enhance user experience, from AR tea visualizations to AI-based tea recommendations.
For more insights into starting a mobile app business, visit Starter Story's success stories on mobile apps.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
17. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Venturing into an AI-based business solution could be an intelligent move for tea enthusiasts looking to supplement their income or dive into a thriving side business. By incorporating AI, you could enhance operations in various tea-related enterprises, such as optimizing inventory management for your tea shop, providing personalized tea recommendations to customers, or analyzing market trends to predict the next big tea flavors. This approach not only boosts efficiency but also elevates customer satisfaction by offering tailored experiences, making it a strategic addition to your tea-centric business pursuits.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- You could streamline repetitive tasks, freeing up time to focus on what you love—tea.
- AI can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, helping you stay ahead of trends.
- It's a growing market with high demand, giving you a competitive edge and new revenue streams.
For more insights on starting an AI-based business solution, check out these success stories.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
18. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
For tea enthusiasts, starting a lead generation tool represents a unique opportunity to bridge your passion with the lucrative world of B2B marketing. Imagine harnessing your love for tea to identify and capture leads for tea-related businesses, such as tea shops, tea farms, or tea accessory manufacturers. Your tool could automate the often laborious process of finding new clients and streamline the marketing efforts of these businesses, helping them grow their customer base. If you have a knack for technology and an eye for marketing, this could be your next profitable venture.
Why create a lead generation tool?
- You could help tea businesses target the right customers, making their marketing efforts more effective.
- The demand for efficient lead generation is high, creating a potential stream of steady income.
- By focusing on tea-related businesses, you could carve out a niche market, setting your tool apart from generic lead generation platforms.
For more insights on launching a lead generation tool, check out these success stories from Starter Story.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
