Going Green had the chance to sit down with Alicia Beckford, Founder of Sips Tea, to discuss how her unique experience in education led her to starting her own organic tea company and online e-commerce store.
Alicia, thanks for being here today. Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
I’m a 31 year old California native, born and raised in Los Angeles. I’m the offspring of a Louisiana raised woman and Jamaican father. I attended And graduated from Dorsey High School, class of 2007 and Everest College 2011, with my Medical Assisting Diploma that means nothing due the school losing accreditation shortly after I graduated.
I now have unnecessary student loans the Department of Education refuse to relieve, although I’m no longer qualified to work in my field of studies, due to the school having a bad reputation and failing to keep accreditation. I felt it was a sign to not work in the shady medical industry, and cure the world with natural herbs. With my tenacity to heal others without being employed in the medical industry, Sips Tea was born.
What is a fun fact about you?
I’m a very versatile person. I can do any and everything I put my mind to. I can paint, style hair, cook(my first love), play instruments(violin, trumpet, trombone, baritone and now learning guitar); fix phones, assemble furniture and so much more. You name it, I can do it. The fact I can take a variety of herbs and turn it into a delicious iced tea or cool aid is a pretty cool fact about me.
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
The world is changing every single day. Every morning we wake up, is a morning closer to losing almost everything. Having natural resources or educating ourselves and others on how to survive in this world is crucial. At one point in time while we’re here on this earth, we’re going to need to know how to survive without the things we are used to; especially technology and livestock.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
Although I truly believe it will take less than 10 years, I can see my industry being a staple for communities that are deprived of natural healthcare. I can see myself having multiple facilities all over the U.S.. It will be a huge inspiration for those who want to step foot in this industry but don’t know where to start. I want to inspire others to open up more natural health care facilities/spas.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
Honestly, I’ve always felt being kind and honest about who you are can make a great impact on the world. If enough people do this, it’ll become the new trend. The internet addicts love a new trend these days. Also, if enough people trust more natural resources over man-made “cures”There will be healthier people in the world. When our diets are healthy, it has a great effect on the brain. With a healthy brain, comes healthy decisions.
Going Green wants to thank Alicia for sharing her journey starting her Organic Tea Company.
Going Green, hosted by Dylan Welch, interviews leading experts in cleantech, sustainability, media, finance, and real estate on the Going Green podcast. Tune in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple or Spotify to listen to interviews with leading cleantech and sustainable experts. If you are interested in being featured on Going Green, click HERE.