LifecanbetoffI’ve mentioned in the past how I’m an advocate for small, local business and after hearing the success story of one inspiring individual.
I decided to set up my Small Business Focus piece, where I hope to introduce one business and the person behind the business, each month.
For this month, I’m starting with Hoogly Tea and it’s Director and creator, Tina Gloggengieser.
Small Business Focus: Hoogly Tea
I first came across Hoogly after winning a competition on Twitter last year and have previously mentioned it in one of my “I’m currently” series.
My prize included a selection of teas, and from that moment on, I have been hooked. I think the website motto speaks volumes for what Hoogly is.
Hoogly is the pronunciation of ‘hyggelig,’ a nordic word used describe the combined feelings of warmth and well being.
We invite you now to have a hoogly time drinking one of our delicious and indulgent brews, and be seduced by the wonderfully relaxing Danish way of life.
As someone that never really strayed away from the bog standard English Breakfast brew, I wasn’t sure what to expect from these varied and unusual flavour blends.
I’d never tried Chai and Chinese White tea was a completely new concept to me (the Sparkling White tea is perfectly refreshing I find) but I was glad I ventured into the unknown.
Now, less from me, here is my first Small Business Focus interview! Enjoy!
Tina Gloggengieser,Hoogly Tea
So Tina, tell us about you.
So, I am Danish but moved to Brighton when I was 5 years old.
Brighton is a great city to live in. My family are back in Denmark and my parents live in Bangkok.
I enjoy playing tennis, golf and eating good food.
What inspired you to start Hoogly?
I have always been very passionate about food and I love tea, so decided to create foods and tastes that I love in a cup of tea, using natural ingredients.
I am a qualified chef, studied nutrition and journalism, so with this background and my love for food and tea I decided to create my own tea company.
What has been your biggest success to date?
Hoogly Teas biggest success to date was going on The Sunday Brunch show with Meik Wiking (author of the Little Book of Hygge) talking about Hygge (the Danish way of life which Hoogly is all about).
As well as getting Hoogly stocked in Selfridges and working with some prestige hotels and restaurants.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge was getting the branding right and learning the industry.
Out of the entire range of Hoogly blends (currently 18 blends), which is your favourite?
My favourite blends from the Hoogly Tea range varies from time to time, currently I’d say Jasmine Dawn, Apple Strudel and Danish pastry.
I love Green and White teas personally.
Your blends are described as lovingly created and hand blended – does this mean you are always in the background thinking up new flavours to introduce to the range?
Oh yes, I’ve constantly got ideas and a long list of blends I want to do, but for business reasons the more you have the more complicated it gets to manage, so I’ve been told to not to get too carried away 🙂
It’s been a stressful day at the office, it’s raining outside and I need to wind down and relax with a cup of tea– which blend do you suggest?
After a rainy day, Hoogly Tea is perfect for winding down and relaxing with, I would recommend all of them, depending on your acquired taste, what one person may love the other won’t.
Around the Fire will certainly warm you up, it’s very oaky with a hint of chilly in it. But, if you prefer gentle herbal teas a Spiced Orange and Marzipan will be great.
What’s next for Hoogly?
Next for Hoogly is just continuing to grow, mainly focus on working with luxury hotels, cafes and restaurants. And of course, keep creating new delicious blends.
Tina, thank you for taking part in my small business focus. I wish you all the very best of success in your future endeavours.
If you haven’t yet visited the Hoogly website, I suggest you do so now! You won’t be left disappointed with your purchase
I hope you have enjoyed this insight into the people behind small businesses. I look forward to conducting more interviews and sharing success stories with you in the coming months!
Peace out!
Jangles x
Great post and I enjoyed reading your interview with Tina. Im a big tea drinker so so definitely check out their website. Thanks for sharing, I like supporting small, independent businesses.
Thank you for your comment Kim! I forgot to mention in my piece that the Apple Strudel tea is another of my favourites in the autumn months. We have to sometimes, it’s the only way they will ever get through!
Love reading about local businesses! Must seek out some of this tea.
Love reading about local businesses! Must seek out some of this tea.
This is actually such a good idea. I have something similar on my blog. I’m introducing people I adore to more people.
The small businesses are lucky to have you promoting them x
Thanks Liza, I’ve just read yours too, a really great interview with no stone left unturned! Small businesses very rarely get the opportunity to shout about their successes so I hope I get the opportunity to continue doing that for them.
This is actually such a good idea. I have something similar on my blog. I’m introducing people I adore to more people.
The small businesses are lucky to have you promoting them x
Thanks Liza, I’ve just read yours too, a really great interview with no stone left unturned! Small businesses very rarely get the opportunity to shout about their successes so I hope I get the opportunity to continue doing that for them.