Sipping Success: Teakeasy Brings Luxury Tea to Pflugerville

Sipping Success: Teakeasy Brings Luxury Tea to Pflugerville Main Photo

4 Oct 2024


Blog, News

How a Black-Owned Business is Brewing Community and Premium Experiences

Since moving to Pflugerville in 2015, Duane and Tara Godby have become part of the local community and established a business that enhances the city's offerings. Teakeasy, their luxury tea brand, was launched on October 1, 2023. It brings ethically sourced premium teas from around the world to tea enthusiasts. The Godbys run a business and create a space for people to gather, relax, and enjoy life's finer things while keeping the Pflugerville community at the forefront.

The Inspiration Behind Teakeasy

Teakeasy was not an overnight idea. Tara Godby, who had worked in the corporate world for three decades before transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship in 2018 as a certified coach and leadership consultant, discussed the concept with her husband as he contemplated retirement. She says, “It took us 2 years to source our teas, to come up with our brand story, and plan our rollout and execution. We wanted to ensure that all our teas were premium quality, ethically sourced, and straight from the farm, as that was part of our core values.” She shared about a memorable tea shop she had visited in Arizona and how it had left a lasting impression on her. “While traditional tea can feel ceremonial and intimidating, we aim to make luxury tea approachable, with a twist on the classic English tea experience.”

Building Community Through Tea

Teakeasy's mission extends beyond offering high-end teas. The Godbys aims to contribute to Pflugerville's cultural scene by providing an upscale experience. Tara stated, "As Pflugerville residents, we often hear neighbors asking for something different—more than the usual fast food. They want unique experiences close to home, without traveling to Austin." The Godbys plan to open a tea lounge in Pflugerville, offering teas, small bites, music, and a place for community connection. "The community has been incredibly supportive," says Tara. “The Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce has helped us make valuable connections, and people are excited to see this vision come to life.”

While they work on securing commercial real estate, the Godbys have successfully launched Teakeasy as an online store. One of their top-selling blends is the "Pecan Street" tea, a tribute to the city of Pflugerville. "It's been amazing to receive such positive feedback," says Tara.

Advice for Aspiring Black Entrepreneurs

Tara emphasizes the importance of community when offering advice to other Black entrepreneurs. "Build connections," she advises. “The people in Pflugerville have been welcoming and generous with advice. For anyone starting a business, I recommend joining the Chamber of Commerce or other local groups that can help you expand your network. There's enough success for everyone, and the support here has been invaluable.”

For Tara and Duane Godby, Teakeasy is just the beginning of their journey. As they continue to build their brand and community, they look forward to the exciting future of entrepreneurship in Pflugerville.

Supporting Local Entrepreneurs: Pflugerville Community Development Corporation

As Pflugerville grows, local entrepreneurs like Duane and Tara Godby are crucial to shaping the city's future. The Pflugerville Community Development Corporation supports businesses like Teakeasy by offering resources and guidance to help them thrive. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a business owner looking to expand, the PCDC is here to assist with everything from site selection to workforce development. To learn more about how the PCDC can support your business, visit our website and explore the opportunities available for entrepreneurs in Pflugerville.