Meet Essence Unique Easley | Author & serial entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Essence Unique Easley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Essence Unique, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
My core values as an entrepreneur and for both of my businesses are the same Transparency, commitment to living well, always improving , compassion and, knowledge. The most important of those to me is transparency. I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to serve tea or products people couldn’t trust. I couldn’t run Enduring Minds and work as an. Advocate if people couldn’t trust me & that organization. I live my life out loud and that transparency leads to people knowing the things I share in my writing and about our story are true. it’s important for people to trust the things we say and do. Transparency leads to good ethics, trust which builds better customer relationships and those positive things leads to business done in a better. Way. I’m proud that at my non profit I’m transparent enough that others are willing to open up and share with me, that they trust me to help. I’m proud that when people buy our tea they trust through our transparency that they’re getting an all natural organic product with no additives, flavors or dyes. They trust that because they can see it and experience it. Transparency in life is important.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My Entrepreneur journey started after my diagnosis with Epilepsy and Pseudotumor Cerebri. I started writing to help me deal with the emotions of these life changing illnesses and brain surgeries. That writing turned into the first book I authored & self published God Must Think I’m A Bad Ass. Still wanting to do something positive I used the proceeds of that book to start and fund a non profit called Enduring Minds the Foundation. Enduring minds serves as a resource to those who endure chronic sometimes rare neurological conditions like me. We offer wig donation, a scholarship, patient advocacy. and more Years later on this self healing journey with my husband we started drinking loose leaf tea and making our own blends. We decided to start selling them and that’s how E&E Tea Co .was born. Now that we have our son this December I’ll be releasing my 2nd book but first children’s book Your brain has too much what mommy?? Which is a story based on our experiences explaining chronic complicated illnesses to children.

How we got here maybe a long story and hard for people to understand but simply it’s me finding my purpose through pain to serve others in positive way. Honestly that’s what I’m most proud of. That we’ve created businesses that hopefully will leave a positive effect on our clients , customers and everyone who reads my writing. It definitely wasn’t easy but it’s so worth it. I want people to know that they can do it too. If you have a dream do it, don’t ever give up, don’t let anyone or anything stop your dreams. Finally and most importantly be kind

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite places in the city are Creekside park in Gahanna beautiful creek and walking space, restaurants nearby. Also if you like to fish Alum Creek. There’s a great pizza place right near the bait shop everyone should try. If shopping is your thing Polaris mall is the place to be. Lastly try our favorite Chinese place Thai Paradise for great food and a bar, they catered our wedding and you won’t regret it. Lastly want to hear some wonderful live music Savoy night club is a great place to dance and sing the night away

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my family, my team. Being physically disabled is hard . being disabled and writing and running 2 businesses is even harder. I’m able to do it because of the help and support of my family. Shout out to my husband who is my rock and the best co-owner and team mate. He is my sounding board and helpmate in everything. Also my son who although only 2 is our reason for everything. He teaches me patience and that I’m stronger than I think. And he’s a great helper. Shout out to my mom, she is our biggest supporter from helping with big orders, sharing, running fundraisers, taking me to appointments, dropping off packages or watching Ezra if we need it she helps us gets it done and none of this works without her. Lastly shout out to my uncle Peter, his good home cook meals helps me on days I don’t have time to cook. His encouragement and how proud he is of us means everything. He’s always willing to help with whatever it is and our laughter filled phone calls get me through busy days. I’m immensely grateful to have a support system like them. I couldn’t do this without them. I love each of them so much.

Website: www.eeteaco.com

Instagram: instagram.com/eetea1

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/essence-unique-easley/

Facebook: facebook.com/EETea1

Other: www.enduringminds.com

Image Credits
Boydston Productions