Safiny Dahlan and SafinaTea
When you walk by the SafinaTea booth you are almost magically drawn in, if not by Safiny’s smile, then by the well-laid-out teas and wellness products. While the booth is typically busy with curious customers, she always has a sample or two for you to try. When you speak to Safiny, you immediately realize how passionate she is about matching you with the best teas. And when you finally come home and brew yourself a cup, you wonder why you didn’t buy more. Yes, her teas are that good, so I had to ask her to share some of her secrets on how to run a successful tea business.
Can you briefly describe what your business does?
At SafinaTea, we craft thoughtfully blended teas and herbal products designed to support and empower busy moms and women on the go. From calming Sereni-Tea to energizing Clari-Tea, our blends are tailored to nourish the body and bring a sense of harmony.
We also offer skincare and lip care essentials infused with nature’s best botanicals, perfect for those who value wellness and self-care. Whether you’re seeking a moment of relaxation or a boost of vitality, SafinaTea helps you embrace life with balance and grace.
Where did the idea come from?
As a mom, I know how easy it is to feel like you’re struggling alone and juggling so much while putting yourself last. I’ve been there. My health and energy weren’t where they needed to be and I knew something had to change. That is why I went back to school to study holistic nutrition, to learn how to better care for myself and support others.
SafinaTea grew from that journey. It is a way to share nurturing, natural products that help busy moms feel cared for and energized, one small moment at a time.
Can you describe your typical work day?
My kids are homeschooled so when they are off in class, I'm usually at the coffee shop working on my laptop or at the commercial kitchen crafting my newest blend. I also work from home packing orders and pretty much admin stuff. For now, it is just me and my husband, who recently jumped on board to help with marketing. I try to keep everything local so I source most of my herbs from small farms in Southern Oregon, which is where we started SafinaTea.
What would you say is your best-selling item?
Depending on the season, needs change. So far, the most popular tea blends that I have received rave reviews for are my Immuni-tea blend, Allergy, Whispering Rose, and my Rose & Spice Chai. Most of my herbal blends are $14 for a 1.5 oz pack, and my chai teas are $15 for a 2.5 oz pack.
All of my blends are very aromatic. I believe that when you have a moment to drink tea, it should be enjoyable for both your taste buds and your senses. Every blend has a benefit and I create new blends according to what is most needed for each season.
What do you feel sets you apart from other tea sellers?
What sets SafinaTea apart is our deep understanding of the challenges busy moms and women face, paired with a love for spices, botanicals, and Eastern philosophy. As a nutritional therapist and herbalist, I infuse herbs, spices, and botanicals into each blend, creating teas that not only support health and balance but also add a perfect feminine flare to the tea.
By drawing on Eastern wisdom, our products are designed to nurture both body and mind. With SafinaTea, you’re not just enjoying tea—you’re embracing a brand that celebrates your unique journey with care, flavor, and holistic balance.
How is social media important to your business?
It’s where I get to share my love for herbs, spices, and all things related to wellness. I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but with a little business know-how, I figure it out. It’s the perfect place to connect, share tea tips, and let my customers know when we have something new brewing.
What are your thoughts about working with computers?
I’m not a fan of spending too much time on the computer, but with my business background, I can handle it. It’s all about balancing the tech side with a bit of creativity. I use both my phone and laptop. I'm very aesthetic so when I have a vision, it is quite easy to put it together on Canva.
What are your thoughts regarding outsourcing work?
For now, I've managed most things on my own. Due to the holiday, orders have picked up quite a bit. This has been my first year, so hopefully this experience will prepare me for next year's inventory and boost my creativity. My daughter has also been helping us with prepping orders while our son has been doing my product photos and videos.
How do you manage customer retention or do you use an email mailing list?
So far, I've relied primarily on Shopify’s tools to build my email list and find new subscribers.
How do you balance work and personal time?
Since this is my first year, I haven't totally figured out that balance between work and personal life. Right now, everything is quite integrated.
What are your thoughts regarding the environment, social issues, and being a partner to the community?
So far, running a business is quite tough in California. There are so many laws and fees that we have to keep up with. To be honest, it's quite expensive to run a business. I put a lot of love and care into my products and ethically sourced organic herbs. It is a challenge, of course, but sustaining these values is very important to me.
What is SafinaTea’s outlook for the future?
I focus on building strong connections with my customers, offering quality products that make a difference in their busy lives. I plan to expand my product line, deepen my social media presence, and tap into events like fairs to reach more people.
I’m always learning, staying true to my values, and looking for ways to introduce new blends and wellness-focused offerings to support women. Success is about empowering others, especially busy moms. Knowing my products help people feel better while enjoying the journey, is what matters.
Do you have any final thoughts for my readers?
Start with passion, stay true to your values, and don’t be afraid to learn as you go. Building a business is a journey, not a race—so embrace the bumps along the way and trust in the path you're creating.
To find SafinaTea online, you can use the following links:
Email: safinatea.blend@gmail.com
Website: SafinaTea.com
Instagram: @safina_tea
Etsy: etsy.com/shop/SafinaTea