Better than the B-side of a record, we’ve recently attained B Corp status! Certified B Corps (where B stands for ‘Benefit’) are a new kind of company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. Unlike traditional corporations, Certified B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their employees, suppliers, community, consumers, and environment.  Cofounder of B Corp Jay Coen Gilbert states “B Corporation certification is key to distinguish good companies from just good marketing. With their commitment to the triple bottom line, The Tea Spot stands as a leader in the movement for a better way to do business”.

Throughout the certification process it helped us develop and articulate a set of core values for our company which we have since added to our employee handbook. Even though we’re a small company currently, integrating these hard core commitments now will help keep us aligned with our goals as we grow. Our vision for a profitable, sustainable and philanthropic business has a singular focus: to help people live longer, healthier lives by making loose leaf tea an everyday luxury. Our mantra, “Modern Brewing. Conscious Living.” translates into five core values:

1. Develop groundbreaking innovations and deliver extraordinary customer experiences in support of our mission.

2. Ensure that our products have a positive net effect on the environment and their practices are consistent with eco-friendly values.

3. Inspire and support each other at the workplace through employee ownership and reciprocal relationships – understanding that respect, integrity and active teamwork are the building blocks of our successes.

4. Build and maintain reciprocal relationships based on respect and integrity with the buyers, suppliers, and colleagues in our community and industry.

5. Advance our mission through social entrepreneurship by means of our 10% Pledge for Cancer Wellness, donating 10% of all sales in-kind to cancer wellness and community programs.

We were since featured by Development Crossing, a Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainable Development media company, in their CSR Minute news report for attaining this certification. They feature companies committed to a triple bottom line (people, planet, & profits). You can watch the quick video segment here.

I’ve never been in love with one place more (never having visited) than I am with Japan. From the people to the culture, the anime, the films, the tea, sushi, and harajuku, I’m in love. And the list goes on. So my heart truly goes out to Japan during the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami. There are so many issues that remain to be dealt with even after the ground stops shaking and the water subsides. I was relieved to finally hear back from a friend of mine who lives in Tokyo, days after the quake. Clearly shaken, this is what she reports:

At that day big earthquakes occured, I went to home on foot 2 and half hours walking. My family is ok, Today is 3/15.  I go to the office  by bicycle. It is 1 hour ride. Commuter system is very bad now. Power shortage is problem here Tokyo. We are very shocked … But TV says second big earthquake may occur Tokyo or same area. We are so scared.

I’m so glad to work for a company that does outreach when disasters like this occur. As of today, we are donating 25% of all Japanese teas and teapots sold through the end of the month to Doctors Without Borders, a humanitarian organization offering urgent health care to people affected by this disaster. In a message sent from the field yesterday, they report:

The majority of consultations were elderly patients with chronic diseases. Many of them were running out of medications for hypertension and diabetes. Snow and sub-zero temperatures further complicated the picture… [Doctors Without Borders] ordered 25,000 blankets from a supply base in Dubai that should arrive in the next few days.

Another impressive fundraising effort by Living Social is raising money for the Japanese Red Cross. They’ve raised nearly $2 million so far - simply by matching people’s $5 donations. That’s the power of numbers!

Please raise a glass of Japanese tea in support. Every little bit helps!

As I enter the world of tea and blogging, I feel as though the tea timing is impeccable. Always a fan but not an avid drinker, I most typically prepared tea during the cold seasons. Growing up in Arizona I enjoyed iced tea for the (eight month long) sweltering summers, but by no standards was I truly experiencing tea.

Then I found my spot.

Joining The Tea Spot has introduced me to the world of tea and loose leaf luxury. Simultaneously, I am exploring the beautiful territory that is Boulder, Colorado. With this being my first fall and winter in a state which experiences true seasons, tea discovery could not have come at a more perfect time.

I must say, during my first week of true tea consumption, I went into tea overload. Free radicals and excitement consumed me and I couldn’t expel them quickly enough! Once I managed my hydration to tea ratio, I felt brand new. The energy and rejuvenation completely sold me for regular tea drinking.

In addition to enjoying the effects, I also love the process of steeping loose leaves. Using Steepware allows for such a fresh and tangible steeping process. And I’ll be honest; the lid-saucer and infuser combo makes me feel fancy.

To my delight, everyday I mix and match the Steepware, rarely using a uniform color. Depending on the day, the pieces will match my mood, my scarf, or whatever colors seems essential to accompany my tea.

So with this new, exciting endeavor at The Tea Spot and in Colorado, daily cuppas are transitioning me into a true winter. With each cup, I welcome the winter, snow and holiday season. Similarly are the tea veterans at The Tea Spot with baked goods, sampling holiday blends and even participating in the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show.

We’ll be setting up shop along with other local artisans at Denver’s Merchandise Mart November 5-7, 2010. Like I said before about feeling fancy, our loose leaf tea and Steepware make for excellent gifts. Practical and healthy masqueraded by luxury and refinement, a tin of tea and/or piece of Steepware will be well received. As the giver, one can feel great about purchases contributing to cancer wellness donations.

On of my favorite aspects of The Tea Spot is the 10% for Cancer Wellness Pledge. In pursuit of the original mission, The Tea Spot has promoted wellness through consumers as well as recipients of in-kind donations.

‘Tis the season to be generous; why not gift and give?

In a week from tomorrow, The Tea Spot ladies will be wining and dining at the art auction and “Girls Night Out” Boulder Busts Cancer fundraiser. All proceeds from the evening benefit Boulder Community Hospital Auxiliary’s Breast Cancer Treatment Fund. The Fund helps underinsured or uninsured patients get needed medical services following a suspicious or positive mammogram. Since more women in Boulder County are diagnosed with breast cancer than almost any other county in Colorado (Larimer County actually has the most diagnoses), participation in this event is crucial in spreading awareness about the dreaded disease and to raise funds to support women in need.

As a woman-owned and operated business, The Tea Spot will be a proud sponsor of female artist Dvora Kanegis, whose work will be available for sale at the event. The uplifting spirit of the painting itself is a perfect match for our vision of helping people live healthier and longer lives. A handful of unique artists will be presenting their bust-themed work, including decorated bras, and tickets will be sold to vote for the “Best Bust.” Tickets for the evening are set at a reasonable $30 and any women who have, had, or know someone with breast cancer is encouraged to join. Unfortunately, almost everyone knows someone whose life has been disrupted by cancer and what could be a better opportunity for survivors, supporters, and fighters to come together than a cocktail party? If cocktails and appetizers don’t strike your fancy, perhaps a dinner at one of Boulder’s finest restaurants will entice you. And don’t forget about the featured artwork. It’s gonna be a hoot!

I have listed the who, what, where, and when below. Don’t miss out!

Who: Ladies (Sorry, gents)

What: BCH Auxiliary Boulder Busts Cancer Fundraiser

• Call 303.440.2066 to order tickets ($30)

Where: Gebhardt BMW, 4720 Valmont Road in Boulder

When: Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 5 pm – 8pm

If you live in or near Boulder, CO go, to Zing Hair. They treat their customers like family.