Tea Coins: A Zero-Waste Tea Brand Rooted in Purpose

Have you ever had a cup of tea that felt like a warm hug? That’s exactly how I’d describe Tea Coins a small, thoughtful business run by a couple who care about health, the planet and making people smile through something as simple as a good cup of tea.

When I spoke to Sade and Mourad, the founders of Tea Coins, they told me how their journey started with a shared passion for healthy living and reducing waste in their daily lives. “At home, we made a conscious effort to eat well and minimise our environmental footprint,” they said. But they wanted to go further. Inspired by brands like Pukka, they still felt something was missing. “That’s how the idea for Tea Coins was born: a truly zero-waste tea experience that combines sustainability with great taste.”

I also loved learning the story behind the name. Did you know that a long time ago, tea was pressed into coins and traded like gold? Tea Coins brings that magic back. “We believe tea isn’t just a drink it’s a spell, a story, a gentle exhale, a ritual for rainy days and quiet mornings,” they explained. Every blend is made with organic, earth-loving ingredients and wrapped in packaging that leaves no trace behind. No waste. No worry.

In this blog, I’ll be sharing more from my conversation with Sade and Mourad their journey so far, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the advice they have for other couples or families thinking of starting a business together. Their story is full of heart, honesty and hope and I’m excited to share it with you.

A Big Journey

Starting Tea Coins was a lot of work. When I asked Sade and Mourad about those early days, they were honest: “We had to learn everything branding, sourcing, packaging, marketing while staying true to our values of sustainability and quality.” There were challenges, of course, but also many moments of joy. Every small win mattered. “There have been moments of doubt,” they told me, “but also moments of real pride, especially when customers resonate with our mission.” Each time someone bought their tea or left a kind review, it reminded them that they were on the right path.

What Keeps Them Going

I asked them what the best part of running Tea Coins has been so far. Without hesitation, they said: “Seeing people connect with our mission.” When someone says they love the taste and the zero-waste idea, it means everything to them. “Every positive review, every repeat customer it all means the world to us.”

A Team Effort

Tea Coins is powered by teamwork. Sade and Mourad are a married couple who split the work and support each other through the ups and downs. Like any small business, there are difficult choices especially when trying to balance sustainability with affordability. “But as a team,” they said, “we’ve stayed focused by dividing responsibilities based on our strengths, constantly learning, and supporting each other through setbacks.” They reminded me that open communication and shared values have helped them turn even the toughest challenges into new opportunities.

What’s Next?

The future looks exciting for Tea Coins. Sade and Mourad are hoping to grow their online presence and start selling in more independent shops. They’re also working on new seasonal blends something special for each time of year. Most of all, they dream of building a community around Tea Coins. “People who care about sustainability, wellness, and great tea,” they told me. “Our next step is to scale thoughtfully, without compromising our values.”

Advice for Other Teams

When I asked what advice they’d give to other couples or families thinking about starting a business together, they smiled and said: “Make sure you communicate openly and set clear boundaries between work and personal life.” They stressed the importance of patience and teamwork. “Respect each other’s strengths and give each other space to lead in different areas,” they said. “Things won’t always go smoothly, but if you stay aligned on your shared values and support each other through the highs and lows, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey.” And their biggest tip? “Celebrate the small wins together.”

A Helping Hand from Portobello

Portobello Business Centre has played a part in helping Tea Coins grow. “The one-to-one mentoring helped us feel clearer about our next steps,” they shared. “We also had the chance to showcase Tea Coins at Portobello Market this was a big moment for us!”

Seeing people stop, smile, and try their tea gave them a huge boost of confidence.“ Their support has equipped us with the knowledge and clarity to move forward. With their guidance, we’ve felt less alone and far more empowered.”

A Big Journey

Starting Tea Coins was a lot of work. They had to learn about so many things like how tea blends work, design their logo and tell people about their brand. There were some hard times, but also lots of happy moments. Each time someone bought their tea, they felt proud and hopeful.

The best part of running Tea Coins? Hearing people say they love the tea! When customers say the tea tastes great and they love the no-waste idea, it means the world to them. Every nice message, every person who comes back to buy more that’s what keeps them going.

Tea Coins is run by a married couple Morad and Sade. They split the jobs and help each other when things get tough. Sometimes it’s hard to balance saving money with being eco-friendly. But they stay strong by talking, learning and never giving up.

What’s Next?

The Tea Coins team has big dreams. They want more people to find them online and in local shops. They’re also planning fun new tea flavours for different seasons. Most of all, they want to build a happy tea-loving community that cares about nature too.

Advice for Other Teams

Their advice for other couples or families who want to start a business? Talk to each other. Respect what each person is good at. Don’t forget to laugh and celebrate the little wins. And always remember why you started.

A Helping Hand from Portobello

Portobello Business Centre has been a big help to Tea Coins. We took part in one-to-one mentoring, which helped us feel clearer about our next steps. We also had the chance to showcase Tea Coins at Portobello Market this was a big moment for us! Seeing people stop, smile and buy our tea gave us a real boost of confidence. Thanks to their advice, support, and belief in what we’re doing, we’ve been able to grow with more courage and direction. It’s like having a friend who cheers you on and helps you shine.