Most small-business owners see the world through rose-colored glasses when launching their companies, optimistic that their new ventures will succeed and thrive. In the case of Rooibee Red Tea, Louisville, Ky., this optimism has produced strong results.
Founded in 2009 and now under the leadership of Chief Tea Officer Heather Howell, Rooibee Red Tea has grown more than 519 percent since 2010, she says. This spring, the company introduced a new line of Rooibee Roo kids drinks featuring rooibos and simple flavor profiles. Plus, the company is in the process of developing a new ready-to-drink essence line featuring less sugar, more rooibos and unique flavors, she notes. This year, Howell expects the company to experience 400 percent growth with its namesake Rooibee Red Tea line alone.