Paul Raven of Tea Traders gave us a most inspiring and uplifting talk last Tues, at Carms WiRE, on the story and motivation for his and Nick's business. Tea Traders is at right at the heart of Carmarthen, in Guildhall Square, a most suitable location for a business idea that places itself at the heart of a community.
Paul and Nick both had backgrounds in education, specializing in additional needs, before going into business. Paul's subject was floristry and Nick's, catering. Paul loves tea and Nick loves baking...
They looked across South and West Wales before choosing Carmarthen and have enjoyed a very warm reception. Not self-virtuous in any way, it's a matter of principle with them to offer several additional needs young people work, to source products made by additional needs adults and young people and to link with other social good businesses, like the Myddfai Trading Company.
Tea Traders also champion local creatives, and their commissioned painting of the building shown above, has been made into a popular card. They hold story telling workshops, art exhibitions, charity teas, with a pre Edinburgh Festival warm up show, coming soon. Tea tasting with a talk, is a regular fixture. Their business, and its role in community engagement, is exceptionally well thought-through.
Feedback from Paul's talk was terrific, with everyone inspired by how Tea Traders combine social good with business growth, and their take on how enterprise can contribute to the community. Truly heartening.
Here's what's coming up there: https://www.facebook.com/pg/TeaTraders/events/?ref=page_internal More stories