The Naked Leaf is a local tea shop in Calgary and our latest featured local business. We got to speak with its owner Jonathan Kane to find out more about it.
What is your business called and what does it do?
The Naked Leaf – A tea shop that helps people learn how to slow down and enjoy the moment through the preparation and drinking of tea.
What made you want to do this work?
My personal love of tea and not being able to find the kind of tea shop that offered what I was looking for.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Creating a tea shop that focused not just on great teas, but also on the beauty of the teaware and the preparation of tea.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our clientele features all types of tea drinkers from students to seniors. Our customers obviously love tea, but also the fact that The Naked Leaf is a very community-based organization. We feature local artists on our tea tin labels. As of today, we have created over 500 different labels. We also work with other small local businesses to create unique products that feature our teas. For example, Sweet Bella Chocolates creates 12 different chocolate bars, each infused with a different tea from the shop. Our business neighbour in Kensington, The Beehive, custom creates a body wash and a hand cream each infused with our Herbal Chai tea. We are currently developing a series of tea-infused honey. Additionally, our teas can be found in the products of several local distilleries, breweries and kombucha companies creating unique offerings.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We are in the business of selling quality teas and teawares. People can shop in-store and online.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We are located at 1130 Kensington Rd NW. The shop is directly across the street from The Plaza Theatre.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What makes The Naked Leaf stand out among the other teashops in town?
We like to think that our knowledge can offer you advice on choosing the right tea from our selection of over 100 teas for your needs and that through our exceptional selection of tea wares, you will find the perfect cup or pot to provide you with great pleasure when preparing your tea at home or in the office.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
I love the customers and creating community. (I just took a group of customers for a food and tea tour in Nepal! It was amazing!)
I don’t enjoy all the paperwork and small details that need to be done for running a business.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
What do you call a dentist that doesn’t like tea?
Denis
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Sweet Bella Chocolates
