Serial entrepreneur, author, creative visionary for young entrepreneurs, and owner of Upland Avenue Productions, April Sheris is the CEO of Upland Global. Her wide portfolio of companies and interests includes publishing, health, and technological holdings. The first on-rail book club in New Mexico was started through a collaborative partnership with NM Rail Runner Express. She has collaborated with Barnes & Noble for children’s reading initiatives, helped youth develop and launch their businesses through the Young Entrepreneurship Initiative, and more.
Below are highlights of the interview:
Can you tell us a little about your beginnings before starting your entrepreneurial journey?
I started in book publishing and fell in love with the industry. I was in a position to meet new creatives, work with them closely on bringing their dreams to fruition, and watch the results of our labor play out at retailers. I excelled for nine years while also burning the candle at both ends. At this time, I knew I needed to slow down and figure out how to realign my lifestyle so that it wouldn’t cause detriment to my health, peace of mind, and business.
I used to rely on coffee to get me through my long days or when I felt moody at day’s end. Coffee felt like a great option until I experienced adrenal fatigue. Caffeine and adrenal fatigue do not go hand-in-hand. Lol. I often heard about tea’s benefits and had consumed it in the past. It wasn’t until I ran across rooibos and discovered how healing it was to my body that I fell in love and wanted to share it with the world. Upland Tea House was born shortly after.
What are the company’s offerings that meet current social requirements?
I truly believe that tea has the power to help us transcend the conscious mind and lead to healing the subconscious. Although we are still growing in numbers, I find that our thriving community of tea lovers is our most rewarding social aspect. We have built a tribe that serves as a haven for education, accountability for using tea as self-care, and gathering in real life for fellowship. As with many things in life, having support from like-minded people carries weight in our lives. And to fully recognize tea as self-care, you need that consistent reminder and influence from people just like you.
Tell me about your team management style. How would you describe it?
I lead with a brand-first approach. We meet in a roundtable format so that ideas are shared and obstacles are addressed. I believe I have a team of people that wants to see this brand touch lives around the world. I truly believe in their commitment to meet that. So, I must also hear their ideas and strategies on how we can turn dream into reality.
What were the roadblocks that taught you valuable lessons during your professional journey?
After getting logistics underway, our storefront prepared for sales, and marketing campaigns running, our biggest hurdle was inventory. We put so much preparation into smooth sales processes that we didn’t take into consideration having enough supply to meet the demand. Especially with shipping still being impacted by the pandemic. While America began to slowly open up, India was still under lockdown. This affected our friends and partners’ ability to work but also their way of living. We should have taken all of this into consideration to not overwhelm them during such a critical time. In that moment, I felt defeated but also disappointed in where my focus was. It takes a strong commitment to a higher purpose to not lose yourself or your principals in business. Most days, I rely on my meditation practice to seek resolution and remembrance of my purpose. I begin with what I’m grateful for from the day: the things I have accomplished and even the tasks I wasn’t able to get to.
What is your favorite book on the topic of tea? Why?
When I began, I over-steeped the leaves, didn’t conceal the tea properly after use, and didn’t realize that the type of pot or press could yield a different flavor. The Wisdom of Tea by Noriko Morishita taught me that tea consumption is more than just an alternative to coffee. It’s a time-honored lifestyle for some cultures and a ritual in others. After reading this book, I gained more respect for the harvesters as well as the overall experience.
As per you, which innovation or process will drastically change businesses in the next 5-10 years?
I believe that providing education in how medicinal tea is and showcasing ways to implement it into a modern lifestyle will go a long way. I am optimistic that tea will see exponential growth in hospitality, dining, and within the home because of the tea partners sharing this vision.
Tell us what is your vision for Upland Tea House’s and how do you wish influence a change?
The most enlightening thing I’ve learned on this journey is meditation. With that being said, I’m definitely on the “teach kids how to meditate and build a meditation practice in primary school” team. We intend to collaborate with local schools on a pilot program of incorporating mindful moments into early education and pairing it with a caffeine-free tea option; this would be the most effective movement.
What are the most important attributes of successful leaders?
It’s important for leaders to rally behind the team they hired. To really allow their voice of ideas and recommendations to be seriously considered as opposed to building a team to execute your demands. I also believe a good leader should create more leaders by being a mentor to their team. Encourage their professional development as well as their personal goals.
What advice would you give to the next generation of woman leaders?
If I could save someone a lot of time and start-up agony, then I would say: (1) The key to success is consistency. So don’t think what you’re about to do is any easier than a 9 to 5. It will take a lot of time and sometimes become a headache. But if you stick to your business goals, time will be your greatest asset. And two, we are all just trying to find our way. Don’t let anyone make you believe they have excelled at that because it is simply a mirage. And as a bonus: No matter what happens, keep going.
Thank you for speaking with me today. I can be found at @AprilSheris on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Please consider subscribing for updates on our website: www.uplandteahouse.com. We plan retreats, mindfulness sessions, and brunches as a means to meet one another in real life and form bonds the world over. We hope to see some new faces in the future.
Website: www.uplandavenueproductions.com
