Meet Griffin Maher, Creative Director of Geisha Tea
Where did the idea for Geisha Tea come from?
The name Geisha Tea came from sitting with friends after just being at a farmers market in Brisbane Australia. We said we can do that, we can sell tea and share some joy with the public.
At the time my wife and I had just started dating and she is from Japan, I thought we could dress her up like a mascot, as a Geisha, everyone loved the idea and thus “Geisha Tea“ was born in the sitting room of an Aussie Psych Trance band called ”Endless Valley“.
How did you get started in your industry?
Well, I have always been artistic and I have helped to renovate houses for the past 15 years so it makes sense to start doing it full-time and start blending that into building more sustainable eco-village-type projects and healing centers.
Why do you think that PR is the tool you need to implement in your business and how it helps to grow your business?
Because we have not yet experienced the growth and actualized potential we know our company is capable of. We understand that after 2 and a half years we have made it past the danger zone but we are only now getting revved up.
What are the three biggest challenges you have faced growing the business and how did you overcome them?
Velocity, Focus, Mentors
As an entrepreneur, what is it that actually motivates and drives you?
My deep desire is to create as an artist and share the beautiful creation we call our world. You know we have unlimited possibilities and some people like myself are really out here stretching the boundaries. I love to do it and I love to see other artists creating.
What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?
Probably to delay in contacting someone about an incredible deal. The week before we had purchased 17 properties and he came to me before anyone else. I could have made easy easy money on this property, a prime location in downtown Kyoto.
But I delayed by about 3 or 4 days in replying because of the other 17 we were purchasing. I think that was a tough decision, but I missed it and someone else got lucky so I am happy for the buyer and seller in the end.
What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
No one shows you what, how, or when to do something as an entrepreneur, there are no one-size fits. It is a real adventure but one man in Iowa told me I had a bad idea and it won’t be successful.
At the time I was angry and hurt a bit but to have the real success we must fail that idea was a good idea but in time did fail. In order to have a big success, we must expect a preceding big failure.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use the Akiya App to connect directly with Japanese home sellers. We have purchased a few homes and this app is the best. Direct. Fast. And Easy.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I recommend “the richest man in Babylon” by George Classon for the simple reason it teaches the everyday man or woman how to put their money to work for them.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Forgive yourself and others completely.
What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?
Delegate and collaboration is the greatest gift you can give yourself, your company, and your customers.
