Tea Amo has a unique business model within the food truck realm – they serve loose leaf tea and dainty treats out of an adorable vintage trailer. And it was this unique business that won second place in the recent Women’s Entrepreneurship Quick Pitch competition at McMaster Innovation Park.
The Quick Pitch competition, open to women-owned businesses under 3 years old, pitted an app business against an event company, against mobile tea room Tea Amo. Each business had a short 3 minute opportunity to pitch their business to a panel of “investors”, including Jodi Laking (of the Hamilton Business Centre, and a fellow Hamilton Fempreneur).
Tea Amo (a play on the Italian “ti amo” meaning I love you) was represented by owners Heather Peter (also a member of The Generator team!) and her mom Marian Peter. Both were well prepared, and talked of their passion for tea and the journey of getting the tea trailer up and running. When questioned by the panel about future opportunities for the business, both agreed that private events were the first branch that they wanted to explore.
Tea Amo was declared the second place winner, and were handed a stack of valuable prizes including a $500 cash prize, a 1 hour big idea generation with Sharon Ricci, a ticket to Success in the City, a 3-hour business coaching session with the Business Advisory Group, a free accounting and financial management session with John Costen plus a Hamilton is Home t-shirt, and Tim Hortons gift card!
They’ve hit the ground running this summer, operating the trailer at multiple events, like the recent grand opening of House of Tudor this past weekend. Catch them on occasion at Bayfront Park as well, and follow on Instagram here to find out where you can visit next. They also just announced Tea Amo will be booking private events like bridal showers and anniversary parties.
As a co-founder of the Hamilton Fempreneurs, and a big proponent of small business, especially those owned by women, I’ve taken such a pleasure to watch Heather launch this super cool company. I believe that everyone should do what they love, and I love that everyone on The Generator team has a passion project of their own. It’s fun to support them, and to watch the team support each other.
Check out what Tea Amo is up to, and make sure you follow!
Facebook: Tea Amo Hamilton
Twitter: @TeaAmo_Hamilton
Instagram: @TeaAmo_Hamilton
-Suzanne, The Generator
