Detox teas have been on the market for years, but lately there’s been a fresh resurgence with many celebrities claiming to lose weight from the toxin-flushing flavorful brews. Not only are they sought after by those looking to shed a few pounds, but are used as a natural remedy for inflammation or leaky gut. Other benefits of using a detox tea include glowing skin and it acts as a great support for one’s liver.
Somaya Reece went through the yo-yo dieting that so many women experience, and after being asked to promote a detox tea, she decided to create her own brand using a family recipe. With $500, a laptop and one crazy idea, Reece launched Get Slim Detox Tea in late 2014. Her mother and sister helped with long nights of packing orders and getting them out to new, eager customers. Last year, Reece’s tea company hit $2.5 million in revenue.
It didn’t hurt sales that Reece was her own success story, going from a size 18 to a size 6. She got serious about taking control of her health after fainting during a video shoot which she explained in an interview with MillionaireMatch. Her weight loss journey started with small steps of going for a walk 10 minutes a day until she got up to an hour, and making smoothies before jumping into the families’ detox tea recipe. Now four years later, she’s kept the weight off and expanded her brand. Here’s how she did it.
Joresa Blount: With so many new detox teas hitting the market with celebrity endorsements, how do you stand out from the competition?
Somaya Reece: I offer a personal experience and story attached to my brand. Unlike other brands, I have a personal relationship with my customers. They can always contact me and ask questions that I am happy to answer. Many brands hire customer support teams that do not care about the customers’ concerns. They are more concerned with sales. I pride myself in being able to be hands on and help my customers. Due to my personal yo-yo weight gain/loss journey I was able to build a brand that was based off of real personal struggles. We are not just a regular Slim Tea brand. We are organic, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free. Also, we offer omega vitamins in our products, and vitamins A, D, K, and D.
Joresa: Do you think there’s power in using influencers?
Somaya: I don’t use many, if any at all. I am the influencer. I have a very large following. My weight struggles and story is what drives my company. We only use real customer reviews and results. I pride my company with using actual customer results as opposed to paying influencer models that are not exactly interested in fitness. I want potential customers to be able to hear and read the stories of actual customers they can relate to. It becomes a buddy system, because they often connect with each other. We have a solid community of real people seeking real results within my brand. That was always my goal.
Joresa: Can you quantify the impact?
Somaya: When I have used some influencers, I have only had people with actual weight loss stories. The impact coming from an actual person and not just a model is far greater as people can connect to a real person versus a model for hire. I am that girl who looks for products based off actual customer results, so it is important to me to offer a more organic approach to hiring influencers to promote my brand. I also have a massive online influence which has helped me tremendously in sales.
Joresa: How does the Get Slim Tea work?
Somaya: In short, detoxing helps cleanse, rid your body of toxins hidden and impacted fecal matter that causes disease, fatigue, depression among other issues. In turn this helps you feel lighter, promotes weight loss, and helps give you a tremendous amount of energy. The energy and metabolism boost helps you get out there and want to hit the gym. We offer the highest of quality products which makes the detoxing process easier on the body. It isn’t meant to be a replacement to eating healthy, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As with anyone seeking detoxing results, individual results may vary. Our products are not meant as a substitute to proper diet and exercise. Before starting any diet or workout regimen, we urge and recommend our customers consult with their doctor first. However, detoxing and juicing is an incredible way to get back on track to health and it promises weight loss that if controlled and monitored can be for a lifetime. As I always say, you must put in the work in order to see the results!
Joresa: What was the hardest obstacle in launching Slim Tea?
Somaya: Finding my “niche” in a market that exists and helping customers ease their mind of skepticism. However, due to my products being natural in combination with my authentic story of my public yo-yo weight gain, it made it much easier to burst into the market having instant sales. My customers are emotionally attached to my story, which is what helps sell my products. I shared the beginning of my weight loss story on social media. I originally did this to simply inspire others and motivate them. I never imagined it would birth a successful brand that turned into immediate sales.
Joresa: Any advice for an entrepreneur looking to launch a food based product?
Somaya: Do thorough research, be honest and have a passion for it. Products that are to be consumed need to be researched. You must understand the food market, because some require certifications/permits/FDA approval. Everything must be grade A. Understand what you are selling, and think of your customers as if they were you. Would you consume this product? Is this product safe for you? Is the product effective? I also base all my company decisions on “Would I buy this? Would I use this?” Honesty is key. Do not go into business with a “get rich quick” mentality. I personally want to help people around the world regain their self esteem, to take back control of their health and to help them reach their fitness goals. I am not here for the money. This is a passion for me that turned out to be a success.
