Thursday, June 21, 2012

A Sandy Clough tea lady

One day in early 2004, while looking through a Romantic Homes Magazine, I came across a full-page advertisement with the heading, "Join Us for Tea!"   Underneath in bold print were the words, "If You Are Longing for a Business that Fulfills Your Dreams... "  The words tea and business amidst pictures of beautiful floral teacups, teapot and other dishware definitely caught my attention!   I read on, "A Sandy Clough Tea offers you the opportunity to sell Sandy Clough's personally designed gift products as an independent distributor at tea parties in homes nationwide."  A phone number was provided for further information.


This opportunity involved my favorite things - tea and tea parties, pretty dishes and sharing hospitality.   Was it the niche I'd been searching for?  I had never been in direct sales before, but the only cost involved was the sample kit, which was  mine to keep, so  I decided to go for it!   I called the phone number, signed up to become a Sandy Clough tea lady, and bought a plane ticket bound for Nashville, Tennessee to attend training February 13 thru 15, 2004 at Opryland Hotel.

The commissioning  service was the culmination of our three-day training period, where Sandy Clough tied a beautiful white linen  apron on each new tea lady.

Sandy tying my apron on me.

A Sandy Clough Tea was a new company, and I was Michigan's only tea lady.   I was excited about the opportunities.

When I began, I was still working full-time as a church secretary, a position I held for 22 years, but  I decided to retire in June 2004 to devote all of my energies to being a Sandy Clough tea lady. 


From February to December I took  Sandy Clough tea parties into 52 homes emphasizing the company motto, "Hospitality Opens Hearts."   Michigan ladies loved Sandy's products and I won a first place award for highest retail sales.  

I learned much that year, but probably the most significant was the fact that tea parties are relevant and enjoyable in the twenty-first century - even in casual, busy lifestyles.   Tea offers a respite from  fast-paced living, and provides the opportunity to quiet ourselves if only for a brief period of time.   And Hospitality Opens Hearts, is definitely an accurate statement!

In 2005,  Sandy Clough closed her business.

Tea journey continued...





8 comments:

  1. I've always been an advocate of the wonderful unity and joy the humble tea leaf can bring to our lives. Congratulations on being such a top seller and promoter of tea!

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  2. I have fond memories of this line for quite a few reasons! ;)

    And though I was never a Tea Lady, I did have a Tea Lady friend here in Georgia and hosted a party in my home once. I would have liked one of every item they sold!

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  3. That sounds like a wonderfully fun business!
    And Phyllis, my package arrived yesterday, in tip-top shape! I have never seen pink bubble wrap but it was so pretty and such fun to unwrap. Thank you again! And I look forward to reading and re-reading the book, and plugging in the nightlight tonight. Hugs!

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  4. I think this was a very lovely idea - I am sad to read that the company closed...it is hard to start businesses - looking forward to reading more - I am your newest follower,
    Kathy

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  5. I remember Sandy Clough things. Sad to hear she closed it down. What a fun experience for you for awhile.

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  6. Such an interesting story! Congrats on your achievements!

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  7. Interesting, so I guess it's like being an Avon lady but with teacups? It sounds like a lot of fun!

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  8. Everyone loves a good tea party, it's not just for when you're a kid and your guests are your teddy bears!

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