Life & Work with Raechel Kelley Valles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raechel Kelley Valles.

The story of Siply began when I was in my corporate career. Like most in corporate America, I spent hours upon hours in a cubical, chugging coffee from a Keurig. The first symptoms I noticed were rapid weight loss, digestive issues, and thinning hair. Shortly after, I came depressed with terrible brain fog and anxiety. That’s when I discovered the dangers and reality of autoimmune diseases. I have Hashimoto’s, a thyroid disorder that, if not treated correctly, can turn into more serious diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, or cancer.

I studied Science Journalism in college, so when I research something, I go down the rabbit hole. I realized I needed to change my lifestyle fast. So, I found a job that allowed me to work from home, kicked coffee to the curb, and started drinking tea as an alternative. My taste for tea was initially inspired by my maternal Grandmother, Julie. She would have tea multiple times daily, an English breakfast with milk and sugar, no matter the hour. As a kid, I loved cheap bagged black tea, but when I discovered more about the toxins in low-quality tea bags, I started searching for a cleaner option.

Once I opened that door, I fell in love with tea and everything it offered, from flavor to health benefits to the art of preparation. I was drinking the best tea and making fun creations like chilled herbal fusions, original tea blends with Pu’er (a fermented black tea), and modernized versions of butter tea (a traditional Tibetan beverage). I became a certified tea sommelier and traveled to countries like Ireland, Portugal, Canada, and India (and more) to get a feel for how other cultures embrace tea.

Tea was a vehicle that led me to major life changes. Not only was I making healthier decisions, but I also became much more conscious and mindful. I thought about clean living, sourcing, sustainability, and self-care. Tea is not just something you drink; it is a practice, a pause, and a moment just for you.

In 2017, I showed up at the farmers’ market with a couple of butter tea drums and a smile. That was day one. Since then, the company has evolved to embody all those qualities that help me be the best version of myself. Our online store offers clean, responsible, and delicious loose-leaf tea and matcha in the US and Canada. We also recently launched our wholesale business here in Austin, which can be found at small retailers, coffee shops, and restaurants around the city.

I can’t say it’s been smooth, though I’ve learned valuable lessons from every bump. Some of the lessons I’ve learned:

Never crisis hire, no matter how desperate you are.

Bringing sustainability into your business model is not easy nor cheap but important and worth it.

You can’t do it all. Learning to let go and delegate is essential.

As a Certified Tea Sommelier, all our products must be clean, responsible, and delicious. Our teas are tested for toxins, and we never use artificial flavors or sugar in our blends. We ensure we meet the quality standards of Europe and Canada, which are higher than the US. Our products are also ethically sourced and responsibly packaged. Not only is our packaging all made in the USA, but we also have 100% compostable bags for all our loose-leaf products. Offering a selection of traditional favorites and creative, original blends is also important. Scottish Caramel Pu’er, Turmeric Spice Chai, and Jasmine Matcha are some of our more unique offerings, though we still carry solid staples like London Fog and Super Green. I also enjoy developing ideas for different recipes and applications for our tea and matcha. Jasmine Matcha Ice Cream and Lavender Mint Martinis are just a few creations.

Integrity. We work hard to stay true to our values of being clean and responsible, which is not easy in today’s world.