In today’s episode of The Tea Mind Podcast, we explore the part of the journey that gets no applause and rarely gets mentioned: the messy middle.

This is the point where passion fades, progress stalls and self-doubt starts shouting. Where you quietly wonder if quitting might be easier. But what if this phase isn’t the problem? What if it's the point?

Through personal reflection, grounded storytelling and a soul-strengthening Tea Routine, this episode offers a gentle reminder: the middle isn’t where you fall apart. It’s where you come together.

Recommended Tea:

An oolong like Yellow Gold or Orange Oolong Supreme. Rooted in the earth element, it’s perfect for grounding you when your path feels unsteady.

In this episode, you'll discover:

* Why every meaningful journey gets hard in the middle

* The role of slow, silent progress in real growth

* A Tea Routine that helps you return to your centre

* A reframing of struggle as strength training

Tea Routine: The Messy Middle Pause

While your tea brews:

* Name the messy middle you’re in right now

* Write down three things that feel difficult or unclear

* Remind yourself of one reason why you began

Let the tea steep. Let your feelings sit. Trust the discomfort. This is the work that makes you.

Ways to connect with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

What does it take to build a business that feels like a hug, and keep it thriving through chaos, change and growth?

In this heart-opening episode, I sit down with Ashley Harley, Chief Operating Officer of Mimi’s Bakehouse, the iconic Edinburgh café that began with a dream, a lot of courage, and the sale of a family home.

Ashley joined the business in 2013, stepping into a legacy baked by her mum, Michelle Phillips. Since then, she has helped scale it into one of Scotland’s most beloved brands. From winning Scottish Baker of the Year to leading a thriving online cake business, Ashley shares what it really takes to blend tradition with innovation, and family with leadership, while staying grounded in the process.

We talk about:

* The truth about running a family business and what people don’t see

* What it means to lead with love when the pressure is on

* How Mimi’s creates a “hug in the door” and why that still matters

* Burnout, boundaries and the rituals that keep Ashley steady

* What she hopes her future granddaughter feels when she walks into Mimi’s

Key Takeaway:

Whether you are building something of your own, navigating legacy, or simply trying to stay connected to what matters, this conversation will invite you to reflect, reset and realign with what is possible.

Pop the kettle on and join us for a story about courage, connection and cake.

p.s. Shortly after our conversation, Michelle Phillips (Mimi’s) only went on won the the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation Diasbled Entrepreneur Awards. When she started Mimi’s Bakehouse 15 years ago, she was diagnosed soon after with MS (a condition the affects your physical and mental health). What an incredibly well-deserved achievement.

Resources & Links:

* Follow Ashley on Instagram: @ashleynatashap and LinkedIn: Ashley Harley

* Visit Mimi’s Bakehouse: mimisbakehouse.com

* We discussed the fabulous EGG Business Club and the inspiring Leith Collective.

Ways to connect with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In today’s episode, we explore the subtle yet powerful idea of intentionality. That is, doing things on purpose rather than drifting through the day on autopilot.

If your days feel rushed, disconnected, or like you’re ticking off tasks without really feeling present, this episode is a gentle nudge back into awareness.

Erica shares how a three-minute tea pause can become a daily ritual that brings clarity, calm and focus. She offers her own personal example of committing to more visibility on LinkedIn and the tactile trick she uses to stay accountable.

Most importantly, she invites you to check in with your body, to sit with discomfort, and to allow space for your true intentions to emerge.

In this episode, you'll discover:

* Why getting clear on your intention is only the first step

* How a cup of tea can anchor your awareness and reset your day

* Why planning often disguises itself as progress

* A simple desk-based trick using coins to stay consistent with your goals

* How to tune into your body to uncover deeper truths and guidance

* How sharing your intention can shift not just your mindset, but your relationships too

Tea Routine Takeaway:

If you could do just one thing today with extraordinary care, what would it be?

Start there. Let that small act guide you.

Resources & Links:

* David Hieatt’s Micro Blogs: DO Lectures

* Learn more about The Tea Mind System: Substack

Ways to connect with me 💬

DM me, jump in the subscriber chat, or connect via my website, LinkedIn or Instagram 😁 I offer tea supply, tea training, tea for wellbeing courses and mindset coaching. Find out more about my tea business, eteaket, here: https://www.eteaket.co.uk/

Thanks for joining me on our pause for tea to rebalance and thrive. 🍵 If you enjoyed this post, it would make my day if you’d comment, hit the heart button or share it. Your actions will help me reach more people. 💖 Thanks for your support! ✨ Erica x

The Tea Mind is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.