Meet Firdaws | Founder & Visionarian

We had the good fortune of connecting with Firdaws and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Firdaws, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started SOBA Hibiscus (formally known as Fresh Hibiscus Tea) to connect my drinkers to our shared West African roots and to create a space of belonging. In doing so, we empower our community to live a refreshing and balanced life. At SOBA Hibiscus, beverages are expressions of beautiful cultures and places. We are putting our people at the center of the story by sharing our rich histories, values, and products. It’s time for the voices of the unheard to be heard.

What should our readers know about your business?
We brew the most refreshing and flavorful hibiscus teas. It gives our drinkers an authentic West African experience and a sense of belonging. There’s a reason why our ancestors have been drinking this beverage for centuries to feel fresh! #Tasteitfeelit We got to where we are today through rest, consistency, mentorship, and support from our community. Creating a business is not easy but it certainly is meaningful and purposeful especially knowing the pain that we are solving which is having access to a more convenient way to enjoy a refreshing hibiscus drink without having to make your own and not really enjoying it, if not made properly. That’s why SOBA Hibiscus is here, we didn’t invent hibiscus drinks, we just perfected it!

Some lessons I’ve learnt is to build a brand that will last a lifetime. Build something that adds value to people’s lives and one that can impact others positively. I want the world to know that SOBA Hibiscus is the refreshing beverage of balance. Balance mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting New Orleans, I would take her to Bourbon Street, enjoy a slow bite at café du monde for some Beignets. Take a tour around St. Charles and see all the Mansions. Go to the Whitney Plantation as it’s one of the few plantations that tell the story from the viewpoint of the slaves. Dine at any of the Seafood restaurants. Spend the night away dancing at a Jazz club while enjoying a refreshing SOBA Hibiscus mocktail. Take a swamp tour and pet an alligator. Have alligator meat for lunch (sorry vegans). Try New Orleans Po’boy sandwiches. Depending on the season, as we are in Mardi Gras season, we will attend some parades and eat King Cakes all day long.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There is no such thing as self-made. All great organizations or individuals happened due to a community of effort and shared goals. I want to give a shout out to every single person that has supported, purchased, mentored, worked, collaborated, advised me throughout this journey. It’s still a journey and I wouldn’t be where I am without all the support I have received along the way. Thank you to The Propeller Team for walking the talk, certainly a true accelerator program that cares about their ventures. Thank you to my team, I don’t know what I would do without you all. Thank you to all our customers, friends, buyers, and partners. Lastly, I am thankful to God for putting me on this path.

Website: https://sobahibiscus.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sobahibiscus/

Linkedin: SOBA Hibiscus

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SobaHibiscus

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sobahibiscus

Image Credits
Credit: Brian, Madeline & Me