Business Essence

A different way of doing business. 

At Sociatea, we believe business should do more than grow.
It should care. It should contribute. It should leave things better than it found them.

Our approach is guided by the principles of Doughnut Economics. A framework that asks a simple but powerful question:

How can we meet human needs without exceeding the limits of the planet?

This model gives us a way to hold both responsibility and possibility at the same time. It shapes how we make decisions, how we source, how we grow, and how we show up in the world.

The space where we choose to operate

The Doughnut is made up of two boundaries.

The inner ring represents the social foundation.
The essential conditions people need to live well.

The outer ring represents the ecological ceiling.
The environmental limits we must not cross.

The space between them is where humanity can thrive.
This is where Sociatea chooses to operate.

Why this matters to us

Tea creates space.
Space to pause. Space to connect. Space to choose differently.

Our Business Essence reflects the same belief. That when people and planet are held in balance, something meaningful can grow.

This is how we do business.
Quietly. Carefully. With care.

Not at the extremes.
Not at the expense of people or planet.
But in balance.

Our social foundation

At the heart of Sociatea is people.

Our customers, our growers, our partners, and the communities connected to every cup of tea we offer. We believe tea is a powerful tool for connection and wellbeing, and that belief shapes how we work.

Our social foundation focuses on:

• Health and wellbeing through ritual and pause

• Accessibility and inclusion

• Youth engagement and opportunity

• Community connection and belonging

• Fair labour practices and ethical trade

• Respect for rural character and resilience

These are not marketing ideas. They are decision-making filters. We return to them when choosing suppliers, partners, packaging, and how we grow our business.

Our ecological ceiling

Tea begins in nature, so our responsibility to the planet is non-negotiable.

We pay close attention to the environmental impact of our choices, particularly in areas where the tea industry has historically fallen short.

Our ecological considerations include:

• Climate impact and carbon awareness

• Water use and land stewardship

• Biodiversity and soil health

• Responsible farming practices

• Reducing waste and rethinking packaging

We are not perfect, and we do not claim to be. We are a small, independent business that is committed to learning, improving, and choosing better wherever possible.

A living model, not a fixed claim

This is not a badge.
It is a framework we return to again and again.

The Doughnut reminds us that business is not separate from life. That growth without care is hollow, and care without action is incomplete.

By holding social wellbeing and environmental responsibility together, we are building Sociatea slowly, thoughtfully, and with intention.

This is what business looks like when it is guided by essence rather than excess.

Why this matters to us

Tea creates space.
Space to pause. Space to connect. Space to choose differently.

Our Business Essence reflects the same belief. That when people and planet are held in balance, something meaningful can grow.

"This is how we do business.
Quietly. Carefully. With care." 

Jacinta Gibson, Tea Master and Founder of Sociatea