Allison Ullo Is Building Luxury Tea Company Leaves of Leisure to Help You Slow Down and Savor Life's Moments

Hi, I’m Allie, the founder of Leaves of Leisure, a woman-owned, luxury tea company that focuses on herbal and low-caffeine teas inspired by leisure activities. Our teas are designed to help people slow down, take breaks, and enjoy life’s small moments—whether it’s a cozy cup by the fire, or a refreshing iced tea during a summer picnic. After years of dealing with the jitters and anxiety from caffeine, I launched Leaves of Leisure as a solution for myself and others who want a healthier, calming alternative. I am a modern day "Renaissance Women", having worked multiple jobs since I was 16. I am a pro when it comes to self-care. I have tried every wellness gimmick and I hold to the belief that the best medicine is a hike outside, a warm bath, a good book and hot cup of herbal tea. Check us out at www.leavesofleisure.com.

What initially sparked your passion for starting your own business?

I’ve always had a passion for health and wellness, but it wasn’t until I started experiencing intense anxiety from caffeine that I realized there weren’t many enjoyable tea options for people looking for low or no-caffeine alternatives. I wanted to create a brand that made self-care and slowing down easy, while offering delicious teas that are functional and flavorful. Seeing a gap in the market and wanting to create something meaningful inspired me to start Leaves of Leisure. It was about creating something that could help people—like it helped me—bring calm and joy into their daily routines.

What advice would you give to your younger self about starting a business?

If you’re thinking about starting a business, take the first steps now. Don’t let self-doubt or the “what-ifs” stop you from moving forward. I’ve had countless ideas in the past that I let slip away because I was too afraid of failure or worried about what others might think. The truth is, you’ll never know if something can work unless you try. Even if it doesn’t go exactly as planned, the learning experience is invaluable. So, trust your gut and just start.

How have you navigated situations where you felt underestimated? How did you win?

The most important person that needs to believe in you is you. I learned that hard lesson when I tried to crowdfund $25,000 and called on every friend and family member I’d supported over the years. Despite my efforts, I barely raised half of my goal, and the platform didn’t allow me to keep the money. Not only that, but they sent an email to everyone who donated, announcing that I hadn’t reached my goal—it was like a public failure. I was devastated, embarrassed, and felt isolated. But through that experience, I learned resilience. I realized that failure doesn’t define me. Instead, it’s a stepping stone. That moment showed me the value of believing in myself, even when others don't. I didn’t give up, and it’s one of the reasons Leaves of Leisure exists today.

Work-life balance can be a constant struggle for entrepreneurs. How do you manage your time and maintain a healthy balance?

This is a huge challenge for me, especially since I work two other jobs on top of running Leaves of Leisure. I’ve had to become a master of time-blocking and habit stacking. I set clear priorities, ask for help when I need it, and am comfortable saying “no” to things that don’t align with my goals. But above all, I make sure I get a full night’s sleep. If I don’t take care of myself, everything else suffers. So I have a to-do list prioritized by what absolutely needs to get done, and I don’t sweat it if some things have to be pushed back.

Beyond financial success, what does "success" mean to you as a female founder?

Success, to me, is about building a community where female entrepreneurs can thrive. I want to reach a point where I can mentor and support other women through grants and educational programs. There’s too much gatekeeping and unnecessary competition in this space. I want to foster an open, honest, and empowering environment that celebrates the small wins, especially in those early stages of business where it’s so easy to get discouraged. Success is about creating something that benefits others and leaves a lasting impact.

What is the most over- or under-rated thing in the world of entrepreneurship?

There’s an over-glorification of the “overnight success” story. We constantly hear about brands that went viral or had a celebrity endorsement that skyrocketed their sales in a matter of months. But the reality is that most businesses don’t experience instant success. Many founders grind for years before seeing significant growth. I wish there were more stories about the perseverance it takes to make it in this industry—the founders who’ve worked behind the scenes for a decade before things finally clicked. Those stories are just as important, if not more, because they showcase the resilience needed to succeed.

Learn more about Leaves of Leisure on: leavesofleisure.com and follow @leisureteas on IG, FB and TikTok

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