Allison DeVane

Allison DeVane is founder and owner of Teaspressa, which offers a unique beverage that combines thes qualities of tea and coffee, resulting in a healthy alternative to traditional caffeine drinks.

Through Teaspressa's proprietary tea concentration technology, they produce concentrated tea blends that contain the same amount of caffeine as an espresso shot, while providing the numerous health benefits of tea, the company said. The LUXE Flavor Collection, Teaspressa's signature product line, offers naturally flavored sugar cubes that create instant craft cocktails, mocktails, lattes or Italian sodas, the company said.

“Besides the financial sacrifices made during the startup phase, I saw the most important risk taken is time,” DeVane said. “We all have 24 hours a day and what is spent during that time is invaluable.”

DeVane is an inaugural member of The Tory Burch Foundation's Business Fellowship Program, which aims to support and empower women entrepreneurs. Additionally, as a member of Intuit's Small Business QuickBooks Council, DeVane collaborates with policymakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for small business legislation reform.

DeVane has been actively involved in promoting minority businesses and supporting the minority business community. She has worked with organizations such as Asian Corporate and Entrepreneur Leaders, contributing her knowledge and experiences to uplift and inspire fellow entrepreneurs. She also mentors new business owners, providing guidance and support.

“I was selected as an inaugural member of Intuit's Small Business Council where I work with Capitol Hill leaders for small business legislation reform,” DeVane said. “I am also passionate about counseling young entrepreneurs and was selected as a judge for Victoria's Secret PINK GRL PWR Project 2020, alongside Victoria's Secret's CEO, Amy Hauk. The GRL PWR Project was launched to help fund and celebrate young women through female empowerment, education and sustainability.

“Furthermore, as a Black Korean business owner, I am actively involved in the minority business communiTEA, including Asian Corporate and Entrepreneur Leaders and the Cabinet for Arizona State University's Barrett The Honors College, and Arizona State Alumni Association's business programs.”

DeVane places emphasis on sustainability within her business. Teaspressa follows a sustainability model that prioritizes recyclable packaging, sourcing directly from tea farms and avoiding the use of tea bags. She seeks opportunities to enhance and expand these sustainability efforts throughout the entire business, from sourcing and production to administration and shipping, the company said.

“I think being resourceful and allowing your team the space to fail is the key to being a successful leader today,” DeVane said.