Meet Channel McClain-Smart: Owner, Educator, & mixologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Channel McClain-Smart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Channel, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Prior to starting Nel’s Tropical Tea I had already had a previous career as a educator so finding the balance between going back to work everyday was a challenge. Therefore I had to put some systems in place, get more organized, and rely on my team. Some of the systems I put into place that really helped me continue my career as a educator while also having my own business was changing the delivery and pick-up hours, incorporating a calendar , set aside days for meetings , set days to check inventory , and hiring outside help.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been teaching for over 22 years in the Philadelphia School District,but I now have been running Nel’s Tropical Tea since June 2020. I am most proud of how Nel’s Tea has evolved and seeing the growth of how we started from one flavor and now we have 5 different flavors! I am so happy at how well our beverages have been received by others. What sets us apart is the customization and the use of the fresh fruits in our drinks. We have both non-alcoholic and alcoholic options and it fits for any occasion from girls night,baby showers, or any special day. Customer reviews and word of mouth have also helped us grow. It is challenging to balance personal life and professional life. Learning the laws and regulations of owning a business was also a challenge being as though it was new to me. What I did not know I did my research and also have people in my life who are more familiar with this and have helped along the way.

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?
Of course you have to check out Nel’s Tropical Tea we are open 7 days a week, pick up and delivery. If you are looking for some good eats try out the Breakfast Boutique, Warm Daddy’s, Bistro on the Mall, Mi Puebilto Taco truck for the best Birria tacos, SOUTH Kitchen, Denise’s Bakery for the best desserts, and Max’s if you are looking for a good cheesesteak.

Now let’s go grab a drink at Rose Garden Phl or Wine Garden West.

Visit Spruce Street Harbor Park in the summer months, Reading Terminal, Rocky steps/Art Museum, Philadelphia Zoo, and One Liberty Observation Deck.

Hang out at South Street, pop up gardens, music festivals, picnic, and city hall.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and close friends because they really encouraged me to start Nel’s Tropical Tea and share it with other people outside of just family and friends. Nel’s Tea originally started out just being made for family events, then one day we did one event for our neighbor at no cost and her daughter and friends loved it and said we should start selling our tea! So I took the leap of faith from the encouragement of my son Lucius, daughter April, Friend Brandi, and Neighbor Diane to name a few; if it was not for them I would not be where I am today, they have supported me from the beginning financially and emotionally.

Website: https://www.nelstropicaltea.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nels-Tropical-Tea-LLC-111478754048164

Image Credits
Dickey Valerio