About our founder
Gloria Andela is a businesswoman who was born in the USA in the state of Virginia. She is the owner of Andela Tea LLC, a company she founded which sells organic plant-based products derived from matcha green tea and beauty products, including face masks and an organic skincare line, also made with matcha tea. Gloria studied Communications with a minor in Marketing from the University of Maryland and holds a WOSB Certification. She is responsible for the overall operations and management of the company, selling beauty products and matcha tea products, public speaking, educating clients regarding the health benefits of using products containing matcha tea, consulting, and digital marketing. She belongs to Shepherd's Table, Eliances (Where Entrepreneurs Align), M3Linked, and UNICEF UNITE. Gloria believes in giving back to the community and donates a portion of her profits to charity annually. She enjoys swimming, cryotherapy, museums, reading, meditation, hiking, travel, philanthropy, and volunteering.
- How did you get started in your field/industry?
After encountering physical/health issues and my mental health took a toll. My mom who was a Buddhist introduced me to matcha and I saw a significant improvement with my health/wellness. My grandmother Francoise Foning was a businesswoman and my mentor.
- What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?
I believe economic inequality and the lack of women in position of power are some of the biggest challenges that women face today. It begins with education. It is important to create equal opportunities for children, especially for young girls.
- What does the word empowerment mean to you?
Supporting one another, towards individual prosperity. Throughout my journey, I have been empowered by friends and family and tried my best to empower others as well through volunteering to help those in need with the Shepherds table organization.