Co-founder of “Oregon Chai” and author of “Million Dollar Cup of Tea”, Tedde McMillen is a popular speaker among women business groups, mother and daughter groups and specialty food industries.

Tedde McMillen was a regular house wife until her college age daughter was arrested and kicked out of China in 1989, right before the Tiananmen Square Protest.    Her unusual entrepreneurs journey of a mother-daughter team who built a business from the basement of her church – and sold it less than a decade later for $75 million dollars was featured in CNBC and many TV and magazine interviews.  Tedde McMillen’s true-life story of mother and daughter working together, through good and bad times, has inspired many mothers and daughters starting their business and pursuing their American dreams. 

Tedde McMillen has been a featured speaker on the history of chai and the beginning and growth of the company at “Coffee Fest,”, the “Culinary Alliance, Oregon Gourmet Foods Trade Association” and for groups of business development professionals for the World Affairs Council.  She shared her strategies for success with The Performance Center’s “Breakfast for Excellence Series” and the Beaverton Chamber of Commerce.  Tedde McMillen has also presented seminars on the history, lore and benefits of tea with several groups including a presentation at the Annual Meeting of HAFF, Hoyt Arboretum Friends and Family and the Tacoma Yacht Club’s Shipmates.  She has also given seminars on “How to bring your food product to market.”

Tedde McMillen's Speaking Topics:

1)      From Mom’s Kitchen To $75 Million

Tedde McMillen tells the story of Oregon Chai, a company started by her and her daughter. This presentation includes unique strategies that helped Oregon Chai not only introduce a completely new beverage, but become the leader of the chai category with $35 million in sales and sold for $75 million in just ten years.  Attendees, especially entrepreneurs, will be inspired by Tedde’s determination and unwillingness to give up even when faced with disaster.

2)     You Want To Start A Business But Do You Have The Guts?

Learn how to start your own business from a successful entrepreneur, the co-founder of Oregon Chai, a company started by a mother-daughter team who not only introduced a completely new beverage to the U.S.A., but became the leader of the category with $35 million in sales in just ten years when it sold for $75 million.

3)      Transitions Can Be Painful But They Can Also Make You Strong And Change Your Life

Tedde’s life, both personal and business, has been a series of challenges.  She grew us in an abusive atmosphere, survived on welfare, started two successful businesses, became a millionaire; saw her finances depleted by a risky investment in real estate by her partner but she never quit. She successfully overcame each obstacle one challenge at a time and shares tips for a wonderful life.

 4)      So You Think You Want to Write a Book – Where Do You Start – And What Do You Do Next?

As Co-Founder of Oregon Chai, Tedde McMillen was a manic, detailed taker of notes.  She wrote down everything so as not to forget, you never know when you might need that information again.  She wrote letters to friends and her son in the military.  She also gave frequent presentations to various groups about Oregon Chai and one day an attendee said, “That is such a good story, you should write it down.”  Tedde agreed and that was the beginning of her memoir.  But the writing was only part of the work.  Next she had to find a publisher.  Learn from Tedde how you too, can turn those experiences into a memoir and maybe with her suggestions, you too will someday be a published author.

5)      The History, Lore and Health Benefits of Tea

Tedde McMillen provides attendees with a sampling of several exotic teas:  green, pu-erh, oolong, black and chai.  She then explains the history of this fascinating beverage, including a monk that cut off his eyelids after falling asleep while meditating; how to brew a good cup of tea; tea ware and care; storage and health benefits.

  As co-founder of Oregon Chai, Inc., Tedde McMillen was the keynote speaker for Key Bank’s “Key 4 Women” series where she entertained attendees and shared her secrets for success.  She has also been a featured speaker on the history of chai and the beginning and growth of Oregon Chai at “Coffee Fest,” a tradeshow for the coffee and tea industry, the “Culinary Alliance, Oregon Gourmet Foods Trade Association” and for groups of business development professionals for the World Affairs Council and Rotarians.  She shared her strategies for success with The Performance Center’s “Breakfast for Excellence Series” and the Beaverton Chamber of Commerce.  Tedde has also presented seminars on the history, lore and benefits of tea with several groups including a presentation at the Annual Meeting of HAFF, Hoyt Arboretum Friends and Family and the Tacoma Yacht Club’s Shipmates.  She has also given seminars on “How to bring your food product to market.”