Ep. 98 Jermail Shelton: How to Build a Sustainable Business that Stands the Test of Time
3/31/26
Sustainable business growth is at the heart of Jermail Shelton's nearly two-decade journey with Just Add Honey Tea in Atlanta. Co-owner Jermail joins hosts Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis on the DO GOOD X podcast to share how entrepreneurship, resilience, and a willingness to pivot have kept their business thriving. From surviving COVID by moving business operations online to scaling tea-blending classes to over 100 virtual attendees, Jermail's story is one of bold strategy and servant leadership. He also explores the power of mentorship and how open communication and community connection fuel both personal well-being and lasting success.
In This Episode
- 00:00 Introduction to Jermail Shelton, co-owner of Just Add Honey Tea, a thriving small business in Atlanta
- 04:22 Jermail shares the ingredients behind nearly 20 years of sustainable business growth
- 06:15 How a bold business pivot during COVID transformed in person tea blending classes into an online business
- 09:49 Stephen and Jermail discuss the key ingredients of a successful mentorship relationship
- 13:51 Jermail reflects on servant leadership, faith, grit and what truly drives his purpose in entrepreneurship
Key Takeaways
- 💎 Business resilience is built by embracing change rather than resisting it. Jermail Shelton's ability to pivot Just Add Honey Tea during COVID, from a storefront-only model to a thriving online business with nationwide reach, proves that agility is one of the greatest assets a small business owner can have.
- 💎 Servant leadership is not a soft skill but a growth strategy. Jermail's commitment to serving his customers, his community, and his mentees has directly fueled corporate partnerships, brand loyalty, and long-term sustainable business growth that spans nearly two decades.
- 💎 The balance of faith and hard work is non-negotiable. Jermail believes that purpose-driven business success comes not from one or the other, but from the discipline to pray, plan, and then put in the work that most people are unwilling to do.
About The Hosts
Kimberly R. Daniel
Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive Change.
Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, it is her commitment to produce effective processes and create authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered.
In addition, Kimberly has nearly 10 years of experience as a certified life coach and has facilitated workshops, spoken to communities, and written about innovation and entrepreneurship centered on social impact. She is co-author of A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
In any aspect of her work, she is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good.
Social Media to Connect:
Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X, a start-up accelerator for diverse Christian social entrepreneurs. He is an organizational change strategist and a leadership development specialist, focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work on purpose. Stephen is the co-author of Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
Social Media to Connect:
