Talbott Teas is a Chicago based gourmet tea company owned by Jamba Juice. The company has a net profit of about $10 million. Owners Talbott and Nakisher appeared on Shark Tank, accepting a 35% equity deal with Kevin O'Leary.[1]
Talbott Teas was founded in 2003 by Shane Talbott and Dr. Steven Nakisher.[2] Shane Talbott spent more than 20 years in the salon and spa industry and has served as Oprah Winfrey’s personal hair colorist for 10 years. Dr. Steven Nakisher is a psychologist and entrepreneur.
Talbott Teas created special blends for the arts and entertainment industry including for Warner Brothers' 70th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz: The Ruby Slippers Blend, the Joffrey Ballet's performances of The Nutcracker: Clara's Tea Slippers Blend, and a gift sets for the cast and crew of Slumdog Millionaire at the 2009 Academy Awards.[3]
Talbott won two awards for its Chocolate Almond Allure tea at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's Annual World of Chocolate Event December 2011.[4] In 2012, Talbott Teas was chosen as one of Oprah's Favorite Things.[5]
Nakisher and Talbott appeared on Shark Tank in February 2011, receiving an investment of $250,000 for a 35 percent stake in their company from Kevin O'Leary.[6] Subsequently, Talbott Teas was purchased by Jamba Juice in 2012.