In a world that never seems to slow down, Zanda Isaac—entrepreneur, content creator, and the powerhouse behind Ting Tang Tea—is serving a gentle reminder in every cup: take a moment, breathe, and nourish yourself from the inside out.
Zanda’s journey into the world of teas didn’t begin in a boardroom or a startup incubator—it began at home, in the heart of her family kitchen, guided by her greatest inspiration: her mom. “We’ve always been close, and starting something together felt natural,” she shares. “She’s the entire reason I even make tea and the source of most of our recipes.” Their business, rooted in love and legacy, officially launched in 2020 during the height of the pandemic—an uncertain time that, for them, became an invitation to lean into wellness and authenticity.
Before Ting Tang Tea, Zanda had already been blending teas since high school. Professionally, she carved out a career in strategy and digital marketing—skills she now channels into her thriving business. “That’s still the part of the business I run today,” she says. But building the brand wasn’t without its challenges. From navigating logistics to educating the market on tea alternatives, the early days required patience, persistence, and passion. With just a R3,000 loan from her mom, Zanda designed her own packaging, built the brand’s first website, and kickstarted a movement—one handcrafted blend at a time.
Ting Tang Tea isn’t just about sipping something pretty—it’s about purpose. “Modern women are juggling a lot—careers, families, and still trying to show up for themselves. Our teas are practical tools that support that lifestyle,” Zanda explains. The teas are developed in-house using generational recipes and ingredients sourced from local South African farmers. Every blend goes through a meticulous process of formulation and testing, with customer favourites like the Glow Collagen and Calm blends gaining cult status for their skin-boosting and stress-soothing benefits.
Despite their growing success, Zanda and her team have kept things grounded. “The first time we got an order from someone we didn’t know—that was a big moment,” she recalls with a smile. Beyond personal wins, what truly drives her is impact: “Being able to create employment and contribute to a serious nation-wide problem. And the feeling of seeing your team grow and thrive—it’s so fulfilling, I can’t explain it.”
Sustainability is another pillar close to Zanda’s heart. Ting Tang Tea operates with a low-impact approach: recyclable packaging, small-batch production to reduce waste, and a commitment to supporting local agriculture. “Sustainability isn’t just about packaging—it’s about running a business that’s thoughtful from end to end.”
The brand aims to expand into more physical stores, host pop-ups and wellness events, and deepen its online community while maintaining its personal, community-driven spirit. “Consistency matters more than hype,” Zanda says. “Just keep showing up. And fall in love with the process—because that’s what builds a real brand.”
The Woman Behind the Brand: Zanda Unfiltered
☕ My Morning Ritual
5:30 a.m. — Prayer, a deep breath, and a warm cup of tea.
6:00 a.m. — A little scroll through socials for my morning fix (and the memes).
6:30 – 7:30 a.m. — Admin and “quick-win” tasks. I always try to move—stretching, walking, or a gym session.
8:30 a.m. — Breakfast with my husband, then I’m ready to lock in for the day.
“That quiet moment with a good blend and a solid skincare routine is how I ground myself.”
💆🏽♀️ My Non-Negotiables
Tea and skincare — every single day. They’re not just routines; they’re rituals. Little pockets of peace that keep me centred.
🫖 My Dream Tea Party Guests
Rihanna – for her boldness and fearlessness.
Winnie Madikizela-Mandela – for her depth, power, and revolutionary spirit.
Zoleka – my oldest sister and the wisest, calmest soul I know.
“That table would be full of real conversation and good vibes.”
🌿 My Calm in a Cup
When the world gets loud, I turn to our Calm blend — chamomile, lemon blossom, passion balm, and lavender. It’s a warm exhale in a cup. Stress? I don’t know her after that.
🎶 My Theme Song
Right now, it’s “Formation” by Beyoncé.
It speaks to exactly where I am: grounded, focused, and unapologetically stepping into my power.
📚 The Book That Shifted Everything
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks completely changed how I think about fear and self-sabotage. It showed me that sometimes we are the ones putting limits on our own success.
🧘🏽♀️ Work-Life Balance is the Brand
We run our business with intention—hybrid, flexible, and healthy.
No burnout culture here. Just a rhythm that honours real life.
“Balance isn’t a luxury—it’s how we build.”
🌸 My Dream Vacation
Destination: Japan
Packed: Our Glow Collagen blend
Because yes, my skin needs to match the cherry blossoms.
Ting Tang Tea is more than a beverage brand—it’s a celebration of wellness, intention, and the quiet power of daily rituals. In every blend is a story, a legacy, and an invitation to pause. As Zanda puts it best, “It’s self-care you can drink. No pressure, no perfection.”
You can experience Ting Tang Tea for yourself by shopping online at www.tingtangtea.co.za, or by visiting select Makro stores and Takealot.
For a daily dose of tea, inspiration, and community, follow them on Instagram and Facebook: @tingtangtea.
2 comments
Such a beautiful piece, I am definitely going to buy the tea.
So happy you enjoyed the read…please look out for their tea at Makro, Takealot and on their website.