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The Qi Tea Details
Shark Tank Episode Details
The Shark Tank Pitch
Founder Lisa Li entered the Tank seeking $200,000 for 8% equity in her company, The Qi Tea, a wellness brand offering luxurious whole-flower teas inspired by her childhood tea rituals in China. Her top-selling tea retails for $36 per box with a $7 landed cost, delivering strong 80% margins.
Since launching, The Qi has achieved $2.9 million in lifetime sales, including $616,000 in 2024, and is projected to surpass $1 million in 2025 through direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and hospitality channels such as spas. The Sharks admired the brand’s elegance and mission but questioned scalability and marketing.
Daymond John offered $200,000 for 25%, which Lisa countered at 18%. After a brief back-and-forth, they agreed on a deal at $200,000 for 20%. Based in New York City, The Qi has become known for its ethically sourced teas like Shangri-La Rose, Blue Lotus, and Royal Chrysanthemum, featured in outlets such as Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart.
The brand now operates a studio space at 27 West 20th Street for community workshops and tea rituals, and continues to expand its offerings through collaborations with artists and wellness partners. Lisa’s mission remains to bring moments of calm, beauty, and connection to everyday life through the art of flower tea.
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Where Are They Now?
The deal with Daymond hasn't been publicly confirmed yet, but Lisa didn't wait around to see how it played out. Orders jumped after the episode aired, and she moved quickly to launch Shark Tank-themed bundles on the website.
The brand operates out of a studio space at 27 West 20th Street in New York City, where Lisa hosts community workshops and tea rituals. The Qi has been featured in outlets like Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart, building recognition in the wellness and lifestyle space.
The teas-Royal Chrysanthemum, Shangri-La Rose, Blue Lotus-are ethically sourced from small family farms across Asia and positioned as ceremonial-grade, which sets them apart from mass-market blends. Spas and hospitality groups remain a strong sales channel alongside direct-to-consumer.
The visual appeal of whole flowers blooming in hot water makes for compelling content on Instagram, where Lisa promotes the brand actively. Growth continues through collaborations with artists and wellness partners.
Revenue
$1 million+
