Amanda Miles Ricketts

Founder, The Niche Company, on blending tea, Pink Ladies and Jay-Z

amanda miles ricketts

What was your first-ever job? In a fish and chip shop. I was fired on my first day for giving free food to my friend!

What was the first music single you bought? ‘I Want You Back’ by The Jackson 5, on vinyl.

How do you describe your job to your mates? They don’t know yet, so this is my announcement! I create exciting, all-natural, delicious teas for the mind and body.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? The creative part. Thinking of new, innovative tea blends, then bringing them to life is incredibly rewarding.

What’s the least rewarding part? Admin, for reasons I’m sure everyone understands.

What’s your motto in life? No regrets.

What’s your nickname? My husband calls me Honeypot. You’ll have to ask him why!

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? Daily massages would be a real luxury.

What’s your favourite movie? Grease. I love the songs, and I have happy childhood memories as dressing up as one of the Pink Ladies! In fact, my bridesmaids dressed up as Pink Ladies on my hen weekend.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I was in a product meeting with two people, and I picked up what I thought was a candle to smell. It was a glass full of water. I literally threw it at my face and got soaked. The people in the meeting had to get me towels.

Any phobias? Let’s just say spiders are not on my list of favourite things.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be? Why? I would love to work with Jay-Z. He is an amazing businessman, extremely well connected, and his journey has been incredible. He also does a lot of charity work in Africa that he doesn’t feel the need to shout about.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? For the big corporations not to squeeze the life out of us with ridiculous margins. This makes it difficult for a small company to survive.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? My husband, and my iPhone - with free wi-fi.

What animal best reflects your personality? I’m like a cat. I love attention, I’m affectionate, but if you mess with me I will bite!