Emily Lau, a Hong Kong native who moved to Miami 20 years ago, is a happy mother of three sons and has created a fulfilling life for her family. Over the years, she’s held various roles, from flight attendant to teacher, and even ran a successful swimming pool business. However, a life-altering event forced Emily to refocus her energy on the health and well-being of herself and her loved ones. With the help of her South African friend Russell, she recently founded a South African rooibos tea brand, hoping to bring improved health to the lives of others.
So what exactly happened behind the scenes that inspired Emily to start a rooibos business?
A foreboding dream
At a time when Emily’s family and career were thriving, an unexpected turn of events would change her life forever. It all began with her sister’s dream — a warning that would prove accurate.
In August 2016, Emily’s younger sister approached her with a sense of urgency and concern, insisting she undergo a physical examination. She explained that she had had a troubling dream where she sensed something was wrong with Emily’s health. Though Emily was initially skeptical and didn’t think much of it, she finally decided to go for the checkup anyway. Little did she know this decision would lead to the discovery of a life-altering diagnosis.
The initial full-body checkups were reassuring until November when the doctor suddenly delivered unexpected and devastating news: her most recent examination revealed that Emily had breast cancer. With a family history of the disease and her high-risk status, the diagnosis was a heavy blow. Fortunately, the cancer was detected early enough to allow for treatment.
After six surgeries, Emily’s health improved, but the cancer cells never entirely disappeared, and the threat of recurrence remained. Determined to regain control over her health, she continuously adjusted her eating habits and sought ways to stay healthy, fully aware that her journey was far from over.
Reflecting on her experience, Emily said, “Cancer makes you realize that you’re not invincible and that your health is the most important thing. No matter how much money you make, it doesn’t matter. That’s why, since my diagnosis, I’ve paid close attention to my diet, as well as that of my family.”
Using dietary therapy to fight cancer
Emily shared how she turned to “dietary therapy” in her fight against cancer. The first step was to cut back on fried foods and avoid sweets. In the past, Emily strongly preferred candies and chocolates, but now she avoids them entirely. She explained, “I learned that sweets can help cancer cells grow faster, so even though I enjoy them, I try not to eat them now. I also tell my family not to consume too many sweets.”
In addition, since breast cancer is believed to be linked to hormonal estrogen, Emily became cautious about consuming foods containing hormones. After consulting a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, who explained that eggs and chicken are high in hormones, she decided to eliminate meat from her diet. Instead, she focused on mainly eating seafood, such as fish, shrimp, and various vegetarian dishes. Surprisingly, she found that after she started paying attention to a better diet, her body felt refreshed and more energized – and she even noticed an improvement in her skin.
The cancer diagnosis was a sudden blow, one that forced Emily to reconsider the meaning of life and her true purpose. Her life and business became deeply intertwined with health and wellness from that pivotal moment. As she sought ways to improve her well-being, Emily came across something unexpected: rooibos tea — a rare and powerful tea from South Africa. Intrigued by its many health benefits, she soon made it a central part of her wellness journey.
A gift from God
Rooibos is unlike any other tea. Known for its ability to promote restful sleep, it’s said that the stronger the brew, the better the sleep. More than just a sleep aid, rooibos is packed with antioxidants and has been shown to prevent cancer, protect the heart, and lower cholesterol. What makes rooibos genuinely extraordinary is its exclusivity — it only grows in the mountainous regions of South Africa, making it a national treasure. Along with diamonds and gold, rooibos is considered one of South Africa’s three great treasures, often referred to as a “gift from God.”
As Emily continued to explore the benefits of rooibos tea, she learned through a TV program that South African tea not only contains no caffeine but also plays a key role in preventing blockages in blood vessels by acting as a “scavenger” within them. Despite its remarkable health benefits, Emily was surprised to discover that rooibos was still relatively unknown to many people. Few businesses sold South African tea, and its full potential remained untapped.
Fortunately, Emily had an invaluable resource in her friend Russell, a native South African. With his guidance, she connected with a local supplier in South Africa, and together, they created a way to introduce rooibos tea to a broader audience. Inspired by the remarkable health benefits of the tea and her journey, Emily founded the brand E&R, determined to share the healing properties of rooibos and bring better health to people everywhere.
Emily shared, “I noticed that Asians are very health-conscious. They’re aware of the high antioxidant properties in green tea, which is known to help prevent cancer. It’s become a common part of their daily routine. However, many people don’t realize South African tea has significant health benefits. That’s why I’m so passionate about promoting it to everyone.”
Building on her passion for promoting rooibos tea, Emily explained, “Having healthy blood vessels ensures that nutrients are efficiently transported throughout the body, which helps prevent brain degeneration. If the tiny blood vessels die off due to aging, cells in the brain, bones, or other areas that rely on proper nutrient delivery will start to deteriorate. This can eventually lead to conditions like brain degeneration, osteoporosis, and even stroke.”
Emily cited her mother’s example, who began to suffer from brain degeneration and osteoporosis as she aged. Witnessing these health struggles in her own family only deepened her concern for the importance of a healthy diet. After learning about the powerful effects of South African rooibos tea, she became determined to share its health benefits with others, hoping to offer a natural solution for those seeking to improve their health and well-being.
Embracing life with a new perspective
The warning signs in Emily’s body served as a wake-up call, leading her to develop a deeper appreciation for every moment of her life. This shift in perspective changed how she viewed her health and strengthened her commitment to cherishing the people around her.
When Emily was first diagnosed with cancer, she was the owner and manager of a thriving swimming pool maintenance business in Florida. Having taken over the operation from a retired owner, she had obtained the necessary licenses and learned the ins and outs of running the business. “I started with over 200 accounts, and after eight years of hard work, I grew it to more than 600 accounts. But when I was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo six surgeries, I realized it was time to sell. I decided I wanted to spend more time with my family.”
Reflecting on her past, she said: “Before I had cancer, I was very responsible at work and worked tirelessly. But after my diagnosis, I realized that no amount of money could replace the time spent with loved ones. The most important thing is to be with my family.”
Sometimes, it takes a jarring event to reevaluate what truly matters in life. For Emily, her cancer diagnosis served as that turning point, prompting her to focus more on her health and her family. This new perspective brought her peace and led her to an unexpected business venture that supported her healing and allowed her to help others on their journeys toward better health.
Translated by Cecilia and edited by Tatiana Denning
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