Tim Hill and iLOLA Are Revolutionizing Tea With the Duo Smart Brewer

By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief

Tim Hill is not just an entrepreneur—he’s an innovator on a mission to redefine how people experience tea. As the co-founder of iLOLA, Hill and his wife, Su-Mari, have introduced a groundbreaking approach to tea drinking with their patented Tea Discs and, now, the revolutionary iLOLA Duo, the first smart brewing machine designed for both Tea Discs and Nespresso®-compatible coffee pods.

For Hill, the journey into the tea industry was unexpected. Coming from a background in finance and auditing, he had always been drawn to the challenge of solving complex problems. But it wasn’t until he and his wife moved continents, started a family, and sought to build something meaningful that iLOLA was born.

“There was always this itch in the background—this desire to create something that I could look back on and be proud of,” Hill shares. “And when we identified the problem with traditional tea brewing, we knew we had an opportunity to change the industry.”

At the core of iLOLA’s innovation is the Tea Disc, a compact, pre-portioned serving of whole-leaf tea bound with a probiotic culture. Unlike tea bags, which often contain microplastics and low-quality tea dust, Tea Discs preserve the integrity of loose-leaf tea while offering the same convenience. This sustainable, health-focused approach is what sets iLOLA apart.

While loose-leaf tea is widely regarded as superior in flavor and quality, many consumers find it cumbersome to prepare. Hill recalls how customers would express their love for loose-leaf tea but hesitate due to the inconvenience. “They wanted to move away from tea bags but didn’t know how. That’s where the Tea Disc comes in—it simplifies the process while preserving all the benefits of premium tea.”

Taking innovation a step further, Hill and his team spent six years perfecting the Tea Disc technology, developing a probiotic binding agent that naturally holds the tea together. “We grow the probiotic binding over 30 days, infuse it with the tea leaves, and it solidifies naturally,” he explains. “It’s a completely organic process that enhances both flavor and health benefits.”

But iLOLA didn’t stop at just reinventing tea preparation. With the upcoming launch of the iLOLA Duo, the company is disrupting the tea and coffee brewing market in a way never seen before.

“We always knew we wanted to create a machine that would make brewing tea as simple as pressing a button,” Hill says. “The Duo extracts the full depth of flavor from the Tea Disc using a gentle water pressure system, delivering a smooth, full-bodied cup in under 60 seconds.”

Understanding that many tea drinkers also enjoy coffee, the iLOLA Duo was designed to accommodate both Tea Discs and Nespresso-compatible coffee pods, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen. “We wanted to create a solution where people wouldn’t have to choose between multiple machines. Now, they can have barista-quality tea and coffee in one sleek, high-end device.”

Beyond convenience, the iLOLA Duo is built with sustainability in mind. Unlike traditional tea bags, which contribute to plastic waste, Tea Discs are fully compostable. The machine itself is designed for longevity and efficiency, aligning with iLOLA’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

The iLOLA Duo is set to launch through a Kickstarter campaign, offering early adopters exclusive pricing. Customers can reserve a machine for just $1, securing a 47% discount off retail pricing. “We wanted to make it as accessible as possible,” Hill notes. “This is more than just a machine—it’s a new way of experiencing tea and coffee.”

For Hill, iLOLA is about more than just business; it’s about changing an industry that has remained largely unchanged for over a century. “The last major innovation in tea was the invention of the tea bag 120 years ago. Now, we’re taking the next step forward.”

As iLOLA continues to push boundaries, its impact is being felt not only among tea enthusiasts but also in the broader beverage market. From their unique flavored Tea Discs, which include varieties like Cherry Cola Chai and Citrus Punch, to their revolutionary brewing system, iLOLA is proving that tradition and innovation can coexist.

For those looking to be part of the future of tea and coffee, iLOLA is offering an opportunity to join the movement. Visit ilolatea.com to explore their collection and reserve the iLOLA Duo before its official release.

With iLOLA, tea is no longer just a drink—it’s an experience.