Tea has been a bloodline trading business run by men for generations…until now.
Tea rituals are a great way to bring meditation into your daily routine. Waiting for the water to boil, watching the tea steep, and taking in the soothing aromas can add a sense of mindfulness to your everyday tasks. It’s a chance to slow down, sit in stillness, and truly savor the delicate flavors of your brew.
When we consider images of where tea comes from or how it’s presented (laborers working among tea bushes or serving chai in intimate, civilized settings, for example), women typically come to mind. In earlier social settings where men were the ones responsible for generating income for their households, this gender inequality also came with accessing and using the land that supported their control over tea cultivation and its ownership levels. But these dynamics also brought about eventual movements in social feminism that advocated for fair rights and accommodations for women.
The advancements added to the last decade’s lineup of women entrepreneurs who have taken the plunge to start their own tea companies in what was traditionally a male-dominated industry.
Keep scrolling to meet five Black women tea merchants who are committed to promoting gender equity and sustainability in the art of tea.
Brandi Shelton, Just Add Honey
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While searching for the perfect tea, Brandi Shelton decided to make her own, and just like that, Atlanta-based Just Add Honey was born. Shelton uses ingredients from all over the world to add a unique twist to the traditional tea of the South. Whether you need a morning pick-me-up with the All Black Everything Tea Gift Set, want to start a detox with the Calm Cleanse blend, or crave a fruity cold brew with your meal, Just Add Honey has something for everyone.
Dr. Sunyatta Amen, Calabash Tea
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A fifth-generation master herbalist, Dr. Sunyatta Amen founded the multi-award-winning Calabash in 2009 to share the knowledge she gained from her Syrian-Jamaican and Cuban roots. Growing up in New York, she was introduced to a vegan lifestyle at a young age and spent her childhood behind the counter of her dad’s Harlem store, Pyramid Tea and Herbal, just a few doors down from the famous Apollo Theater.
As D.C.’s first and only Black-owned tea house and retailer, Amen is all about providing modern people with everything they need to thrive, and Calabash’s mission has been to bring back the indigenous ways of healing the mind, body and spirit. If you’re looking for a place that celebrates and embraces holistic wellness, Calabash is the spot for you.
Kim Brown, KimBees
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Kimberly Brown is all about creating amazing drinks at great prices and she’s definitely succeeded with her award-winning ready-to-drink teas that come in her iconic wine bottles. In fact, she even won the Supplier of the Year award in 2013, with a recommendation from none other than Maya Angelou.
Check out KimBees’ collection of bottled and boxed teas to find the perfect beverage for you. And don’t forget to try their delicious gourmet peanut brittle, made by Kimberly’s mom, Avenell Brown. It’s the perfect pairing for your tea-drinking experience. Cheers!
Shanae Jones, Flyest
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Add some “flava” to your tea routine with a hip-hop-inspired blend from Shanae Jones, an herbalist on a mission to make the tea industry more inclusive and accepting. Take your pick from loose-leaf options like the cool peppermint blend called C.R.E.A.M and the spicy and warming turmeric tea called Yella. And don’t forget to pair them with an infusion of honey to really make your tea time pop. These teas are not only delicious but also good for your body.
LaTonia Cokely, Adjourn Tea House
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We came across Adjourn Tea House on Instagram and have to say, we absolutely love the vibe they’ve got going on. It’s all about taking a moment to pause and rest with a nice cup of tea. The owner, LaTonia Cokely, actually grew up in a family of tea enthusiasts, and she had this amazing idea for a tea and wellness business when she was just 15 years old. Fast forward to today, and Adjourn Tea House is the beautiful manifestation of her dream and years of hard work.
Kamilah Mitchell, Teas With Meaning
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Teas With Meaning originates from Oakland, CA, and is crafted by Kamilah Mitchell, an educator and tea connoisseur who has triumphed over a brain tumor and cancer. These teas are cultivated using organic methods and can be savored as a delightful cup of tea, but their versatility extends beyond a simple brew. They can also be utilized in various imaginative ways even after the initial infusion.
Notably, Kamilah demonstrates her commitment to the community by employing her former students and other young adults as interns, ensuring the seamless operation of Teas With Meaning.
