Maker’s Spotlight: The Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop
Hi, my name is Danielle, and I’m a tea junkie. I am not a fan of coffee, but still love my caffeine fix, and fresh brewed iced tea is my jam. When I came across The Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop on Instagram, and saw all of the gorgeous loose leaf tea blends Amber creates, I knew I had to get my hands on some stat! I ordered the Lotus and Haze, and oh my goodness!
When your tea checks all the boxes:
Pretty to look at ✅
Delicious ✅
All Natural ✅
Woman-Owned ✅
Positive Mission ✅
I’m actually sipping on a glass of the Lotus, over ice, while I write this. It is a gorgeous blend of Jasmine Dragon Pearls, Sweetened Dried Mango, and Sweetened Dried Pineapple. I didn’t even need to add a sweetener to it! I’m telling you guys, her teas are amazing. So, obviously I had to get to know the maker behind my new favorite tea.
Meet the mAker
Amber Jackson is a 29 year old Chicago native and the owner of The Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop. It is a loose leaf tea company with an emphasis on community engagement and the celebration of Black culture.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I moved to Providence, RI in 2017 for a job and quickly noticed the lack of diversity. I wanted to create a business to not only establish financial independence, but to also create a space and curate conversations for people that look like me.
What sets you apart from everyone else?
There are plenty of other tea businesses. But mine focuses heavily on community. My tea blends are also very unique and delicious.
Where do you gain inspiration from?
I am constantly inspired by other Black entrepreneurs. Seeing them succeed and thrive gives me hope for my business.
What has been your biggest success to date?
I did my first curation last year and designed a holiday box that was a huge success.
What's your favorite part of the creative process?
I love playing around with flavor. It may be tedious, but I love the trial and error phase. Flavor is my creative avenue and the development phase is fun for me.
What are you most excited for with your business right now?
Growing! The Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop will be 2 on April 11, 2021. It has come a very long way and I’m excited and ready to take it to the next level.
Who are your 3 favorite small businesses?
1) Mine 😊 (side note: I love this answer!)
3) Sip & Savor
What's your favorite form of self-care?
Relaxing with a good movie, white citron candles, pizza, and wine.
I highly recommend treating yourself to some delicious loose leaf tea blends from The Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop and make sure to give her a follow on Instagram, to stay up to date on all of her latest blends and fun business news!
Also, Amber has applied for the FedEx Small Business Grant & she needs your help to win! Click here to vote for The Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop!