Just about twenty years ago, my husband and I met at an agricultural program for high school students at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. Our shared love for agriculture and the environment brought us closer together as high school sweethearts. Fast forward ten years, we got married, started our careers, was blessed with an amazing tribe, and later found a home in the Bronzeville area of Chicago, IL, with a spacious backyard perfect for gardening. Together, we recreated a beautiful garden, a dream we always shared and had two beautiful babies.

In the past we often talked about gardening with our children and introducing them to the wonders of agriculture and the environment. This passion led to a deeper desire to provide wellness opportunities for children and create special moments for families.

Growing up, tea was a cherished tradition in my family. My mother, a dedicated nurse for over 35 years, introduced tea to my brothers and I as a way to heal, spark intriguing conversations, explore new flavors, tackle homework, and, most importantly, create special moments at ordinary times.

Starting in 2023, each night my one year old daughter and I started enjoying our own tea moments as I , introduced her to different teas from our garden somewhat like my Mom and I would do growing up. As these moments filled my heart with joy, I had an idea on how to help parents nurture their children and create more peaceful moments. The recurring thought was to create wellness opportunities for young ones and foster special times between parents and children. God planted this thought so deeply in me I couldn’t let it go for months!! Yall, God sent numerous people and even a business coach to encourage me. Soon, my one-year-old son also started enjoying tea too and I new this was something bigger than me and our family. From these cherished moments, Teas for Tots was born.