By Okon Ekpenyong and Quentin Patterson

People have enjoyed drinking Tea for centuries, not only for its delicious taste but also for its ability to soothe the mind and body. Whether it’s a hot cup of chamomile before bed or a refreshing iced tea on a hot summer day, teas can lift our spirits and calm our busy lives.

Teas Your Spirits of Hilliard, Ohio, founded by Mayra Alejandra Betances, continues this century-long tradition, and they have taken the tea world by storm. They have quickly become a go-to for tea lovers worldwide with a wide range of unique flavors and products. Their cold brew flavors are trendy, with options like hibiscus, orange ginger, and passion fruit that will delight your taste buds.

On Saturday, December 16, 2023, we visited Worthington Farmers Market, where Teas Your Spirits was one of the many vendors present. This market is a testament to the city’s dedication to supporting small businesses and positively impacting the community, regardless of the season.

When asked to share with us some of the health benefits of their teas and how they can be incorporated into cocktails or summer drinks, they responded: “I used herbs and spices that are familiar to our diets for the most part. This, in a way, ensures that my clients would come already knowing what each ingredient is good for as far as any medicinal benefits they have and how those benefits blend with their health.” “Also, I invest time in researching and learning about flowers and how they interact with the different spirits most commonly consumed for cocktails and fusions.”

When asked, could you share the inspiration behind your teas and how you developed these distinct and delightful flavors, they responded:

This adventure started while in search of mindfulness and meditation techniques. I always loved ginger and cinnamon. I grew up having this Spice delicious hot tea back in the Dominican Republic. While mixing the different spices and flowers, I gained a love for the sound and the rhythm of all the dried ingredients coming together; this provided me with my very own meditation practice that has now evolved into a fusion of feel-good earthy and floral flavors!

The company was one of the participants in the fall sessions of the JPS Arise Project, one of seven organizations chosen by the City of Columbus to provide free business training and technical assistance to small businesses owned by minorities and immigrants.

When asked how the JPS Arise Project small business training has helped their company grow and reach a wider audience, they responded: “JPS has helped in various ways, from learning about new opportunities in how to market my products to how to better organize my business plan. JPS has also connected me with a network for funding, guiding me in the several steps this process requires. JPS also helps us see procedures in a less intimidating manner; as they often say, “is all Just paperwork.” we just need to have our things in order.”

Unlike most farmers markets that only operate during the summer or fall, Worthington Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm from April to October in Downtown Worthington and then moves indoors from October to April inside Worthington Place. This commitment to consistency and community is truly admirable.

When asked how being a vendor at Worthington Farmers Market has helped their business and other new American vendors, they responded:

“Worthington Farmers Market has helped us do business in many ways, starting with the weekly sales that have been bringing in needed revenue. The market has also helped me share and expand my cultural reach in a way that we can all relate to food. Market Goers absolutely love chatting about the different spices and how we all use them in the kitchen and our homes. It has helped me share island flavors to infuse the curious and welcoming minds.”

When asked about what sets their brand apart from other tea sellers, especially with the wide variety of flavors they offer, they responded:

“What sets us apart is that we strive to create fusions and blends that focus on taste rather than any medicinal benefits that undoubtedly the most definitely do possess.”

Teas Your Spirits has many flavors, blending to accentuate some of my favorites. One of my all-time favorites is hibiscus tea, and they added ginger and orange to it, which made the taste magnificent to my palate.

When asked about how they ensure their teas are flavorful and nutritious, using organic and natural ingredients, they responded:

“By making sure to try my recipes, preparing and brewing in several different ways, this way we know exactly which water temperature will cause each ingredient to release its essence.”

The other Tea that we tried was the Horchata with almond milk. It is a Fusion sweet Mexican drink made from rice. Fusion is made by blending white rice and cinnamon sticks in water and letting them soak overnight. After the rice and cinnamon are discarded, the remaining liquid is then flavored with vanilla, sugar, and ground cinnamon. The owner blends the almond milk, making the Horchata a smooth taste. We will give “Teas Your Spirits” a highly recommended stamp, even if Tea isn’t your thing. And we look forward to visiting again and trying everything they have in their collection.

It is not just their cold brews that make this company stand out. Their hot teas are just as delicious, with flavors like apple mango chai spice and Moroccan greenery (mint) that are perfect for any mood or weather. And for those who like to experiment, their fusion pockets and dried fruits allow endless flavor combinations to create your unique blend.

Their commitment to quality and sustainability sets Teas Your Spirits apart from other tea companies. Their teas are ethically sourced and organic, ensuring you get a delicious cup of Tea and supporting responsible and sustainable practices. Plus, with their range of products, including bottled fusions, jams, and syrups, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And with the option to purchase by the ounce or per-pound bag, you can stock up on your favorite flavors without breaking the bank.

Besides Worthington Farmers Market, the company hosts private events and has several pop-ups per their social media handles. In the early part of next year, Teas Your Spirits will host a series of workshops aimed at helping attendees create their unique blend of Tea. During these workshops, one will also have the opportunity to participate in a few tea-tasting sessions and, most importantly, learn about the history and culture behind the spicy, flowery, and herbal trails that make up their tea blends.

What they offer:

Some of the cold brew flavors offered by the company include hibiscus orange ginger, butterfly pea flower lemonade, Horchata with almond milk, turmeric ginger, passion fruit, peach and apricot. If you prefer drinking hot Tea, the following options may suit your taste depending on the weather and your mood: Chamomile Lavender, Marsala (Chai Latte), Apple Mango Chai Spice, Hibiscus, and all the berries, Banana Coconut Craze, Peach Apricot, English Breakfast, and Moroccan Greenery (Mint).

So, in today’s fast-paced world, taking a break and indulging in something that can positively impact on our minds and bodies is essential. Teas offer a great way to do so, with their soothing properties and various health benefits. With this company’s wide range of options, finding a flavor that suits your taste and lifts your spirits is easy. And so, the next time you need a pick-me-up or a moment of relaxation, look no further than Teas Your Spirits. Their teas will lift your spirits and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Cheers to that!

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