Kamilah Mitchell
Founder of Teas With Meaning
Established: 2018
Website: withmeaning.org | Instagram: @teaswithmeaning // Facebook: facebook.com/teaswithmeaning
“Teas With Meaning is an organic loose leaf and bottled tea blend company based in Oakland, California. ‘Magic is the main ingredient,’ Mitchell often says. The magic of her teas are that they have multiple uses outside of an organic, fresh cup of tea to sip. Whether in baths, yoni steams, your favorite yogurt or plant compost, TWM herbs can be enjoyed after the initial brew. TWM also sells handcrafted ceramic mugs, merch, custom candles, coasters and more.”
Why did you decide to start Teas With Meaning?
I founded With Meaning, LLC in 2010 as a diverse platform for people inspiring purposeful change within their communities. In 2018, I expanded the brand with Teas With Meaning following a cancer diagnosis the previous fall.
It was on the land of Mount Shasta, California where I realized all the herbs and magic I needed to heal were at my fingertips. Every herb in each tea blend was intentionally created to include medicinal properties.
What has been your most impactful interaction with ICA, and why?
The most impactful thing to come out of working with ICA is the community and connections built in the Lab that have supported my personal, professional, and brand growth. Relationship building is key, and coming from being a teacher prior to this, it’s something I really understand the value of.
What is your best piece of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Always know your “why” and don’t waver. Trust the process. After the nation lost George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, “buy Black” became a trend. And with Black women businesses becoming a little more in the light, we’ve had to realize that not all opportunities are good opportunities. You have to just stick with your values.
How do you envision Teas With Meaning continuing to contribute to the small business ecosystem?
Without giving too much away, I will honestly just say my aim is to ensure wellness is a foundation for other entrepreneurs and small businesses. I want to ensure they are supported in their “no’s” and boundaries, and I want to always provide a tea that helps facilitate that, as well as a sense of community.
