That big-box tea you’ve been serving? It’s fine. But what if your hotel could offer guests something extraordinary—a premium, socially conscious tea with a story as rich as its flavor?
Introducing My Cup of Tea, a nonprofit tea company that sources world-class tea while empowering women in Orange Mound, Memphis—America’s first neighborhood built entirely by and for Black Americans.
“We import excellent tea from the Far East—China, Sri Lanka, Formosa, India, South Africa. It comes to us on barges, then by train and plane, and all we do here is reformat it,” says founder Carey Moore. “It’s a simple process, but it provides crucial employment opportunities for women in Orange Mound.”
A Community Rooted in Resilience
In 1890, real estate developer Elzey Eugene Meacham purchased land in Orange Mound and made a bold decision—he sold small, affordable lots to Black families, defying the wishes of the previous owners who wanted to restrict Black homeownership. For many, it was their first taste of economic independence. They built homes, churches, and schools, creating a thriving hub of Black culture and enterprise.
By the mid-20th century, Orange Mound had reached its peak—a neighborhood filled with music, business, and promise. But like many historically Black communities across the U.S., it faced economic decline, systemic neglect, and urban disinvestment. By the 1990s, crime rates soared, businesses shuttered, and poverty gripped the streets once bustling with Black prosperity.
Yet Orange Mound is a place of resilience, and today, that resilience is fueling a quiet revolution—one cup of tea at a time.
My Cup of Tea: Brewing Hope and Love in Orange Mound
Step into The House at Orange Mound, and you’ll be greeted by the rich aroma of specialty blends like Lemon Basil Oolong, Orange Mound Porch Peach, and Goji Berry Green. But beyond the soothing steam rising from the kettles, something deeper is brewing. My Cup of Tea is more than a tea company; it’s a lifeline for the women of Orange Mound.
Founded as a social enterprise, My Cup of Tea employs women from the neighborhood—many of them single mothers or grandmothers struggling below the poverty line. More than a job, it provides a community centered on love and support. It offers financial literacy training, mentorship, and even a community garden. For some, it’s the first stable employment they’ve ever had. For others, it’s a place to reclaim their sense of purpose after years of hardship.
Deborah Chalme, one of the women employed by My Cup of Tea, recalls how she first arrived—disabled, struggling to make ends meet, and unsure of what was next. “I didn’t think I had a future,” she says. “But this place gave me purpose again. It gave me stability and love.” Today, Deborah works as a seamstress, crafting the beautiful tea cozies that keep customers’ brews warm.
Another woman, Cheryl Henderson, has seen Orange Mound transform in her lifetime. She grew up in the neighborhood, moved away, and returned to find it changed—but My Cup of Tea has given her and others a renewed sense of hope.
“We are changing lives, one cup at a time. Love conquers all,” she says.
Carey Moore underscores the importance of the initiative, saying, "The job security piece, as well as a very tangible friendship and community unity here, is what makes this place unique. Our women become family. And beyond employment, we’re helping them step into financial stability, homeownership, and a true sense of belonging. Love is the foundation of everything we do."
Why Your Tea Choice Matters
In a world where hotel lobbies and boardrooms serve mass-produced tea, My Cup of Tea offers something different. Every cup sold provides employment, community, and opportunity to women who need it most. From the bright, fruity Orange Mound Porch Peach to the soothing, herbal Lemon Basil Oolong, their teas are as rich in flavor as they are in impact.
When you choose My Cup of Tea, you’re not just savoring a high-quality blend—you’re investing in the revival of one of America’s most historic Black neighborhoods.
This Black History Month, let’s celebrate not just where we’ve been, but where we’re going. With every sip, we can be part of a story that’s still being written.
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