For Trista Sanford, founder of Ora Teahouse, tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s a means of connection, care and empowerment. After running a bakery and welcoming her daughter in 2018, Sanford wanted a business that aligned with her growing identity as a wife, mother and entrepreneur. The mission of Ora Teahouse goes beyond tea.
“It’s to inspire people, especially women of color, to take a moment for themselves. We live in a hustle culture, and just taking the time to make tea is a radical act of love and self-care to me,” Sanford said. “My business is built on intention, inspiration and love. While I hope people use tea as part of their self-care, it’s about encouraging mindfulness in whatever way works for them.”
Reflecting on her childhood, where tea symbolized comfort, she found her answer.
“Growing up, tea was a big part of my life,” Sanford said. “My mom made tea for us when we were sick or down. It wasn’t fancy — just the Lipton tea you’d warm in the microwave. But from that, it became the way I nurtured people. In 2020, I started playing around with some tea blends, and that’s where Ora came from.”
Ora Teahouse, launched in 2020, offers handcrafted tea blends and sustainably sourced products from countries like Japan, China and India. Customers can order online for shipping or find its products in select North Carolina stores through local partnerships. With a background in baking, Sanford uses her skills in flavor profiles to create teas that engage with all senses.
“I want something that tastes good, looks good, smells good and makes you feel good. I make sure people are paid fairly and also try to source locally whenever possible, especially for flowers and botanicals,” Sanford said.
The business’s principles guide its partnerships. Sanford initially reached out to local businesses, like Omie's Coffee & Roastery in Durham, to offer her teas. Since then, referrals and word of mouth have expanded her reach to places such as The Daily Grind in Elon, but she said she makes sure all partnerships align with the business’s values. Despite its success, running Ora Teahouse hasn’t been without challenges. Sanford described funding as a common hurdle for small Black-owned businesses.
“Funding is always a challenge,” Sanford said. “Most of my business has been bootstrapped, but grants and recognitions have helped. Being a solopreneur, I do everything — website design, fulfilling orders, blending teas, social media — it’s all me.”
Sanford’s role as an advocate for small businesses has also shaped her experience. She said she supports other entrepreneurs through consulting and promoting their ventures. Working with the Bright Black candle store and Liberation Station, a bookstore to support their business, as well as through North Carolina entrepreneurial centers.
“I’ve collaborated with the UNC Entrepreneurial Center and businesses across the Triad and Triangle,” Sanford said. “I’ve partnered with the North Carolina Museum of Art and created bespoke tea blends for Bright Black Candle, which they take to Essence Fest and sell in their shop. I love working with organizations that highlight local, Blackowned, and women-owned businesses.”
Looking ahead, Sanford plans on expanding Ora Teahouse through intentional partnerships, products and experiences. This September, she is co-hosting a wellness retreat in Tennessee to offer women a space for relaxation and self-reflection.
“Initially, I dreamed of working with big stores like Target but now I focus on smaller, intentional partnerships where I can maintain alignment with my values,” Sanford said. “It’s curated with women of color in mind, but all women are welcome. It’s not about being strong or great — it’s about coming back home to yourself.”