T is for TEA

New Mexico gave us a twist we didn’t see coming: tea became the souvenir that actually changes our daily life. We’re Alexa and Rory, and on this Roam to Home chapter we take you from Mesilla to Albuquerque to meet three tea makers who turn wellness, travel, and craft into something you can steep at home. Chai Chai Love: https://chaichai.love/ @chaichailove Old Barrel Tea Co. ; https://oldbarreltea.com/ Lotus Tree Herbal: www.lotustreeherbal.com @lotustreeherbal Vegabond Teas : VegbondTeas.com Vegabond Teas Sale through Dec 1, 2026 use CHIKCHAT to get $5 off First stop is Old Barrel Tea Company and The Vintage in Mesilla, where Morgan shows how a tea shop can be a gathering place built on fresh brewing, local New Mexico sourcing, and a “make it a great day” mindset. We talk flavor favorites, health-supporting herbs like hibiscus and valerian root, and how their team kept customers supplied during COVID. Then we step into the store with Spring, who explains daily tastings, half-and-half custom blends, and why certain teas instantly bring her back to places like Belize or South Africa. In Albuquerque, we meet Spring Hill Edwards of Lotus Tree Herbal at the ABQ Collective. She shares how her business grows from caring for family and friends, why she commits to organic ingredients and no added flavorings, and what it really takes to scale responsibly, from commercial kitchens to wholesale. Finally, Guru Mastick Khalsa of Chai Chai Love breaks down authentic masala chai, why Americans often get syrup instead of spice, and how functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, and chaga fit into a bigger wellness lifestyle. If you love loose leaf tea, herbal tea blends, real chai, small business stories, and practical wellness rituals, hit subscribe, share this with a fellow tea friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find us. Also mentioned in this Episode L is for Lavender Episode 289 : K is for Kitchens: Episode 288: J is for Journey: Episode 287 R is for Relax: Episode 295 #smallbusiness, #businessinspo Wanna hit the road? Get 10% OFF your own roadsurfer adventure! https://link.roadsurfer.com/roamies CODE: ROAMIES10 And it means the world to us when you subscribe, rate and share our podcast. Alexa and Rory The ROAMies Follow us at: http://www.TheROAMies.com @The ROAMies: Facebook and Instagram YouTube and X.