We were recently introduced to the fabulous Texas-based small business Cat Spring Yaupon Tea, and have been sincerely impressed with this incredible start-up since looking more into their sustainable and socially-conscious business model. Sourcing their tea from a local estate between Houston & Austin, Cat Spring works only with native, domestically harvested plants to produce a wide array of caffeinated tea-varieties. Yet, the story of the tea or this business certainly does not stop there…
Yaupon tea (pronounced ‘Yo-Pawn’) is rich in antioxidants and contains the kind of non-jitter inducing caffeine as chocolate, and the Cat Spring brand only treats their plants with natural Texas rainwater (meaning NO pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, etc.) before leaves are hand-cut and hand-prepared into the delicious varieties they offer. Furthermore, Cat Spring makes a point to second-chance employ folks coming from socially and economically vulnerable backgrounds; providing dignified work to those most often neglected and overlooked in our workforce.
Tea leaves being hand separated by Cat Spring employee
(via Instagram)
Altogether, this is the exact kind of socially responsible, forward thinking, ecologically minded, small-business start up that truly points towards real progress is how business is done (particularly in the agriculture and food industry) in this country. So, with great reverence, we tip our hats to you Cat Spring Yaupon Tea!
Cat Spring Yaupon Tea hand-packaged by employee
(via Instagram)
As an added bonus: Cat Spring has a really robust online presence – meaning you can purchase their teas from their website or via Facebook, and follow along with the entire process via their gorgeous Instagram posts. Check out a few more snaps below, and support this incredible business today!
Cat Spring Yauopon Holly blend Tea being sampled on ice
(via Instagram)
Cat Spring Yaupon Holly Tea plants being harvested
(via Instagram)
