A storm destroyed her tea factory. One Canadian friend kept the business alive 2,300 miles away
Two businesswomen made a promise to each other, and after two years of support, the Asheville Tea Company in North Carolina will reopen
TL;DR
- A hurricane in September 2024 destroyed the Asheville Tea Company building and its inventory.
- Alexandra Sangster of Canada's Sarjesa fulfilled a promise to manufacture Asheville Tea Company's products, keeping the business alive for nearly two years.
- The cross-border support involved logistical challenges, including adapting to new shifts and navigating tariffs.
- Asheville Tea Company is set to reopen in a new facility in Asheville this fall.
- The relationship exemplifies 'bridging' social capital, crucial for disaster resilience, formed through shared industry connections.
- Despite financial losses, insurance gaps, and no federal relief, community support and Sangster's assistance were vital for survival.
- The experience has opened doors for future collaboration between the two companies and a broader community of female tea founders.