News Summary
Asheville Tea Company is making a remarkable recovery after being devastated by Hurricane Helene in September. The sisters co-founding the company faced extensive damage but gained invaluable support from their community, which has been crucial in their rebuilding efforts. Through a successful crowdfunding campaign and partnerships, the company has resumed production and plans to expand its operations. Their story emphasizes community bonds and sustainable agricultural practices, as they continue to navigate the aftermath of the hurricane.
Asheville
Asheville Tea Company is on the path to recovery after Hurricane Helene devastated its facility in September 2024. The hurricane caused extensive damage, destroying the building where the company blended herbs and botanicals, filled orders, and conducted administrative work. Despite losing vital resources including Internet, cell service, and water for several days, the company has managed to rebuild connections with its community and continue operations.
Co-founded by sisters Jessie and Melissa Dean in 2016, Asheville Tea Company faced significant challenges following the storm. The entire building was washed away, and much of the equipment was destroyed, resulting in considerable losses for the business. However, the support from their customer base played a crucial role in the company’s recovery efforts. Upon realizing the extent of the damage, Jessie Dean prioritized communicating with customers about the effects on their operations, which fostered a supportive community atmosphere.
In response to the devastation, the company initiated a crowdfunding campaign, successfully raising funds from supporters across the country. This financial assistance, combined with positive feedback from customers, has provided an essential lifeline for Asheville Tea Company as it works to bounce back from the disaster. Media coverage further helped to amplify awareness surrounding the challenges the company faced and its plans to recover.
Employee and Local Farmer Safety
Following the storm, assurances were given that all employees and local farmers partnered with Asheville Tea Company were safe. The company places a strong emphasis on sustainability and regenerative agriculture, relying on regional farmers to source herbs and botanicals. As part of the recovery efforts, it has been crucial for the company to replenish its supplies, which were severely impacted by the flood.
Community Connections and Temporary Operations
By late fall 2024, Asheville Tea Company had made significant strides, successfully producing four teas and several seasonal blends, even without a permanent production facility. Assistance from Sarjesa, a tea company based in Calgary, Alberta, has been pivotal during this period, allowing Asheville Tea Company to utilize its ingredients for the manufacturing of tea bags. The first shipment of tea after the hurricane was dispatched on December 27, 2024, showcasing the company’s commitment to returning to business as usual.
Currently, Asheville Tea Company operates with a reduced staff of six employees. There are plans in place to increase staffing to eleven as the company rebuilds its capacity and works toward a new permanent blending facility set to open in Asheville in early 2026.
Wider Economic Impact
The economic landscape in Western North Carolina has been adversely affected by Hurricane Helene, resulting in many local businesses struggling to recover. Despite the challenges, Jessie Dean expresses optimism about the future, citing community support and resilience as key factors in overcoming adversity. As the business navigates through its recovery process, it encourages patrons to support their efforts through online purchases and donations.
Asheville Tea Company’s recent experiences highlight the importance of community connections and communication during trying times. The company continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices and support for local agriculture, emphasizing that recovery is not just about rebuilding a business but also about reinforcing bonds with the community it serves.
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