My love for tea, and respect for herbal medicine was influenced by my grandmother, Dora Annette Johnson. While she was not a formally trained herbalist, she understood the medicinal use of herbs and used them religiously. After her passing, I used those same practices as I cared for my mother. My mother passed in 2020, and shortly after, we were thrown into a pandemic. Sadly, the most unfortunate events birthed Hackberry Tea Company and illuminated my purpose. Through Hackberry Tea Company I get to create teas, curate tea experiences, and teach Herbal Education. I am currently working towards completing my Masters in Herbal Medicine at the American College of Healthcare Sciences. Through this program, coupled with my experience of taking care of my mother, I was introduced to my passion for educating people on the benefits and medicinal uses of complementary alternative medicines.