A Providence business that has seen busier days got some extra help from fellow merchants and strangers.
Locals and other small businesses raised thousands of dollars for Black Leaf Tea Cafe on Valley Street. It is a space where tea, culture, and community meet.
Chicago transplant Amber Jackson said she built the loose-leaf tea company five years ago to use the communal traditions of tea and herbs to engage the community and celebrate Black culture.
But lately, sales at her storefront and website have not looked so hot, so she turned to her customers for help.
“I am in complete awe of the community that I’ve been able to build over this time and just beyond grateful,” said Jackson.
Jackson launched a GoFundMe to keep the doors open, and her mission going.
The GoFundMe description says of all the markets that she participated in over the past few months, only one of them yielded profit.
Jackson took a risk participating in Essence Fest for the first time this year. Essence Fest is deemed the largest African-American culture and music festival in the nation.
It cost her about $17,0000 to attend, but she only earned $4,000.
“I was very nervous [launching the campaign] because I really didn’t think people would donate like that…not just because it’s a rough year and everyone is having a hard time paying rent…buying groceries… mortgages are going up,” said Jackson.
“But in general I don’t know how this is going to work.”
But the campaign did work. Her neighbors brewed up $10,000 in donations and another $4,000 in online orders, within days of the posting.
“It doesn’t feel sufficient enough but all I can say is thank you,” said Jackson.
The support for Black Leaf Tea Cafe wasn’t limited to just locals, other small businesses stepped in to support.
Monica Gillespie and her husband have owned and operated the Dyer Street seafood eatery for years, celebrating its seventh year of business next Wednesday.
Gillespie said when she saw the GoFundMe she knew they had to help.
“She’s been a loyal customer of ours since forever. The Providence food and beverage community is really strong and really tight and we like to support each other,” said Gillespie.
“We’re really happy to be able to help her because she does great work and we’re proud she was able to make it happen.”
Jackson is grateful to the community for putting the “tea” in community.
“You are truly the backbone of my business and why I’m here and I’m grateful that you all believe in my business so much that you chose to support me in this time,” said Jackson.
To learn more about Black Leaf Tea, visit the website.
Dune Brothers will celebrate its 7th anniversary next Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 239 Dyer St.in Providence.
For more information follow them on social media.
