In terms of the growth of every distinct cannabis product format sector being sold across the state markets, few have had the notable and unique mainstream growth and inclusion that the beverage sector has. Far from product sectors such as extracts/concentrates that are for the most heavy-duty cannabis consumers, beverages are a far more familiar format for both newcomers to cannabis and experienced connoisseurs as well. Just about everyone enjoys some type of sweet beverage, even those who aren’t too acquainted with cannabis products, so the beverage market is already starting off on familiar ground.
They come in a vast variety of flavors and elixirs, and they usually contain a far smaller and more measurable dose of THC or CBD, ensuring a far more manageable experience than the more intense product formats. Moreover, cannabis/CBD beverage brands have become staples in wellness routines and events of all kinds far more than other product formats, with those beverages being sampled and served at similar events. Also considering that beverages are another smokeless format of cannabis consumption, the possible consumer base is far more broad given the many consumers who prefer non-inhalent cannabis options.
One such beverage brand owner who combines the standards of luxury fine dining with the possibilities and accessibility of cannabis beverages is Etysha “Tee” Mixon, the experienced chef and visionary behind the fittingly named Tee’s Tea.
A Brand Created Out of Care
Unlike other cannabis brands started simply for profit, Tee’s Tea started for much more deeply personal reasons.
“Tee’s Tea was born from both personal experience and a desire to help others.” Mixon explained. “I watched family members struggle with various health challenges and saw firsthand how people often felt limited to pharmaceutical options. At the same time, I was raising my autistic son and became increasingly interested in exploring natural wellness alternatives and holistic approaches to health.”
While Mixon had plenty of friends who utilized cannabis for a variety of reasons, something noteworthy that Mixon began to notice was the surprising number of people who told her that they wish they could consume cannabis and receive the potential relief that so many find through the plant. However at the same time, they didn’t want to or were unable to inhale any type of smoke or vapor.
“That realization became the foundation of Tee’s Tea. I saw an opportunity to create a familiar, approachable, and smoke-free product that could introduce people to cannabis in a way that felt comfortable and accessible.”
Immediately from the beginning, Mixon greatly understood how much more universal and established a product format that tea in particular could be.
“Tea has been part of wellness traditions around the world for centuries, so combining tea with cannabis felt like a natural fit. Today, that vision continues to expand beyond THC products and into our growing CBD wellness collection, which allows us to reach an even broader audience seeking plant-based wellness solutions.”
A Founding Not Without Roadblocks
Despite having nearly two decades of experience in food and beverage as a professional chef at some very prestigious restaurants, Mixon dealt with numerous roadblocks and disadvantages throughout the journey of creating Tee’s Tea.
“One of the biggest challenges was learning how to navigate the highly regulated cannabis industry as a small business owner without the resources of a large corporation. Compliance, licensing, manufacturing requirements, packaging regulations, testing standards, and distribution all require significant time, capital, and patience.
As a Black woman-owned business, I also faced challenges related to access. Access to funding, strategic partnerships, distribution opportunities, and industry networks can often be more difficult for smaller founders, particularly women and minorities.”
Another unexpected issue that Mixon faced when building awareness and rapport with customer awareness was cannabis consumers’ unfamiliarity with cannabis beverages as a whole.
“Another challenge was educating consumers. Many people were unfamiliar with cannabis beverages and tea-based consumption methods. We spent a lot of time helping people understand that cannabis doesn’t have to be smoked and that there are alternative formats that can fit naturally into everyday wellness routines. Despite those obstacles, those challenges ultimately strengthened our company. They forced us to be innovative, resourceful, and relationship-driven.”
Although, the many challenges that Tee’s Tea faced during its founding eventually paved the way for the brand’s current success and widespread appeal.
“Today, many of the opportunities we’re experiencing are a direct result of consistently showing up, building genuine connections, and staying committed to our mission.”
Building A Brand in Memorable and Personable Ways
If someone who founded a beverage brand were to have any professional background, it would certainly be beneficial if that background was in the culinary arts. Therefore, Mixon had quite the upper hand when crafting the featured teas on the menu.
“My culinary background also gave me a unique advantage when developing our tea blends. Every ingredient is selected with intention, balancing flavor, functionality, and the overall experience. Whether it’s a THC product or a CBD wellness tea, my goal has always been to create something that people genuinely enjoy drinking while also supporting their lifestyle and wellness goals.”
Mixon’s extensive experience in catering and events proved to be especially useful during early and current brand marketing as well.
“Rather than relying solely on traditional advertising, we’ve focused on allowing people to experience the product through tea services, wellness events, educational activations, networking events, and community gatherings.
We’ve also prioritized relationship-building over transactional sales. Many of our biggest opportunities have come from genuine connections within the industry. By consistently showing up, supporting other businesses, collaborating with organizations, and investing in our community, we’ve been able to build a strong network of supporters and partners.”
The much wider consumer appeal for cannabis beverages when compared to combustibles has allowed hemp/cannabis-based beverages to reach people that otherwise wouldn’t even consider themselves cannabis consumers. Given that teas of all mixtures are already well-established in wellness spaces, the interest in hemp and cannabis-based teas has sparked many peoples’ curiosity.
“Tea, in particular, has long been associated with self-care, relaxation, and wellness traditions around the world. When thoughtfully combined with cannabinoids, it creates an experience that feels both familiar and innovative. As education continues to grow and stigma continues to decrease, I believe more consumers will discover that cannabis beverages can support moments of relaxation, mindfulness, connection, and balance.”
A Brand With Women at The Forefront
Because Tee’s Tea is a women-owned brand, female consumers and business owners play a very crucial role in both the considerable success of the business and the overall mission of the teas simultaneously.
“Women have historically played a significant role in caregiving, health advocacy, and wellness within their families and communities. As a result, many women entrepreneurs approach wellness from a deeply personal perspective and often create products that address real-life experiences and challenges. Women-owned wellness businesses frequently prioritize education, community, accessibility, and holistic approaches to health.
I believe women bring valuable perspectives to the wellness industry because many of us are creating solutions based on lived experiences. Those experiences help drive innovation and create products that genuinely serve the needs of consumers.”
At the same time though, Tee’s Tea recognizes the diversity and complexity of female cannabis consumers.
“Women consume cannabis for many different reasons, including stress management, sleep support, relaxation, wellness, recovery, creativity, self-care, and overall quality of life. Brands need to move beyond outdated stereotypes and focus on education, authenticity, and lifestyle integration.
Women want transparent information, trusted products, and brands that understand their experiences and values. Marketing should reflect the diverse ways women incorporate cannabis into their lives.”
A Prestigious Award
Tee’s Tea recently was awarded the very illustrious IgniteHer scholarship, which is a program that was created by The Mycelia Group to promote innovative women-owned businesses in the cannabis industry. This scholarship program provides a tremendous amount of increased awareness for businesses that otherwise don’t often receive their due acknowledgement.
“Receiving the IgniteHer scholarship is an incredible honor because it represents more than financial support—it represents access, opportunity, and community. As a small, woman-owned business, opportunities like this help level the playing field and create pathways for founders who may not otherwise have access to these rooms and conversations.”
Tee’s Tea was introduced to the IgniteHer Scholarship opportunity through Cloud 9 Studios, an experiential marketing and brand strategy studio that helps cannabis and wellness brands grow through strategic partnerships, immersive consumer engagement, and relationship-driven opportunities. By connecting emerging brands to media, educational platforms, industry leaders, and high impact experiences, Cloud 9 Studios supports businesses like Tee’s Tea in building visibility and long term brand affinity.
As someone who’s worked with the highest echelon of fine dining, cuisine and beverages for two decades, Mixon certainly recognizes how great of an honor this scholarship is.
“What makes The Mycelia Group and the IgniteHer program special is their commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and creating meaningful opportunities for growth. Through this scholarship, Tee’s Tea has the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, buyers, investors, media professionals, and fellow entrepreneurs who are helping shape the future of cannabis and wellness.
For Tee’s Tea, this opportunity helps increase visibility while allowing us to introduce our products and mission to new audiences. It also creates opportunities for partnerships and collaborations that can help us continue expanding both our THC and CBD wellness collections nationally.”
As networking is ultimately the lifeblood of many other small and women-owned cannabis/hemp businesses, the IgniteHer scholarship will definitely allow Tee’s Tea to be featured in venues and events where big deals and relationships are made.
Being a wise entrepreneur herself, Mixon understands the importance of being in the right room and the right event at the right time.
“Business-focused events also bring together decision-makers in one space. The connections formed at these events often lead to partnerships, retail opportunities, collaborations, and long-term relationships that continue long after the event ends. For emerging brands, these face-to-face interactions are invaluable.”
Joshua Kasoff is a cannabis journalist and writer focused on the people, products, and businesses shaping the evolving cannabis industry. Through thoughtful storytelling and industry-informed reporting, he highlights emerging brands, founders, and cultural movements across cannabis, wellness, and entrepreneurship. His work brings clarity, context, and credibility to stories that deserve a wider platform.
