Discover the Art of Slowing Down
Building New Orleans’ First African Indigenous Tea House—With Your Help!
Project Description
Our Mission
Ayoko Tea House offers a unique dual concept: a vibrant daytime coffee shop that transitions into a serene nighttime tea lounge. This approach celebrates the rich traditions of African and Indigenous American beverages while fostering a welcoming space for mindfulness, education, and community engagement. Munira and Carlos, supported by a dedicated contractor and a growing network of local collaborators, are committed to creating a meaningful and sustainable community space. Ayoko Tea House is a movement to honor the rich traditions of Indigenous African and American cultures through coffee, tea, and botanicals. We aim to create a serene space in New Orleans where community and culture intersect, offering unique beverages, cultural workshops, and a place to reconnect with mindful living.
The Problem We’re Solving
In New Orleans, there is a noticeable lack of spaces that celebrate the art of slowing down. While coffee is often associated with productivity, the rich traditions of tea have been overshadowed by the fast-paced demands of modern life. As our society grows, there is a renewed appreciation for the wisdom and practices of Indigenous American and African cultures—vibrant heritages that deserve to be celebrated, preserved, and shared. Ayoko Tea House seeks to fill this void by offering authentic, health-conscious beverages and creating a welcoming space for education, cultural exchange, and community connection.
Market Opportunity
The global tea market is projected to reach $$78.688 billion by 2027, while New Orleans is experiencing a growing interest in health, wellness, and cultural authenticity. Ayoko Tea House will meet this demand, providing an alternative to alcohol-focused social spaces, particularly appealing to young and old generations, who prioritize health, mindfulness, and cultural exploration.
At Ayoko Tea House, we blend the timeless traditions of Africa and the Americas into every cup. Our offerings include:
- African Herbal Teas like Djeka and Rooibos.
- Indigenous American Tea Blends featuring yaupon holly and yerba mate.
- African and Indigenous Coffee Blends showcasing single-origin beans and cultural fusion.
- Wellness Elixirs with superfoods like Moringa and Baobab.
By hosting cultural workshops and providing ethically sourced products, we create a space where every visit is a journey into heritage and mindfulness.
Why We’re Seeking Funding
Your support will bring Ayoko Tea House to life! Specifically, we need funds to:
- Secure our first location in New Orleans.
- Collaborate with a contractor for remodeling to create a culturally inspired space.
- Purchase equipment, inventory, and supplies.
- Obtain necessary permits and licenses.
- Launch marketing and community engagement initiatives.
With $20,000 we can fully realize this vision, transforming our dream into a brick-and-mortar reality.
Who Is on Our Team?
Ayoko Tea House is founded by Munira, a proud Afro-Indigenous woman deeply connected to her Ivorian and Creole heritage, and Carlos, a seasoned coffee expert with over a decade of experience. Munira’s journey to West Africa was pivotal in shaping the vision for Ayoko Tea House. While reconnecting with her roots, she learned about the traditional practices of harvesting Djeka leaves—an herbal tea renowned for its wellness benefits—grown and handpicked by her family back home. Together, Munira and Carlos share a passion for showcasing the beauty of their cultures, supported by a dedicated contractor and a growing network of local collaborators committed to creating a meaningful and sustainable community space.
Thank You to Our Backers
We are deeply grateful for your support. By backing Ayoko Tea House, you’re helping us celebrate and preserve Indigenous cultures, provide a space for connection and learning, and create a business that reflects the sacred and soulful spirit of slowing down and connecting with present. Every contribution brings us closer to opening our doors and sharing this journey with you, one cup at a time.
- $25 Contribution: A heartfelt digital thank-you letter and a $5 coupon redeemable at Ayoko Tea House.
- $50 Contribution: A vintage African stamp tote bag and a small sample of Ayoko Tea House’s signature tea blend.
- $100 Contribution: A curated self-care package featuring Ayoko World Market African black soap, deodorant, and a traditional African washcloth.
- $250 Contribution: A personalized virtual tea class hosted by the founders, including a guided tasting experience with a tea sampler kit sent to you.
- $500+ Contribution: A deluxe cultural bundle, including everything above, plus a limited-edition Ayoko Tea House tea blend, a one-year VIP membership for exclusive discounts, and priority invitations to special events.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Ayoko Tea House? Ayoko Tea House is an Afro-Indigenous-inspired coffee shop and tea lounge located in the heart of New Orleans. We offer a unique experience, serving specialty coffee by day and transitioning into a serene tea lounge at night, featuring beverages that highlight African and Indigenous American botanicals.
2. Where will Ayoko Tea House be located? Ayoko Tea House will be located at the former Rosalie Botanicals space in Mid-City, New Orleans, a vibrant neighborhood known for its strong sense of community and eclectic atmosphere.
3. When will Ayoko Tea House open? We are currently in the process of preparing the space and securing necessary funding. We plan to open soon after our crowdfunding campaign, aiming for a soft opening in the coming months.
4. How will my donation help? Your support will help us bring Ayoko Tea House to life by funding renovations, permits, equipment, and inventory. Every contribution is crucial in making our dream a reality, helping us create a welcoming and sustainable space for the community to enjoy.
5. What can I expect when Ayoko Tea House opens? Expect a vibrant daytime coffee shop offering unique African and Indigenous American coffee and tea selections. In the evening, our space will transform into a relaxing tea lounge, offering a selection of calming teas and wellness-infused beverages, perfect for unwinding and connecting with community.
6. Can I visit the space before it opens? At this time, we are focusing on preparations for opening. Once the space is ready, we will host soft openings and community events to introduce you to our offerings and ambiance. Stay tuned for updates!
A heartfelt digital thank-you letter and a $5 coupon redeemable at Ayoko Tea House.
Just Because I Care
A vintage African stamp tote bag and a small sample of Ayoko Tea House’s signature tea blend.
A curated self-care package featuring Ayoko World Market African black soap, deodorant, and a traditional African washcloth.
Receive an exclusive Ayoko Tea House Tea Sampler featuring our signature blends, shipped directly to your door. Included is a beautifully illustrated tea guide to help you explore the unique flavors and traditions of our teas at your own pace
A deluxe cultural bundle, including everything above, plus a limited-edition Ayoko Tea House tea blend, a one-year VIP membership for exclusive discounts, and priority invitations to special events.
Rewards
A heartfelt digital thank-you letter and a $5 coupon redeemable at Ayoko Tea House.
Just Because I Care
A vintage African stamp tote bag and a small sample of Ayoko Tea House’s signature tea blend.
A curated self-care package featuring Ayoko World Market African black soap, deodorant, and a traditional African washcloth.
Receive an exclusive Ayoko Tea House Tea Sampler featuring our signature blends, shipped directly to your door. Included is a beautifully illustrated tea guide to help you explore the unique flavors and traditions of our teas at your own pace
A deluxe cultural bundle, including everything above, plus a limited-edition Ayoko Tea House tea blend, a one-year VIP membership for exclusive discounts, and priority invitations to special events.