Nora Eagan and John Nelson, two friends with a passion for tea and a dissatisfaction with options on the market, set out to create the most accessible tea company in 2019. From that mission, Moody Teas was born. Moody Teas offers affordable, handcrafted tea blends designed to boost moods.
“We strive to make our tea affordable to all without sacrificing quality,” said Nora. Moody Teas has implemented several programs to make their product available to everyone, such as accepting SNAP benefits at local farmers markets and offering a 50% discount to veterans, individuals on long-term disability, and low-income households. Moody Teas also offers free pickup and delivery, discounts for reusing packaging and cups, and a tea buyback program.
Nora and John first connected with Allies for Community Business (A4CB) in 2021 for one-on-one coaching. In their coaching sessions, they received guidance on writing a business plan, navigating city licensing, and preparing to hire their first employees.
Moody Teas operates out of The Hatchery, the food incubator owned by A4CB and the Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago. “We’ve connected with so many other small businesses in ways we couldn’t have if we weren’t part of [The Hatchery] community,” said Nora. “We’ve gained so much insight and so many resources that have led us to grow to where we are today.”
Nora and John take pride in Moody Teas being a diverse tea company. “Being a woman, Black, and queer owned company with a focus on accessibility and giving back to the community is who we are and a big part of why you won’t find tea like ours anywhere else.”
