Tea offers a taste of tranquility when enjoyed alone, but it can also be the focus of a favorite social ritual that brings together family and friends.
“Growing up in Kenya, my family had the tradition of gathering and drinking tea,” says Anne Johnson, owner of Mamancy Tea Co. in Beaverton. “It was a great time of joy and well-being for all.”
Anne wanted to share that tradition when she opened her tea shop. She studied her favorite beverage while attending a tea sommelier school in San Francisco, learning about processing, blending and evaluating all types of tea.
Anne makes an organic, caffeine-free vanilla rooibos herbal tea blend that’s sweet, smooth and full-bodied. Popular for centuries, rooibos comes from the Republic of South Africa, typically from the western mountainous region.
Tea is an all-season beverage that can be served hot or cold. “Our loose-leaf teas would be great when cold-steeped to make iced tea, blended drinks or to add to your ice cream,” Anne says. “Hot tea is soothing and comforting and great for cold, rainy days, which we have so many to enjoy in Portland!”
Anne says her partnership with Market of Choice has helped her business grow. She also believes in helping those who need it most. Her company gives 10% of its profits to Angel Centre for Abandoned Children, a nonprofit organization in Waithaka, Kenya, that takes in abandoned and orphaned babies.
Meanwhile, Anne will keep working to fulfill her dreams while bringing the benefits of tea to her customers.
“My hope is Mamancy would enhance our customers’ lives,” Anne says. “Tea can help support a holistic and healthy mind, body and soul for a well-rounded lifestyle.”
