About Us

In 2000, my son, Sage, was born with a severe birth defect which would result in a series of surgeries. I was devastated and had no health insurance to cover the surgeries and very little income at all from my young writing career.

In my desperation and heartache, I prayed for an answer. How could I raise my son, who would need special care every day from now on due to his condition, and still work and keep us fed and in a home?

The words, “Gypsy Tea,” answered me.

My grandmother was a Gypsy from a little village in the Ukrainian countryside and her parents had been trapeze artist’s in the Moscow Circus. Together, they walked through war torn Ukraine during World War II to escape and they walked all the way into Germany and then after many years came to America. What resourcefulness and strength they had! I looked at their traumas and realized, if they could do that, I could do just about anything.

So, I borrowed enough money to buy a catering cart, I wheeled it into my friend’s antique store and with Sage in the baby carrier, I began selling my organic tea blends.

Five years later, and four operations later, Sage is a thriving young boy and Gypsy Tea is a thriving young company. Through our Fair Trade activism, we give the women in our tea fields guaranteed maternity leave, healthcare and childcare- all of the things I needed when I had my own baby. I realize now how much of a difference I can make as a business owner with an understanding of human need and that I can change a small part of the world and improve people’s lives. I am so grateful to have this opportunity.

Zhena’s Gypsy Tea blends have been called, “Heaven in a cup.” We use essential oils, organic fruit extracts, and the most incredible fair trade and organically grown tea leaves. We work in India with tea growers and see firsthand that their theory in the fair trade fields is so right, “When the children are laughing, the tea will be good.” Zhena’s Gypsy Tea spreads joy for so many; I hope to welcome you to this family.

Our mission is to provide pure products to improve the health, prosperity and joy in people’s lives worldwide. Welcome to the world of Gypsy Tea!