Tonya Rea's Teas and Remedies

Help us make this an amazing event by sharing it with us!
I’ve never really done a lot of events at the tea shop—especially after hours. So this will be a great test run for us to see if you guys really want this and we can consider offering more! If you can’t attend, consider sharing this post because there might be someone else who can but doesn’t know it’s available. You can consider gifting a ticket to someone. Get a group of friends or coworkers to do it together. Amazing date night idea! Be sure to buy your ticket at the tea shop or online at Tonya Rea’s. We’re just over a week away till the wild art rumpus begins

Coming in November…
Tearista Michele has been crafting something super special—handmade soap infused with Tonya Rea’s teas! What we have planned so far…
Knox Fog ( which is our take on a London Fog )
ChocolaTEA
Bubba’s Pumpkin
Golden Milk
These are unscented so all the natural goodness isn’t masked. They’re also vegan.
So be on the lookout in store and online! These would make a perfect stocking stuffer for the holidays or holiday party hostess gift. Give us a ❤️ if you’re excited about this.

Unexpected gifts …
It’s Monday, my day off. I try to decide what to do. With loads on my mind, I decide to do something that I enjoy but haven’t done in forever! I head to Clinton to meander through the antique shops. I’ve been feeling some feels lately so I find it helpful to do something that I enjoy instead of sitting around ….feeling.
Side note: if you don’t already know, I’m going to have a granddaughter! As I’ve been growing in my artistic endeavors—one thing that I would like to do is make a book for her—written, illustrated the whole works. One thing to do in reaching this goal is to find great children’s books and practice the techniques used in those illustrations. What’s better than vintage books?
Ok back to today—I found a booth that had several vintage Little Golden Books. I was drawn to the Saggy Baggy Elephant book—I mean look at all those plants on the cover!
As I stood in the booth and read the story, I almost cried. Sooki is the elephant who is trying to just enjoy life but an annoying parrot comes along complaining and pointing out all the things that are “wrong” with him. Sooki starts to notice all the things the parrot is pointing out —comparing himself to the other animals in the jungle—why is he not like the tiger? How can he be like the tiger? But as he makes his way to “try” he faces the danger of an alligator and a lion. Ready to give up and face the fact that he’s done for—Sooki’s tribe comes to the rescue. He finds where he belongs.
Needless to say I bought the book. I thought this is a good reminder for me to not compare myself and realize that I do fit just not where others think that I should plus the illustrations are great!
Then later this evening my daughter’s friend came to have dinner with us. She surprised me with an orchid in an ELEPHANT pot—Sooki!!!! So as I end this day—I ponder the fact that though I might question do I really belong here? There is a tribe however small where I do fit and I’m grateful. So thank you Sooki and thank you TR for being my tribe.

When I first started TR online 9 years ago—I thought it would be fun to set a goal of shipping to all 50 states…fast forward
Maybe it’s the cooler weather but I’ve been feeling so much nostalgia today. So many memories flooding back from over the years. I saw the heart map on the wall and checked to see the states left to meet my goal. Only 4 left!!!
Rhode Island
North Dakota
Wyoming
Hawaii
Can you help me? Several ways to help—
First—like, comment, share this post on your stories to hopefully reach someone in these states or a connection to those states
Second—place an order if you live in one of these states
Third—place an order and ship to one of these states
I’m happy to share a discount code to encourage you to play along! Use coupon code: CONNECTION20 on my website to save 20% on the order
Thank you guys for your support! We can do this together 🫶🏻

Who’s ready for some CreatiTEA?
Here’s the scoop! November 8th 5:30-7:30pm, Hannah from locally owned Jerry’s Artarama will be bringing a variety of art mediums for attendees to play and get creative with to help you find your art flavor. Each attendee will be making a concertina sketchbook and get to play with paints, pencils, markers and so much more.

This is an after hours event which is rare for us! So be sure to take advantage of the coziness of the tea shop after dark. This event would be perfect for a friends night out, couples, framily, team members etc.

Ticket price includes a TR drink plus snacks(vegan and gluten free will be available) and a discount coupon to shop at Jerry’s!!!

Tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE but are transferrable so if you can’t make it feel free to gift to someone.

We have a LIMITED number of tickets so you are encouraged if ordering as a group order together to make sure there are enough tickets for everyone and order asap.
Tickets are on sale directly on my website www.tonyareas.com $55 or you can find link in linktree on IG as well.
Be sure to follow my socials and subscribe to my newsletter to stay up to date on any further details about the event!
I hope you’re as excited about this Tea & event as I am!!!
And huge shout out to .dreaming for the amazing graphic💚 and my incredible tearistas who are willing to work after hours for this special event 🫶🏻

Our little corner of calm in a chaotic world.

Every little bit helps…
We were able to provide
Pre-bagged easy teas for supporting immunity, anxiety, digestion
Insect repellent
Lip balm
Green salve
Essential oils
lotion
tinctures
allergy inhalers
hand sanitizer
handmade blankets and bags (by my mama)
I know so many people are asking for donations and it’s hard to decide who to give to. We all want to make sure the aid reaches those in need. All week I have been trying to donate and partner with people who I know will see to it that these donations make it and help those in need! Thanks for trusting me to help.
This catastrophic event will be ongoing for who knows how long. So as long as you guys want to help me —we will keep the remedies on the move. I will let Ginger know when we have items for her to deliver. I will keep you in the loop!
You can also order on my website and use the coupon code: HURRICANERELIEF to save 10% —be sure to choose local pickup and put in notes hurricane relief.
You can also Venmo me and state that it’s for relief products.
If you know of specific products that are needed please reach out to me. I want to be a resource. You guys are the best CommuniTEA🫶🏻

Autumn is officially here! I couldn’t be happier–but this is new for me. I’ve always been a spring/summer lover with all the vibrancy and activity those seasons bring.
But this year…I’m actually looking forward to the hours of darkness that will gradually increase, cooler temperatures, and all things cozy.
I welcome the invitation to surrender to the gift of this time before the doldrums of winter blanket everything in gray.
The warm colors of all the leaves that are slowing leaving their summer post—beckon me to look—they won’t be here long. So I will grab my tea, art supplies, and a journal
and take in the beauty and slowness. Sure hope you will join me! 🍁🫖☕️

It doesn’t get any easier with this Easy Care Kit!
The last day of our mini vacation—my allergies went crazy. I thought maybe it was even a cold coming on but with all the herbal goodies I brought with me I was able to stop whatever it was in its track. So if you’re looking to have a ready to go box…this is it. $50

We have a new little wildflower in our family—I’m going to be a Grammy!!!! Watching my oldest daughter blossom with her own little girl growing like a w**d makes my heart burst with joy—I can’t contain it so be forewarned gushing Grammy in the tea house—Little 🌼 coming in March!

varlerian root aka God’s va**um
Let’s chat about this amazing herbal root. First, a lot of people have been sharing at the tea shop that they’re struggling with sleep. So I thought maybe it’s a good time to share a bit about what we have to offer. Like I’ve stated before sleeplessness can be caused by many root issues and can be a beast to battle.
Valerian root has been around for thousands of years and commonly used as a sleep aid. It boasts many properties:
analgesic (pain relieving)
antidepressant
nervine (nervous system)
antispasmodic
neuroprotective (take care of your noggin)
relaxant
sedative
Valerian works beautifully for most people but a small percentage of the population will find it stimulating. So we offer a small bag to try and see how it works for you.
Along with valerian root, we stock some nighttime teas(Sleepy Time, Good Night’s Rest), Sweet Dream Tincture as well as several single herb tinctures that support the nervous system.
So if you’re struggling DM me or stop by the shop. We would love to help you try to get some 💤

We cannot experience what we do not in some way possess.
🫖☕️

My view this morning—no filter
Happy Sunday

I’m sharing because you guys seem to really enjoy when I share tea shop stories plus an opportunity to learn an interesting thing about being an herbalist…
While working in the back room, our tearista informed me that a customer was out front looking for some support for a particular health condition. I introduced myself and did a “mini intake” for this beautiful, gentle young lady. Once I started asking some questions—she shared that she was a shooting victim of a violent crime a few years ago.
At that moment my heart burst wide open for her. I’m so grateful that she opened up about such a traumatic experience because it informed me of deeper things tied to her health condition and provides guidance on underlying issues. Truly so brave of her to open up. We found some products in the shop to help support the beginning of her journey but there’s more work to do!
I love that I have years of training and experience as an herbalist but I’m always learning! I enjoy complex cases that push me to deepen my herbal knowledge.
Once again, being in this space allowed me to share kindness and offer support to a very special person who fell in love with the shop as soon as she walked in—describing the cozy, peacefulness here. Thank you guys for supporting the shop so we can continue to serve our community. Spread the word!

The other day I spent the morning making chai at the tea shop. And anyone who has come in on a chai day knows—the scent wafts through the air and you smell it the moment you walk in.
Well on this particular day—I happened to be behind the tea bar when a family walked in for the first time. After all the welcoming pleasantries, I asked “How did you find us?”
They shared that they were in town for a memorial service of a loved one who was tragically killed.
Suddenly, I felt the deep weight of holding such a tender moment with them. One of the men said, “the moment we walked in to the tea shop and was greeted with such a comforting scent we felt a peace here.” Y’all it took everything not to break down and cry and just grab them all up in a big hug. They were so grateful for their time at the tea shop and hope to come back to town sometime to visit again.
I will be honest there are days that I just want to quit. Running a small business not just on a shoe string budget but a baby shoe string budget is stressful, frustrating, overwhelming etc. There are days I say to myself, “Self—why are you doing this? Aren’t you supposed to be retired or something??”
Then I receive a visit like this.
A brief moment in someone’s story—in grief to offer a kindness and a cup of tea. Yes, this business is to sell products and provide services that few offer especially in our area—it’s what pays the bills and dang they are getting more expensive every week it seems…
BUT more importantly—I’m here to offer myself and sometimes that means being a safe harbor for a grieving family and that trumps any budget.
Note to self: keep going—don’t give up.

My ArTEAstas
When I started my art therapy journey at the end of last year, instead of buying art supplies online I decided to support my local art shop—enter
I walked in a total novice. Everyone was so kind and patient as I asked a million questions. Over the past 9 months, I’ve made frequent trips. Each artist has shared little tips and tricks. As I was reading in my morning devotions—the concept of how flowers are spread was discussed.
I thought of the artists at Jerry’s and how every time they share something with me…it’s a seed for my journey. Incorporating their “seed” into my work spreads the “flowers”. No matter what kind of day I’ve had after stopping in at Jerry’s I walk away excited and inspired—grateful.
I made a special delivery haul of TR tea to my ArTEAstas and they were so excited! So I had to capture it to hold a special digital memory to remind me…
This is the way it’s supposed to be—especially supporting small businesses where you get to know the people and share life together—make a day better. I love that we get to do this through the tea shop. Thanks for sharing your life with us and help spread the flowers! Happy Sunday

SHOP UPDATE
Even though it’s 100 degrees in Knoxville Tennessee we’re pushing fall!
So this post is going to include important shop updates starting next week

First, we will be CLOSED Labor Day.

Second, we will be saying goodbye to our spring/summer menu. That means no more lemonades except for The Better Medicine Ball until spring 2025.
We will be offering a few new tea lattes and a pumpkin spice cocoa which will be available as a drink in the shop and also a kit to make at home!
We are also saying GOODBYE to tea flights.

Third, rewards program is changing to paper cards. Last day to redeem digital rewards 8/31. Rewards are not transferable.

Fourth , we have some changes in staff so you will see a new face or two as we head into the fall/winter season. Thanks for your patience as training is occurring!

Ok I think that’s all for now💚
Much love,
The Brew Crew

Another day of testing fall flavors ✔️

we have the best customers—just saying
We crafted a custom tea blend for L and she used it to flavor kombucha!!! She was kind enough to share some with the brew crew. It is delicious! I love the creativiTEA.

Under-living…have you heard of it?
It’s this underlying feeling that you’re not living the full potential that your life affords or at least not as connected as you might imagine.
Now under-living can have a lot of causes. One overwhelming cause—one’s health. After going through my own health crisis over a decade ago—I know first hand that you live at a distance from your life when you feel unwell.
There are many components to being well—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually to name a few. Even though I know that I don’t have the ability or means to make all your woes disappear, I do know that I can offer support.
My business tagline has always been…Feel Better Live Better.
If you feel like you’re UNDER-LIVING this one precious life that you have and would like some plant-based support—please DM me, stop by the tea shop, or send an email.
Life’s too short to under-live.

Must see! We made it again into the visitors guide for 2024. We wouldn’t be here without your support. Truly in this economy—which ouch have you seen the headlines today? 😳
I breathe a sigh of relief each month of survival that many small businesses are feeling right now. I am grateful for exposure that informs more people of the hidden gem that is Tonya Rea’s. If you’ve been meaning to come in—don’t wait. Come and enjoy all the goodness that TR has to offer!
DELICIOUSLY CREATIVE

A year ago I needed to make a change.
I would go to work and do the things that I love. Drive home and make dinner for my family then as the kids say these days…I would just “rot in bed” it was my vintage papasan chair actually but anyway—until it was time to go to bed. I was stressed and worn out.
On a whim, I decided to go to Jerry’s Artarama in Knoxville. I’ve always loved the sights and smells of an art store.
While there I picked up some inexpensive colored pencils with the intent of doodling plants and coloring them.
It was such a refreshing change. Slowly I added other mediums—specifically watercolor—just to dabble.
Fast forward to early 2024 and a massive snowstorm descends upon us.
With more time on my hands, I played around with making some tea shop themed bookmarks to sell in the tea shop to help raise money for TEAna. This went ok but then I started making watercolor plant themed stationery and you guys have loved it! I usually make about 4-5 at a time and they sell out pretty quickly. Some have even started selling on my website!
I know my level of skill is quite elementary but you guys have encouraged me so much to not compare myself and to appreciate what I have to offer and for that I’m incredibly grateful.
Thank you for buying my quaint little cards that give me something creative and inspiring to do instead of rotting in my furniture lol. More cards stocked in the shop tomorrow 👩🏻‍🎨

Do you feel intimidated when it comes to using herbs to support your health?
I get it. Your plant path can be shallow enough for a baby to splash around in or deep enough for an elephant to swim.
But wherever you fall on that spectrum, herbs can offer tremendous support for your well being.
I truly believe that herbal tea is the most simple way to incorporate the wonderful benefits of plants to your daily diet. Even if you don’t consider yourself much of a tea person—you can learn to be. You can develop a taste for it to the point you will crave it. I’ve experienced it as well as many of my family, friends, and customers.
A change of season is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to prepare those wellness cupboards. The Brew Crew and I are on hand to answer questions and provide guidance on what we offer that might be just what you’re looking for this next season.
We’re excited to bring back the $1.50 sample bags to try herbal teas that maybe you haven’t tried before and not ready to commit spending for a large bag just yet. The grocery budget hits hard right now—we understand!
But keep in mind an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We’ve got the ounces for you! TR wants to help you have your healthiest fall/winter season yet. Stop by and chat with us about how you can support your and/or your family’s wellness. If you’re not local, send me a DM!
Start on your herbal path—you won’t regret it.