We had the good fortune of connecting with Cayla Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cayla, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Years ago I would visit organic markets, buy herbs, take them home, and make herbal tea. I had no clue back then that my love for herbal tea and making holistic diys in general would be a business move for me. What really put the icing on the cake was my mom, to this day she brews tea outside from sun rays. I’d laugh at her about it but ultimately that’s where the name came from, “Sun Tea 7”. Through my brand I want to inspire people to appreciate nature, find ways to be resourceful and hopefully make it apart of their lifestyle. I see Sun Tea 7 being one of my wildest dreams, where I started with 5 blends now has expanded to accessories, tea tools, honey and dehydrated fruits there’s so much ground to cover.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

Professionally, no matter how you flip it I’m still helping people! I work as a Housing Advocate for Rapid-Rehousing, helping individuals and families that are exiting homelessness and shelters find homes. I’ve worked in Human Services for a long time but I got here accidentally after working an Administrative position for one month and then was fired! During that time I was not happy so I started doing volunteer work at non-profits, mentorship programs, food pantry’s and assisted living facilities. I really just did everything and after three months I was hired as a Youth Counselor for teenaged boys.

I look back and I realize things were hard but I made the best out of it all and gained new skills in every volunteer experience along the way. Helping others fills me up and I’m such a go getter, I don’t stop. Now I’m pursuing my Masters studying Herbal Medicine, the road less traveled has served me well because I’m so fascinated by the things I’m learning. Its become important for me to combine both aspects of being a maker and a helper. I like giving people the tools and I want the world to know that pursuing things that you’re naturally good at will open doors for you, so plant a seed everyday in that direction no matter how minuscule it may seem.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d definitely have to go to an exhibit or museum, Black Hair Expo is on my list. Maybe a popup shop to support all the bomb makers I know. I love Farmers Markets too, you find the best kettle corn, fresh produce, juices, and vendors there. We would have to get food. I’m from Maryland so I’d have to take them to a seafood spot or maybe a sushi date. This summer I’m hoping to get a few picnics in, go to a music festival, visit a vineyard, road trip to the beach and can we throw in a massage spa day somewhere? These are all cool things to do and see in my book and of course throwing in a brunch roof top is a given.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First shoutout to God for giving me these crazy, cool, weird talents and a huge heart to serve in any capacity. My mom who’s my biggest fan and always the inspiration behind the brand, she can have me last! My family and friends that want to see me win and show up for me, all the bomb women creatives I’ve met along the way and of course the aspiring Herbalist, Folk healers, alternative medicine people out there. The world is a better place with you all in it!

Website: www.suntea7.com

Instagram: sunteaseven

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sunteaseven

Facebook: Sun Tea 7

Other: https://suntea7.tumblr.com/

Image Credits
JPR Create, LLC

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