How we're feeling...

Autumn -  “I think I’ve felt every emotion possible about this business in the last three days alone: excitement, fear, gratitude, frustration, cheer, confusion… but I always come back to gratitude. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned through this. I’ve learned how to better interact with the people around me. I’ve learned how to develop a product. I’ve learned about sustainability, marketing strategies, cost of goods and profit margins. But mostly, I’ve learned that ideas and words carry much power. From the very beginning of this endeavor, Jenna and I have been constantly blessed by the encouragement and support we have received from those closest to us and from people that received word about what we are doing and instantly jumped on board (shout out to Amy! You are truly wonderful). Launching this business is like a baby taking its first steps. We know these first stages will be a little shaky until we learn the routine of taking orders and shipping out products, but we’ll catch our balance and take off running in no time. And it’s less terrifying knowing we have all the support that we do. Thank you for sharing our vision and compassion for people. I know there are a lot of uncertainties right now, but with all of you on board, I know we’re golden.”

Jenna - “Where to start?! So much has transpired over the past 16 months since that quiet conversation in the back of our classroom. I am humbled by the incredible support we have received and the dozens of people who have so willingly offered to help. While I am confident that God has a greater purpose for RefuTea than simply selling tea, the butterflies are a reminder of the risk that is required to move forward. A verse that has brought me so much comfort the past few weeks has been Isaiah 45:2, “I will go before you and make the crooked paths straight.” Knowing God already has all of our days planned and has aligned everything gives me great peace. Just the other day, Autumn and I were reminiscing about where we were last year at this time, when we smiled and exclaimed, “Think where RefuTea will be next year!” I am eager to see how the next chapter of this journey unfolds!”

Amy -  “It has always been difficult for me to sum up myself and my feelings in a short, precise way. The first two words which come to mind now are ‘amazed’ and ‘wow.’ Although I have not been a part of the RefuTea journey for long, the excitement and pride I feel I am sure are only ounces of what founders Autumn and Jenna have inside of them right now! It is such an honor to have them welcome me to be a part of their baby and to inject some of my style into this project.
Lately I have been overwhelmed with the ideas of what RefuTea can become. I cannot get thought to notepad fast enough! Regardless, I know the future of RefuTea is a bright one and one which will shine rays of hope and opportunity for the displaced community.
I cannot help but feel this sense of fulfillment when I look back at the final years before I had graduated. Every challenge, tear and stride became momentum to bring me to this place of peace, optimism, creativity, and philanthropy. One not for just myself but for the betterment of the community.  It is truly a blessing to serve you and I cannot wait to connect with you more in the days to come!”