A Dream Brewed Over Many Years
My name is CJ Sugita-Jackson, and for over 25 years I have worked as a certified Nutritionist, Master Herbalist, professional tea blender and tea educator, helping restaurants, cafes, and communities discover the beauty of tea.
Tea has always been more than a drink to me.
It is ritual, mindfulness, healing, and connection.
From Japanese tea ceremonies to herbal elixirs and mocktail creations, my work has always centered around one idea:
Tea has the power to slow us down and bring us back to ourselves.
That philosophy became the foundation for my dream project:
Tea4Peace.
My Personal Journey
Over the past several years, my life has changed dramatically.
I live with severe visual impairment due to glaucoma, which has significantly affected my ability to work traditional jobs. Despite applying and searching for employment, I have not been able to secure stable work for more than four years.
Like many people navigating disability, the path forward has not always been easy.
But through it all, I kept returning to the one thing that has always brought me peace and purpose:
tea.
Tea ceremonies, herbal wellness, and mindful beverages are not just passions for me—they are the tools that have helped me stay grounded through difficult seasons.
Instead of giving up, I decided to build something meaningful from that experience.
Why Tea4Peace Exists
Tea4Peace is more than a tea brand.
It is a movement centered around:
• mindfulness
• community
• wellness through plants
• alcohol-free social rituals
• peaceful connection in a chaotic world
Through Tea4Peace I plan to offer:
• premium loose-leaf teas from around the world
• functional herbal blends
• Alevea botanical mocktail tinctures
• tea ritual education and ceremonies
• mindful beverage experiences
As an LGBTQ-owned small business, Tea4Peace also represents the power of inclusive, compassionate entrepreneurship.
The goal is simple:
Create a business that spreads calm, connection, and wellness—one cup at a time.
Why I Am Asking for Help
Launching a small product business requires upfront costs for things like:
• tea inventory
• packaging and labeling
• initial Alevea product production
• shipping supplies
• website improvements
• marketing materials
Because I have been unable to maintain traditional employment due to my disability, I simply do not have the capital needed to get started.
This campaign will help me raise $8,500, which will allow Tea4Peace to launch its first product line and begin generating income.
More importantly, it will allow me to build a sustainable business that I can operate despite my visual impairment.
How the Funds Will Be Used
Your support will directly fund the launch of Tea4Peace.
Estimated startup costs:
Premium tea inventory — $3,000
Packaging, labels, containers — $1,500
Alevea botanical tincture production — $1,500
Website store setup and tools — $1,000
Shipping materials and fulfillment supplies — $750
Initial marketing and photography — $750
Total goal: $8,500
Thank You Gifts
While donations are never required to receive anything in return, I want to offer small tokens of appreciation.
$10
Supporter gratitude and your name listed on the Tea4Peace Founders Page
$25
Digital Tea Ritual Guide created by CJ
$50
Tea4Peace Premium Tea Sampler
$75
Alevea Functional Botanical Tincture
$100
Tea4Peace Founder Box featuring teas and botanical products
$250
Invitation to an exclusive virtual tea ceremony experience
A Personal Thank You
If you are able to contribute, share this campaign, or simply encourage the journey, I want you to know how deeply grateful I am.
Tea4Peace is not just a business idea.
It is my way of continuing to contribute to the world despite the challenges that disability has placed in my path.
My hope is that every cup of Tea4Peace becomes a small reminder that calm, kindness, and connection are still possible.
Thank you for believing in this vision.
With gratitude,
CJ Sugita-Jackson
Founder, Tea4Peace
#Tea4Peace
Organizer
