Rising Stars: Meet Autumn Modena of Muskegon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Modena

Hi AUTUMN, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
RefuTea was an idea I had while I was a senior at Grand Valley State University. I was learning about refugee resettlement and their need for employment upon resettlement and wanted to do something to help…that was when the idea to open a tea shop that employed refugees came to me. I did some business competitions through GVSU and that was how I get all my start up funding. Fast forward to now and RefuTea will be celebrating ten years in business at the end of February!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, but I would say it has been a good journey so far. I’ve learned so much about creating a product, public speaking, sales, networking, community engagement, growing a team and pushing through discouragement and disappointment. The mission behind the business is what keeps me pushing forward when at times I have wanted to give up. I also receive encouragement from all the people that have supported me in my entrepreneurial journey and the customers that are loyal to my brand. It’s a fun and humbling journey.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always taken a lot of interest in politics and humanitarian work. It was what I studied in college and since then I’ve done some serve trips abroad working with refugees and organizations that assist them. I love the changing landscape of the business world where consumers are putting more priority on ethical and purpose driven businesses over the traditional large, profit driven corporations. I think RefuTea has a lot of room to grow in the coming years and that it has the potential to be successful in the current business landscape.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m very competitive. I love a good challenge and I usually need a physical outlet to channel my competitive energy – I love running races and have done a full marathon, half marathons, long distance relays and lots of 10k’s and 5k’s.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.refuteashop.com/
• Instagram: @refuteashop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/refuteashop