Rising Stars: Meet Autumn Modena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Modena.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
I started RefuTea with an idea while I was in college, and now it has been eight years, and I am still working towards the dream of having a physical space. The idea of a RefuTea Cafe is simple but holds potential for profound impact. It would provide a solution for refugees that struggle to adapt in their communities and for citizens to have more awareness and opportunity to connect with their new neighbors. The unifying commonality is simple: delicious, quality teas. 

Because I have been working on RefuTea for years now, I have a good customer base and knowledge of how to run a business, work with the public, lead a team, and cast a vision. When RefuTea first launched in 2015, few people knew what a refugee was or wanted to help them. Now, the awareness of refugees is more widespread, and so is their need for support. According to the UNHCR website, 2021 to 2022 saw the largest recorded global increase in refugees. West Michigan has a long history of resettlement and would, in my opinion, be an ideal place to launch a business that could assist the refugee population in the area and provide a sustainable solution to their need for assimilation and economic independence. The success of RefuTea in West Michigan could even set a precedent for other cities resettling refugees! 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the biggest struggle has been keeping the vision even though I’m not as far along as I had hoped. I’m proud of myself for sticking it out for so long, and I think the most important thing is to remember the purpose is bigger than me, and if I give up, I won’t see that vision come to fulfillment. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
RefuTea is a social enterprise, meaning it is a for profit business with a social purpose. Currently ten percent of profits are donated toward refugee agencies at the end of each quarter. All the teas are ethically sourced from fair trade businesses and hand packaged at a kitchen facility in Muskegon, MI. We sell pouches wholesale to stores and also offer bulk options to cafes that want to serve RefuTea’s blends by the cup.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family have always been huge supporters – my mom and sister have helped design for RefuTea, package teas, attend events, and promote it any chance they get! I also have two employees that work to grow the business through sales, demos, and packaging. I wouldn’t have made it through this last year without Tamyra and Kelly’s support! The markets and stores that have continued to carry RefuTea and give me opportunities to promote and grow my business have been a huge part of the success of the business – I’m so thankful! 

Contact Info:

• Website: refuteashop.com/shop
• Instagram: @refuteashop