After moving to Greensboro in 2007 to attend UNCG, Sarah Chapman fell in love with the local community. But she felt like something was missing: not-sweet tea. That might be a dead giveaway that she’s not from around here. Indeed, Sarah grew up in upstate New York and has fond childhood memories of playing ice hockey and sharing a special post-game ritual with her dad: Warming up with a mug of hot tea. Although Sarah originally went to school for fashion, her focus on global trade and a study abroad program in Thailand really solidified her connection to tea, in addition to cultivating an appreciation for fair-trade practices.
For years, Sarah lived with the frustration that her body didn’t react well to common medicines. “I got really into tea and also noticed how much it helped me,” Sarah explains. Beyond the comfort, she experienced the health benefits of herbalism first-hand and accumulated a wealth of knowledge on the subject over time. She felt inspired to share with others what she refers to as an “all-natural, holistic approach to problem solving.”
At first Sarah started small: She bought some beautiful teapots and she’d haul them to people’s homes for private tastings where she’d tout her tea offerings as “equal parts healthy and delicious.” This eventually led her to open Vida Pour Tea in 2014 as a way to merge her interests in wellness, ethics, and connection. It started with just 15 blends, but over time the shop has grown into a haven for herbalism, handcrafted goods, and mindful living. Sarah makes all her own tea and herb blends but also partners with other herbalists—like Haya Herbs, a woman-owned herbalist in North Carolina—to bring her customers the best possible offerings. She also currently supplies her custom blends to 40 businesses and restaurants across the U.S., including Greensboro favorites like Sage Mule and Chez Genèse.
The shelves at Vida Pour Tea are lined with teas, tinctures, and natural products selected for both enjoyment and efficacy. “I can’t sell anything I can’t speak about,” she says. If someone comes in asking for help with sleep or anxiety, Sarah will provide them with a few different options—the typical chamomile and lavender, but also herbs like linden flower or valerian root and reishi mushrooms. Mushrooms are a growing trend. “Lion’s Mane is great for ADHD and memory retention. We sell a lot of it,” she adds.
Many products sold in her shop are vegan, gluten-free, and thoughtfully sourced. “It’s about making people feel comfortable—whether they have allergies, dietary restrictions, or just want to know what they’re putting in their body.”
But beyond the health benefits, she believes tea offers something deeper: a daily ritual of mindfulness. “So much of it isn’t even about herbalism—it’s about slowing down,” she reflects. Making a cup of tea forces you to pause. You feel the steam, breathe, and give yourself a few minutes to just be. “I want people to feel like this is a place to come and get away ... to turn off the world.”
Visit Vida Pour Tea at 412 State Street in Greensboro and at www.vidapourtea.com/.