One former stay-at-home mother with a deep interest in functional and holistic health was further motivated by the threatening impacts of COVID-19, so she decided to channel her discoveries and knowledge into founding a new business to help others: The Tea Spout by Aquene Amora. With "aquene" deriving from a Native American tradition about peace and "amora" meaning love in Spanish, Portuguese and Latin languages, that combined essence permeates the store.
"I started diving deeper into holistic health during 2015, then took the time through COVID to complete my Functional Healing Practitioner License through the Functional Healing Alliance," says Amber Hamilton. "I also dove deeper into herbal courses through The Herbal Academy, and now am proud to be committed to providing wholesome products that serve healthy purposes."
Amber says she selected tea as her main delivery system of health benefits due to its bioactive properties and abundant herbal aspects. She adds that while many people were trying liquid cleanses and diets to help lose weight, to maintain weight or to rid the body of toxins, she noticed that juices many people were consuming were more often than not ineffective or in some cases, harmful. She recalls learning how many therapeutic herbs could be grown in one's own property, plus there were other ways to secure them.
She states that she has beneficial partnerships with U.S.-based companies that help select the shop's ingredients that are gathered from the staff's own backyards, Europe, India, Japan and others. "Each relationship is unique but must follow proper farming, production and attitude. Our partners and The Tea Spout share an understanding and passion for producing honest products with lasting and healing results."
Located at 17712 Chesterfield Airport Road, The Tea Spout launched June 16, 2023, originally at 17718 Chesterfield Airport Road. The wellness cafe later expanded and moved just a couple doors down to its current address, adding a larger space for community events, art and an expanded food menu.
The Tea Spout Cafe serves warmed and chilled beverages daily, including loose-leaf tea of varied blends and types, mushroom tea, mushroom coffee, organic regular coffee, grab-and-go healthy meals and baked goods with vegan and gluten-free options.
"Quality is our top priority," assures Amber. "Our menu options are made to order and made with organic and natural Ingredients. We serve cut-to-order vegetables, freshly made soups, made in-house beverages with natural ingredients you can truly taste, served daily. Baked goods are made in-house and from scratch."
She says she takes pride in saying the products they have are that of a certified organic sourcing, natural and wholesome. They analyze the processing, ingredient gatherings, animal care, workplace environment and the community of their sources. "We believe in products that are safe, reliable and effective. But we also believe where they come from should be equally as safe, reliable and fair," she adds.
She explains one of the most overlooked gems in their cafe is the organic coffee selection. While they're known for teas and related accessories, they also supply organic, mold- and pesticide-free coffees, including mushroom coffee, adaptogen-infused coffee and decaf options. The accessories in the store also have proven to be amazing gifts, she says.
Responses to the products the store provides have been the best type of overwhelming reactions, admits Amber, who is often hugged by customers. "I’ve had mothers tear up with pure joy; I've had people tell me they've cut back on other expenses to make sure they're able to come into our store and get the products they need. It’s been one of the best experiences of my life to know that we're able to help so many people and that people feel and taste the difference in our products and menu options. Our patrons range in age, gender, communities, culture and interests."
She also carries a wide variety of home goods and natural/organic bath and body products. "Living a happy healthy life comes in many forms, and my goal is to bring all of what others would need to accomplish feeling better and healthier in one place. From superfood teas, elixirs and herbs to fair trade products produced with love with peace in mind," she explains.
First responders, teachers and military receive 10% off all purchases at The Tea Spout and receive a free beverage daily when presenting identification. "That's just a small way we can say you're greatly appreciated," states Amber.
This team's "Communi-Tea" outreach includes school fundraisers, trivia nights and local food or clothing organizations.
The Tea Spout's hours of operation: Tuesdays through Fridays 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturdays 10 aa.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday and Monday closed.
636.778.1501
TheTeaSpoutSTL.com