Our Story
Elijah McDonald, founder of Ozark Mountain Tea Shop, pouring tea in the Ozarks.
Ozark Mountain Tea Shop began with a simple desire: to make tea I could truly trust. I wanted tea that was verified organic and flavored only with real ingredients I could see and recognize—teas, herbs, flowers, and spices. When I couldn’t find the quality I was searching for, I decided to create it myself.
But the heart of this brand has always been about more than what goes into the cup. It was born from a desire to bring tea and nature together: brewing a warm cup beside the campfire, carrying tea along a mountain trail, or slowing down to enjoy it surrounded by the beauty of the Ozarks. To me, tea is an invitation to pause, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the natural world.
Along the way, I found my home and my crowd at local farmers markets throughout the Ozarks. What began as a place to share my teas grew into a genuine community. I’ve met so many wonderful people, formed lasting friendships, and connected with customers who value nature, quality, and thoughtfully made tea as much as I do.
Every blend from Ozark Mountain Tea Shop carries a little of that story—a love for honest ingredients, the beauty of the outdoors, and the friendships that make this journey so meaningful. Wherever you enjoy your next cup, I hope it brings you a little closer to nature and reminds you to savor the moment.