Our Founder

As a fifth-generation Master Herbalist, Sunyatta learned at the feet of her Jamaican and Indigenous great-grandmothers, revered healers whose remedies and wisdom became the roots of Calabash Tea + Tonic. Raised in Harlem’s iconic health food stores—Black Pyramid and Tree of Life, founded in 1974—she grew up immersed in healing practices and the power of community care over capitalism.

Fifteen years ago, Sunyatta founded Calabash Tea + Tonic, a multi-award-winning brand with four thriving teahouses. Now offering products online to reach the masses, Calabash invites everyone to “decolonize their tongue” by reconnecting with ancestral healing.

With over 35 years of experience as a professional herbalist and wellness expert, Sunyatta’s work has been featured on NBC, NPR, CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence, PBS and more. A sought-after presenter, she has offered her lively workshops and led panels at the Smithsonian, Harvard, Howard, NYU, and in over 25 countries.

On YouTube’s The Witch’s Kitchen, Sunyatta shares her wit, herbal wisdom and family recipes. Her upcoming cookbook, The Kitchen Witch, brings her engaging approach to wellness and cultural healing straight to your table.

For press inquiries, contact love@calabashtea.com

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Our Story

Our Roots Run Deep

The seed for Calabash Tea + Tonic was planted in 1974 with the opening of Sunyatta Amen’s family’s iconic Harlem health food stores—Black Pyramid and Tree of Life—just steps from the Apollo Theatre. These legendary spaces were more than shops; they were vibrant community hubs steeped in herbal healing and cultural care, built on a foundation of prioritizing community care over capitalism.

Fifteen years ago, Sunyatta carried this legacy to Washington, DC, founding what would grow into four bustling teahouses, beloved for bold flavors and wellness-infused vibes. As demand for its signature magic outgrew city limits, the business expanded into a thriving online presence, transforming into a nationwide sensation.

Calabash has been named Yelp’s "Most Loved" for over 15 years, "Best of DC" for 12-plus years, and ranks in the top 1% of Google Businesses. From the heart of Harlem to the heart of the nation’s capital and now to homes across the country, the journey reflects a steadfast commitment to reconnecting modern people to ancient healing traditions and centering care for the community. This story is a testament to growth, shared wellness, and the magic of a well-brewed cup of tea.

To celebrate our 15th anniversary, we are proud to premier the Sunyatta Amen Supreme Tea signature line—a limited edition collection infused with even more of her favorite potent healing herbs gathered from her travels and apothecary, woven with deeper family magic and ancestral wisdom. This special release honors Calabash’s legacy, offering ancient wisdom in every sip. Explore the collection here: Sunyatta Amen Signature Teas

Calabash Fun Fact: We chose the name "Calabash" for its symbolism: a sacred gourd cherished across cultures for millennia. It represents nourishment, wisdom, and unity—values we strive to embody as a source of wellness and connection for our global community.