Vendor Spotlight: Saela Tea Co.

There's something joyful about walking through the market with a colorful drink in hand. At the Saela Tea Co. booth, that feeling is part of the experience.

Owner Erica Smith is often busy shaking teas, blending matcha, or chatting with customers about what flavors they should try next.

Before long, familiar faces begin to gather. Some arrive for their weekly Winder Peach Tea. Others are eager to see what's new. And every so often, a child points toward the booth and happily announces, "That's the tea lady!" It's a title Erica wears proudly.

"Tea quickly became my favorite because it's incredibly versatile," she says. "Whether I'm in the mood for something fruity, bold, creamy, sweet, or spiced, there's a tea for every flavor profile and every mood. I love experimenting with flavors and discovering new combinations, and honestly, it just makes me happy!"

That sense of curiosity is poured into every drink she creates.

Saela Tea Co. first took shape in Erica's kitchen as she worked to recreate a chai blend she loved but couldn't find locally. She wanted cleaner ingredients, a little more spice, and the convenience of an instant blend that didn't require brewing. After plenty of trial and error, she landed on a recipe she was proud of. When a friend asked if she sold it, the idea for a business suddenly felt possible.

She brought those instant chai blends to the farmers market, where customers quickly embraced them. Before long, people started asking if she could prepare the drinks fresh at her booth. Erica listened, experimented, and expanded. Today, her menu features handcrafted fruit teas, matcha, milk teas, Italian sodas, specialty drinks, and the instant chai blends that started it all.

For Erica, every recipe begins with a simple question: Would I serve this to my own family?

That philosophy guides everything from sourcing high quality teas and organic spices to using real freeze-dried fruit, organic milks with minimal ingredients, and homemade vanilla bean powder crafted from Grade A Madagascar vanilla beans. She also enjoys supporting fellow small businesses by working with local suppliers whenever she can.

Although she's still introducing customers to the full menu, a few favorites have already earned loyal followings. The Winder Peach Tea has become her top seller, while the Golden Dragon, made with green tea, passionfruit, and fresh dragon fruit, reflects the colorful, creative approach that defines Saela Tea Co. Ask Erica for her favorite chai, though, and the answer comes instantly: Chocolate Chai.

Behind the scenes, life is just as full. Erica balances Saela Tea Co. with a full-time job, helps run a vending business with her husband, and raises their family. Market mornings begin well before sunrise, but she says the relationships she's built make every early alarm worth it.

She loves welcoming back familiar customers, hearing their ideas, and even creating new drinks inspired by conversations at the market. Helping someone discover a beverage they truly enjoy, especially one that fits their dietary needs, remains one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

The name Saela (pronounced say-luh) means happiness, and that simple idea is at the heart of everything Erica creates. Whether someone leaves with a handcrafted drink to enjoy while strolling the market or an instant chai blend to make at home, her hope is that every visit adds a little brightness to their day.

Looking ahead, Erica hopes to add a small drink trailer so she can bring Saela Tea Co. to more events and communities throughout the week. Even as she imagines what's next, she says one thing won't change. "The farmers market will always be home."

If you're stopping by Saela Tea Co. for the first time, Erica recommends taking home an Original Instant Chai Blend, the recipe that started it all. Then treat yourself to a freshly made Honey Berry Matcha, Winder Peach Tea, or Golden Dragon while you explore the market. Chances are, you'll be planning your next visit before you've finished the last sip.