Life & Work with Jessica Messmer of Indiana

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Messmer.

Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Cup & Kettle Tea Co. began with a simple love of tea and the belief that something as ordinary as a cup of tea can create extraordinary moments of connection.

I founded the company in 2015 in Bloomington, Indiana, after years of exploring tea, herbs, and the rituals that bring people together. What started as a small passion project quickly grew into a tea company focused on creating handcrafted organic blends inspired by nature, storytelling, and everyday moments of comfort and celebration.

Over the years, Cup & Kettle has evolved from a single idea into a retail shop, wholesale tea company, and creative community space. Like many small businesses, the journey has included its share of challenges. Navigating economic uncertainty, changing markets, and the realities of entrepreneurship required constant adaptation, resilience, and creativity. Each challenge ultimately strengthened my commitment to the business and the community we serve.

Today, Cup & Kettle offers organic loose-leaf teas, premium sachets, hospitality programs, and wholesale partnerships with cafés, retailers, hotels, and other organizations. While the company has grown significantly since those early days, the mission remains the same: to create beautiful tea experiences that encourage people to slow down, connect, and find a little more joy in their daily lives.

Looking back, I’m grateful not only for the growth of the business but also for the relationships, lessons, and opportunities that came from taking a chance on an idea and nurturing it one cup at a time.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most entrepreneurs.

Like many small business owners, I’ve faced challenges ranging from cash flow and staffing to navigating economic uncertainty and changing consumer habits. The past few years have required constant adaptation and creativity. One of the most difficult periods came when major construction and scaffolding blocked visibility and access to my storefront for an extended period of time. What should have been a thriving location suddenly became much harder for customers to find and access, which had a significant impact on sales.

There were moments when it would have been easier to give up, but each challenge forced me to become more resourceful and resilient. I learned how to pivot, diversify revenue streams, strengthen wholesale partnerships, and focus on what makes Cup & Kettle unique.

At the same time, entrepreneurship has taught me a great deal about perseverance. Building a business while raising a family, managing life’s unexpected challenges, and continuing to show up day after day has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Looking back, I wouldn’t say the struggles were obstacles to the journey—they were part of the journey. They shaped both me and the business into what we are today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am the founder and tea blender behind Cup & Kettle Tea Co., a specialty tea company based in Bloomington, Indiana. We create handcrafted organic tea blends for retail, wholesale, hospitality, and community experiences. While tea is our product, what we really specialize in is creating meaningful moments of connection.

Over the years, I’ve developed dozens of original tea blends inspired by nature, storytelling, and everyday rituals. Our teas can be found in homes, cafés, gift shops, hotels, wellness spaces, and community gatherings. In addition to our tea offerings, I love creating experiences that bring people together through workshops, tastings, tea parties, and educational events.

What I’m most proud of is building a business that has remained rooted in creativity, authenticity, and community for more than a decade. Cup & Kettle has weathered economic challenges, changing markets, and countless obstacles, yet it continues to grow because of the relationships we’ve built and the people who believe in what we do.

I think what sets us apart is that we don’t view tea as just a beverage. Every blend begins with a story, an emotion, or an experience we hope to create. Whether someone is celebrating a milestone, finding comfort during a difficult season, or simply taking a moment to slow down, our goal is to make that moment a little more meaningful.

At the end of the day, we’re not just selling tea, we are creating rituals, conversations, and connections one cup at a time.

What does success mean to you?
My definition of success has changed a lot over the years.

When I first started my business, success looked like growth, sales, and reaching milestones. While those things are still important, I’ve come to realize that success is about building a life and business that are aligned with my values.

Today, I define success as having the freedom to create meaningful work, serve my community, and spend time with the people I love. It’s knowing that something I created has made someone’s day a little brighter, helped them feel connected, or brought them a moment of comfort.

As an entrepreneur, success also means resilience. It’s continuing to show up through challenges, adapting when things don’t go as planned, and staying committed to your vision even when the path is uncertain.

Of course, financial sustainability matters too. A thriving business creates opportunities, supports a family, and allows us to serve more people. But for me, true success is creating something meaningful while remaining authentic to who I am and the impact I want to have in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cupandkettletea.com
• Instagram: @cupandkettletea
• Facebook: @cupandkettletea