We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Latonia Cokely. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaTonia below.
LaTonia, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I’ve always had a complicated relationship with the word resilience. It often feels like it’s tied to an unrelenting toughness, but for me, elasticity captures my story better. Elasticity is about stretching, bending, and still finding a way to return to yourself. Losing both my parents—my father in 2004 and my mother in 2014, both to cancer—was a stretch that could have broken me. Instead, it reshaped me, releasing me from the expectations I once thought I had to fulfill and helping me return to what truly mattered.
After my mother passed, I turned to tea as a way to grieve intentionally—to honor my loss and hold space for my emotions. Tea became a sacred ritual, a way to connect with myself and my memories, to slow down and process the weight of my grief. That practice awakened something in me: a reminder of my high school dream of owning a tea and candle shop. In those quiet moments with a warm cup in hand, I began to see that my path was never about fitting into a mold—it was about creating something meaningful.
I watched my parents’ resilience firsthand as they navigated life’s traumas with a quiet strength that left a lasting impression on me. Their ability to adapt, to keep going even in the hardest moments, taught me the value of elasticity—of bending without breaking. That example, and my own journey through grief, guided me toward creating Adjourn Teahouse. It’s a space where I honor their legacy and my ancestors by being flexible, by pivoting when needed, by allowing myself to rest, and by always trying again.
Elasticity released me from the idea that I had to remain an educator in the traditional sense. I realized I am still an educator, but now my classroom looks different. Through my work, I teach others how to use tea as a tool to pause, to breathe, and to be present in their lives. It’s deeply personal and deeply community-focused because I know what it means to carry grief and to need those moments of pause.
Losing my parents forever changed me, but it also inspired me to create a life and work that honors them. Elasticity allowed me to stretch, to bend, and to transform that loss into something restorative—not just for me, but for the community I’ve built through tea. Through Adjourn, I’ve found a way to turn my story into something healing and purposeful, teaching others that resilience doesn’t mean being unyielding—it means finding ways to stretch, to pause, and to return to center, over and over again.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a creative wellness practitioner, my work is rooted in using my creativity and space-making talents to hold intentional and nurturing spaces for folks in my community. I specialize in guiding people closer to themselves through the simple yet powerful act of pausing—with tea as my tool. Tea is not just a beverage; it’s a practice, a ritual, and a gateway to intentional rest and reflection.
Adjourn Teahouse began as a tea brand, where I personally curate and hand-blend organic, dynamic, and flavorful teas. Each blend is crafted with care and intention, offering more than just a cup of tea—it’s an experience. From packaging to shipping, I’ve built this brand to connect with people worldwide, sharing the joy and grounding energy of tea across the globe.
One of the most special offerings I’ve created is the Slow Pour, a signature tea experience that invites people to slow down, connect with their senses, and savor the present moment. It’s an event where we explore the art of tea blending, tasting, and mindfulness. The Slow Pour is not just about the tea; it’s about reclaiming the time to be still, to honor where you are, and to connect deeply—with yourself and with others.
I’m also incredibly inspired by the ways my physical space, Adjourn Studio, has become a hub for community and creativity. It’s where I host discussions, intentional gatherings, and unique offerings like TeaWork, our reimagined co-working experience designed to balance productivity with mindfulness. At TeaWork, participants sip tea, engage in guided pauses, and experience a collaborative, soothing atmosphere that makes working feel like an act of care.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand my community work even further, creating more opportunities for people to connect, pause, and reflect through tea and intentional spaces. Whether it’s new events, curated experiences, or partnerships, my mission remains the same: to use tea as a tool for rest, connection, and liberation. Adjourn Teahouse and Adjourn Studio are about more than tea—they’re about building a culture of pause, where people are reminded that rest and care are not luxuries but essential acts of love.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: adaptability, creativity, and intentionality.
– Adaptability: Life and business are full of unexpected twists, and my ability to pivot—especially in times of grief or challenge—has been essential. Learning to see change as an opportunity instead of a setback has helped me find solutions and keep moving forward. My advice? Start small. Practice flexibility in everyday situations and challenge yourself to approach obstacles with curiosity instead of fear.
– Creativity: As someone who curates tea blends and holds space through intentional experiences, creativity has been at the heart of everything I do. It’s not just about creating something beautiful but about solving problems in unique and meaningful ways. For those early in their journey, I’d say lean into what makes you different. Explore your passions deeply, and don’t be afraid to experiment or fail—it’s often where the best ideas are born.
– Intentionality: Success for me isn’t just about the work—it’s about why I do it. Everything I create, from tea blends to community events, is grounded in purpose. Intentionality ensures that the work remains meaningful, both for me and those I serve. My advice here is to get clear on your “why”. Spend time journaling, meditating, or reflecting on your values and what matters most to you. When your work aligns with your values, it’s easier to stay motivated and inspired.
For anyone just starting their journey, I’d add this: be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Focus on building these qualities little by little, trusting that your journey will unfold as it’s meant to.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Jennifer Roberts of the Colored Girls Liberation Lab has been one of the most impactful people on my journey. Two years ago, I was at a crossroads, unsure of what was next for me. I reached out to Jenn, completely vulnerable about my capacity and limitations, and told her I wanted to collaborate on an event. She didn’t just hear me—she understood me on a level I didn’t even know I needed. Jenn held space for me in ways that were both grounding and transformative, and together, we hosted our first event. Now, two years later, we collaborate on events almost weekly.
Jenn’s work at the Colored Girls Liberation Lab is about imagining and building radical futures for Black women and femmes. She focuses on speculative design, using storytelling, art, and community-building to create liberatory spaces where we can dream bigger and more boldly. That mission beautifully connects to what I do at Adjourn Teahouse—creating spaces for intentional pause and connection through tea. Together, we’ve found a rhythm that allows us to amplify each other’s work, whether we’re dreaming up events, holding space for our communities, or exploring what’s possible when we move with intention.
Our relationship has evolved into what I lovingly call a “business BFF” dynamic. We counterbalance each other in the best ways, each bringing our own strengths to the table. Jenn has shown me how to truly dream bigger and to welcome my ancestors into the process. Watching her show up consistently, regardless of the outcome, has inspired me to do the same. Her unwavering zeal for holding space for community has affirmed a pivotal decision for me: to de-center my quest for shelf space in major retailers and focus instead on creating meaningful experiences, something I excel at and feel deeply connected to.
Jenn’s support and example have been a reminder that success isn’t just about the milestones—it’s about the people who hold you up, the dreams you share, and the impact you make together. She’s helped me see that my work isn’t just about tea; it’s about transformation, connection, and building a legacy of care and intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adjournteahouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adjournteahouse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adjournteahouse/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latonia-cokely
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