We recently connected with Stefania And Rafael Morel and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Stefania and Rafael , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Rafael and I both reached our purpose the same way- by first reaching burnout. We were working long hours, eating whatever was quick, sleeping poorly, and assuming exhaustion was just “adulthood.” Even though I worked in healthcare, I knew I wasn’t living in a way that reflected true wellness, which pushed me toward studying herbalism and holistic healing.
Rafael was on a similar path. Every attempt to get healthy was derailed by muscle pain, sprains, and constant inflammation. He started relying on ibuprofen and antacids, believing that this was simply part of getting older- until one day he made himself a simple herbal brew of ginger, rosemary, and cloves for soreness.
Drinking this blend consistently worked shockingly well. His pain eased, reflux disappeared, and he was at the gym daily with no more injuries. He kept refining the recipe, adding ingredients for taste and effectiveness. He shared the tea with friends and family- they all loved it.
This was the beginning of our tea company. It grew naturally from our own healing journey. Our purpose became clear: To help people restore their energy and well-being with the support of expertly crafted, great tasting herbal tea blends.
It is meaningful work because it reflects our own journey- how small, intentional choices can change a life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Professionally, I divide my life between work as an oncology survivorship nurse practitioner and the small-batch herbal tea company I run with my husband. What ties both worlds together is a passion for empowering people to feel healthier, calmer, and more connected to their bodies.
Our tea company was born from Rafael’s personal transformation after discovering the healing power of herbs. What started as a simple daily tea ritual for sore muscles turned into a deeper exploration of how plants can support everyday wellness. Today, we handcraft blends using whole herbs and spices- no extracts, fillers, or artificial flavorings. In this world of overly caffeinated, overly sweetened, artificial drinks, we want to bring back the vibrant and delicious variety of tisanes directly from nature to you.
What excites us most is the community that’s forming around it- the conversations at the farmer’s market and the sense of connection that grows cup by cup. Our mission is to make herbal healing approachable, beautiful, and a part of modern life.
Find us at the Plantation Farmer’s Market in South Florida, online at thehealingteacompany.com, and on Amazon.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Empathy & Meaningful Connection
In our different ways, Rafael and I learned that real healing begins with feeling seen and understood. In my clinical work, empathy has always been the foundation of how I support patients. Rafael brings that same heart into the tea company- he talks to every customer, listens to their stories, and genuinely wants to help them feel better.
Advice: Whether you’re in healthcare or building a small business, slow down and connect with the human in front of you. It builds trust and changes everything.
2. Curiosity & Willingness to Experiment
Our entire business was born because Rafael followed a moment of curiosity- trying an herbal remedy instead of another round of ibuprofen, and it changed his life. My own curiosity led me into herbalism, integrative health, and exploring how plants support the body. Together, that curiosity evolved into something creative and meaningful.
Advice: Pay attention to the things that spark your interest. Experiment. Try small changes. Innovation usually starts with a tiny, “I wonder if…”
3. Consistency as a Team (Not Perfection)
We both came from high-stress careers (healthcare and tech) and learned the hard way that waiting for perfect conditions is the fastest path to burnout. What has moved us forward is staying consistent- showing up for our customers and our business, even in small, steady ways.
Advice: Build habits as a team. Progress comes from alignment and shared vision, not from trying to do everything perfect or alone.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely. We’re in a season of thoughtful expansion, and we’re excited to collaborate with people and spaces that align with our mission of making herbal wellness simple, supportive, and delicious.
We’re currently looking to partner with:
– Social media affiliates and creators
People who genuinely love herbal wellness and want to help spread the word. We welcome creators of all sizes who value authenticity and enjoy sharing products that truly make a difference.
– Wellness practitioners
Herbalists, yoga instructors, integrative and functional medicine practitioners- anyone who supports mind-body health. We love crafting personalized partnership blends that complement a practitioner’s unique approach.
– Small organic boutiques, apothecaries, and local shops
We’re actively looking for thoughtful retail spaces that carry high-quality wellness products and want to offer their customers something handmade, intentional, and rooted in traditional herbal wisdom.
Anyone who feels aligned can reach out to us directly at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thehealingteacompany.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingteacompany/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Healing-Tea-Company/61574713928524/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
