As Mother’s Day approaches, I can’t help but reflect on the countless ways my grandmother shaped me. She wasn’t just a mother figure—she was a guide, a teacher, and the heart of our family. Growing up in Mississippi, our days were often spent in the garden, a place so full of life and memories, it still holds a piece of my heart.
My grandma’s garden wasn’t just a garden—it was a whole world. From the apricot orchards to the persimmons, the cows to the chickens, and veggies galore, it was a place of abundance. The soil was rich with life, and so was every day spent there. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: My cousin and I didn’t exactly “tend” to the garden. Instead, we were often running wild, hiding behind corn stalks, letting our imaginations roam free as we explored every corner of that patch of earth.
I can still feel the Mississippi mud on my hands and feet, cool and earthy, sticking between my toes as we sprinted barefoot through the rows of vegetables. There’s something about that feeling—the raw connection to the land—that stays with you, especially when you grow up with a woman like my grandma, who never pushed us to work the land but instead encouraged us to run wild and live in the moment.
This Mother’s Day, I want to raise a cup of tea to my grandma and all the women who nurture and let us be free. It’s those moments in the garden, where life was simple, that shaped the way I see the world today—just like the tea I now create. Each Sippsi tea is a tribute to the love and simplicity my grandma instilled in me, from the warmth of her kitchen to the sweet fruits and herbs she grew in the garden.
As I sip on my favorite Berry Southern tea, I remember her nurturing spirit and the sweet, simple life we shared. This Mother’s Day, let’s honor the women who give us freedom, love, and warmth, just like a perfect cup of tea.
Need a Last-Minute Gift for Mother’s Day?
Don’t worry if you’re running short on time! You can grab a thoughtful, handcrafted gift at Makers Fest, on Saturday May 10 (10 am-8pm) at the Two Mississippi Museums, where I’ll have 'Sippsi’s signature teas and more available for pick-up.
It’s the perfect chance to get a little something special for the mothers, grandmothers, and loved ones in your life. Stop by and make this Mother’s Day one to remember with a cup of Southern comfort.
With love, 'Sippsi