Brooklyn Tea & Market, a Black-owned tea brand, has recently opened its storefront at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, making it the first tea-focused retail concept at the airport and the first Black-owned tea brand in any airport nationwide.

The co-founders of Brooklyn Tea, Jamila and Alfonso Wright, expressed their excitement about the grand opening, stating that their partnership with JFKIAT and HMSHost has allowed them to become the first black-owned beverage brand in any airport in the country. They are proud to represent diversity and showcase the success of diverse businesses when given the opportunity to lead.

Brooklyn Tea was founded by the Wrights as a love letter to culture, comfort, and community. They wanted to honor their Caribbean heritage, where tea was seen as a solution to any problem, and also include Black communities in the wellness space. Their mantra of “healing, ritual, community” is reflected in their brand and has garnered them a loyal following since their online launch in 2017 and storefront opening in 2018.

Now, Brooklyn Tea is bringing their expertise in wellness, culture, and hospitality to JFK’s Terminal 4. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jamila Wright expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their brand at the international airport and emphasized the support of the community in their journey.

Brooklyn Tea & Market joins a small number of other Black-owned brands with stores at the airport, such as Mother Earth Juice Bar, Beautiful Amore Skincare, and Bevo’s Kitchen. These brands were introduced through JFK’s Small Business Retail Accelerator program, which aims to support and promote small, diverse businesses.

At their airport storefront, Brooklyn Tea offers 11 exclusive tea varieties from their collection of over 150 teas and herbs. These blends cater to the diverse needs of travelers, ranging from energizing, caffeinated blends to relaxing, medicinal non-caffeinated blends. In addition to cups of tea, travelers can also purchase boxes of tea to enjoy at home or give as gifts.

According to Jamila Wright, their storefront at JFK provides a sense of validation and dignity for travelers, who may often feel disconnected from the airport experience. She hopes that their brand will serve as a representation of their community and the start of something dynamic.

Brooklyn Tea & Market’s presence at JFK Airport is not only a milestone for their business, but also for Black-owned businesses and diverse representation in the airport industry. By prioritizing diversity and providing opportunities for diverse businesses, JFK is making strides towards inclusive and representative spaces for all travelers.