Seamstress and Gardener at My Cup of Tea
At Procure Impact, we partner with vendors that employ individuals overcoming significant barriers to work. By sharing their journeys, we aim to highlight how your purchases directly empower lives and build brighter futures.
Tell us your name and where you work?
Hello, and first and foremost, thank you for the interview. I am Deborah Chalme, and I work at My Cup of Tea in Orange Mound, Memphis.
How did you feel when you first landed this job?
I became disabled in 2010. In 2011, I was told I wouldn’t be able to walk again. So, I just started walking with my walker around the block. I got invited to come to Bible study at My Cup of Tea, and what they didn't know was that I wasn't going anywhere. This place became my safe haven. It gave me stability and a renewed sense of purpose.
Tell us what your typical day at My Cup of Tea looks like.
Every morning starts with prayer because we believe in supporting each other spiritually as well as emotionally. Then, I get to work in our sewing room. I am the seamstress for My Cup of Tea. I love to create as I go along, making aprons and tea cozies. A lot of times, I close my doors because when there is a lot of noise, it disturbs my peace. I also love working in the garden, where I find joy and peace growing fresh produce for the community.
How has your future changed because of this opportunity?
This job restored my dignity. I went from being unable to walk to having a purpose again. My Cup of Tea gave me a reason to keep going. I didn’t think I had a future, but now I know I do. I don’t just work here—I belong here. Someone told me, 'You are loved,' and that meant everything to me.
What is your favorite item that you sell and why?
I love our tea cozies because I make them with my own hands! They’re more than just a functional product; they represent resilience and warmth—just like this community. I also drink a lot of Lemon Basil Oolong tea because it helps with my allergies and overall health.
What's your favorite thing about working at My Cup of Tea?
I love what I do, and I just love loving on people, period. This is my first time ever working with a bunch of women. This isn’t just a job; it’s a family. No one is alone here. We support, encourage, and uplift each other every single day.
What would you tell people considering buying your products?
When you buy from My Cup of Tea, you’re not just getting quality tea—you’re changing lives. Your purchase helps women like me rebuild, heal, and find stability. It’s more than tea; it’s a mission of hope and love.
About My Cup of Tea My Cup of Tea is a non-profit social enterprise located in the heart of Orange Mound, considered the oldest African American community in America. We import the highest quality tea from tea estates and gardens in the Far East to The House at Orange Mound, where it is weighed, re-formatted, and packaged for sale by women who impact the historic neighborhood. Learn More & Shop My Cup of Tea
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