- hello@itutuapothecary.com
- Lakeridge, VA, USA
Tea Experiences
Through the power of tea, we curate immersive, sensory-rich experiences centering on self-liberation, healing, connection, and shared wisdom.
Our Cultured Tea Experiences offer a sacred pause, inviting participants to slow down, sip with intention, and engage in dialogue that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit.
Experience Shared Humanity over Tea
We offer Cultured Tea experiences
At Itutu Apothecary & Tea Room, the ceremony of preparing and consuming tea is a bridge—bringing people together and fostering meaningful engagement, both in person and virtually.
Now more than ever, community and spaces where we experience shared humanity matter. That’s why we are thrilled to partner for any occasion—from retreats to corporate team building, celebrations, Bible studies, birthdays, and more.
It would be our pleasure to collaborate with you to curate a meaningful experience.
Shayo:
A Virtual Tea Experience
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Shayo, which means “to have joy” in Yoruba, engages all five senses, honoring the ceremony of preparing and drinking bush tea—a traditional herbal infusion made from indigenous plants known for their healing properties. This immersive gathering centers the tea experience, guiding attendees through a journey of taste, aroma, and tradition while weaving in rich conversations on self-care, liberation, and the art of herbalism.
Shayo is ideal for gatherings of 10 or more, offering a thoughtfully curated experience where each attendee receives a beautifully crafted tea box ahead of the event, featuring hand-crafted tea blends from our apothecary, paired with desserts and savories for a truly immersive experience.
Harambee:
An In-person Tea Experience
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While much of the world shies away from conversations about equity, belonging, inclusion, and diversity, Harambee centers these themes through shared humanity, fostering deep, intentional dialogue and creating space for connection, reflection, and collective wisdom.
Harambee is ideal for in-person gatherings of 10 or more, offering a thoughtfully curated experience that encourages meaningful conversations. Topics can include community care, racial healing, equity, cultural preservation, intergenerational wisdom, and more. Attendees will enjoy hand-crafted tea blends from our apothecary.
Live Art Exhibitions
Introducing Shayo: Bush Tea – A Journey Through the Five Senses—an immersive live art installation curated by Kia Croom, Founder, Folk Herbalist, and Creative Director. Shayo reimagines the ancestral practice of tea-making as a sacred vessel for healing, resistance, and cultural preservation.
Through a dynamic fusion of live artistry, botanical installations, and folklore, Shayo honors the rich flavors and heritage of the African Diaspora while redefining how tea culture is experienced and celebrated.
Meet The Curator
Hello, I’m Kia Croom
I am a folk herbalist, tea alchemist, and student of indigenous ethnobotany. I travel across the African Diaspora, immersing myself in its rich cultures to reclaim my Yoruba heritage—a legacy stripped from my ancestors and me.
Rooted in my journey, my art installations serve as a conduit for dialogue, celebrating the beauty, complexity, and nuance of the African Diaspora. Through these live, roving exhibitions, I challenge dominant narratives, bringing dialogue to life through color, texture, and cultural depth.
It is my pleasure to present Shayo: Bush Tea – A Journey Through the Five Senses, a first-of-its-kind roving art exhibition that invites participants to explore the African Diaspora through a sensory-rich experience.
Want to bring this transformative journey to your gallery, cultural institution, or event? Let’s connect—it would be my pleasure to share this with your community.
Cheers to culture,
Kia Croom
Book An Experience
Book Shayo
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Book Harambee
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I Pledge To:
Sleep is not a luxury, It's a necessity. I will prioritize getting enough sleep to be my absolute best.
I am extraordinary, but not superhuman. I give myself permission to put down the metaphorical cape and embrace rest, relaxation, and letting go.
I am extraordinary, but not superhuman. I give myself permission to put down the metaphorical cape and embrace rest, relaxation, and letting go.
I will be mindful of stressors and triggers. When needed, I will ground myself in self-care practices that promote emotional and physical health.
I give myself permission to remove myself from toxic situations and relationships that drain my energy
I commit to cultivating a daily or weekly practice that brings me pure pleasure, nourishing my spirit.
I commit to prioritizing ME, unapologetically. I deserve the best, and I love myself.
By signing this pledge, I join the Itutu Tribe in a commitment to prioritize my self-care and command my journey towards self-liberation.