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Meet Holmes Hydration

Today we’d like to introduce you to Holmes Hydration

Hi Holmes, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never thought a simple cup of tea could change my life. Growing up, wellness wasn’t something we talked about much—especially as a Black man. Health was reactive, not proactive. You dealt with issues when they came, not before. But one day, while visiting a local tea shop with my fiancée, I decided to try something new. She was surprised when I said yes to a tea with oat milk, and honestly, so was I. That cup opened a door I didn’t even know existed.

From that moment, I started diving into the world of herbal wellness, realizing how much information had been kept out of reach for people like me. I saw how tea, herbs, and natural remedies had been used for centuries to heal, yet in our communities, that knowledge was often lost or dismissed. I wanted to change that.

That’s why I started Holmes Hydration—not just to sell tea, but to create a space where we can reclaim our health and make wellness accessible. Every blend is intentional, crafted to support the body in ways we don’t always think about—gut health, nerve support, detoxification, and more. But beyond the tea, this is about empowerment. It’s about making sure we have the knowledge and tools to take control of our well-being.

Now, I see health differently. It’s not just about living longer—it’s about living better. And my mission is to help others in my community do the same, one cup at a time.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey with Holmes Hydration has been filled with more highs than lows, and for that, I’m deeply grateful. Every challenge along the way has been a learning point—an opportunity to grow, adapt, and apply those lessons to make things even better.

Introducing people to tea and herbs has been one of the most rewarding experiences. Many of us weren’t raised with an understanding of how natural ingredients can support our health, so being able to share that knowledge and see people embrace it has been incredible. Every conversation, every moment of curiosity, reminds me why I started this journey.

I’m especially thankful for the chance to include my family in this business. Being able to employ my loved ones, to give them a role in something meaningful, is something I don’t take for granted. Holmes Hydration is more than just a brand—it’s a community, and it starts with the people closest to me.

Through it all, I’ve come to see challenges not as setbacks, but as stepping stones. Every obstacle has taught me something valuable—whether it was navigating the wellness industry as a Black man, figuring out how to make high-quality ingredients accessible, or educating people who were new to this space. Those lessons weren’t just for the moment; they were for the future.

And as I look ahead, I do so with gratitude. Gratitude for the people who support this journey, for the wisdom gained along the way, and for the impact yet to come. The road isn’t always easy, but every step forward makes it all worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of Holmes Hydration. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Holmes Hydration is more than just a tea company—it’s something real, something powerful. It’s about taking wellness into our own hands, making it accessible, and reclaiming the knowledge that was always ours.

I specialize in handcrafted loose-leaf tea blends that do more than just taste good—they serve a purpose. Whether it’s gut health, nerve support, detoxification, or heart health, every ingredient is chosen with intention. I want people to see tea not just as a drink, but as a tool for better living.

What sets Holmes Hydration apart is the heart behind it. I don’t just sell tea—I educate. I make sure people understand what they’re putting into their bodies and why it matters. A lot of us didn’t grow up with this knowledge, and I take pride in being able to share it in a way that feels real, not intimidating.

One of the moments that really solidified my mission was vending at a Back to School Fair. A group of kids came up and asked to try some tea. That moment hit me. To have children—our next generation—seek us out, ask questions, and be genuinely curious about tea and herbs was special. It showed me that this work isn’t just about now; it’s about planting seeds for the future, making sure they grow up with an understanding of wellness that many of us had to learn later in life.

What I’m most proud of is the impact. Seeing people in my community embrace herbal wellness, hearing how a blend has helped them feel better, watching family members get involved in the business—it all means everything to me.

If you’re new to Holmes Hydration, know that this isn’t just about tea. It’s about empowering yourself, making informed choices, and embracing wellness on your terms. Whether you’re here for the education, the benefits, or the experience, you’re in the right place. This is bigger than a business—this is about building something lasting for our people. And I’m honored to be a part of it.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that consistency and purpose will take you further than anything else. Nipsey Hussle always talked about the marathon—that idea that success isn’t a sprint, but a long-term commitment. That mindset is key. There will be obstacles, moments of doubt, and times when things move slower than you want, but if you stay locked in on your purpose, build a knowledgeable team, you’ll keep making progress.

AJ McQueen says, “You have to deconstruct to reconstruct, it’s time to build up.” That hit home for me. When I started Holmes Hydration, I realized that I wasn’t just creating a business—I was creating space for my people to reconnect with wellness in a way that felt real to us. If you’re just starting out, don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait for validation. Create what you know is needed, and trust that the right people will find it.

One thing I wish I knew earlier was the power of trusting the process. Everything you go through—every challenge, every setback—is a lesson that prepares you for what’s next. Nothing is wasted. Stay consistent, stay true to your vision, and remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

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