Hello Buncombe County!
This week’s Small Business Highlight feels especially timely. Each month, The Steeped Letter Co. weaves together handwritten storytelling and curated tea into a memorable experience designed to be savored.
It comes at a perfect time with Mother’s Day on the horizon if you’re looking for a gift that stands out. We connected with Emilia to hear her story, and we’re excited to share her journey with you.
Tell us the story behind your business. What inspired you to start it, and how did it all begin?
The Steeped Letter Co. started from a simple idea of bringing back the feeling of receiving something meaningful in the mail. In a world that moves fast and lives mostly on screens, I wanted to create something people could slow down with and actually experience. We paired storytelling with high quality tea so each delivery becomes an experience, not just something to open and move on from. It’s inspired by travel, quiet rituals, and the idea that small moments can have a big impact.
Why Buncombe County? What made you choose this area to plant roots?
Living between the Northeast and Florida, I got a taste of both ends of the weather spectrum and realized how much I missed the mountains. When I visited Asheville for the first time, I knew this is where I wanted to be. Buncombe County has a creative and grounded energy that felt like the right fit from the beginning. There is a strong appreciation here for craftsmanship, slower living, and outdoor experiences. That mindset aligns closely with what we are building. Then I found great local tea places like Dobra and High Climate, and I was locked in!
What’s something about your business that most people don’t know?
Most people assume it is just about the letters, but the real focus is the experience we are creating around them. Each delivery is designed to be a small ritual where you sit down, brew the tea, and fully enjoy the moment. The tea is not just an add-on, it is a key part of what makes the experience feel complete. I’ve sourced and tasted some amazing teas and I’m excited to share with everyone. It turns something simple into something immersive and memorable.
Along with each letter, you’ll receive thoughtful keepsakes like a bookmark, sticker, and other curated surprises.
What’s been your biggest challenge as a small business owner here?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing creativity with the logistics of building a physical product experience. There are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes, from sourcing materials to conscious packaging and maintaining consistency. It is easy to underestimate how much goes into making something feel simple and seamless. At the same time, that challenge has pushed me to be more thoughtful with every detail.
What’s been your most rewarding moment so far?
The most rewarding moments come from hearing how much people value the experience. When someone shares that it’s become their time to slow down, that means everything. I also love that we’re introducing people to new teas and, in a way, new places around the world. Hopefully sparking curiosity and a sense of travel from wherever they are. That connection is what keeps us going.
What’s next for you? Anything exciting coming up that readers should know about?
We are just ramping up the experience with new destinations, new teas, and stories that keep each delivery feeling fresh. We are also leaning into gifting moments like Mother’s Day, where the product naturally stands out as something thoughtful and different. There are plans to introduce new elements that deepen the ritual even more. The goal is to keep providing a meaningful service while staying rooted in that core feeling of slowing down, putting down the screens, and enjoying something truly special.
We hope you gift yourself, or loved one, an experience that feels both unique and quietly unforgettable.
It was great learning about The Steeped Letter Co. and how they are growing it right here in Buncombe County. Emilia is super detailed and you can tell how much care is going into each delivery.
We’re excited to share a 20% discount code that they are offering only for our readers. It rolls over for 3 months which is awesome! Use the code below:
We know what we’ll be surprising mom with this year 💌🍵
Please send over any feedback as we always read every reply and truly appreciate hearing from you. Thanks for being part of the Buncombe County Digest community.
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Have an event you want to feature or want to advertise your business to our readers in Buncombe County? Drop us a line here → [email protected]
