Mabï Artisanal Tea: Celebrating Caribbean Heritage at SXSW with Fast Company

Mabï Artisanal Tea proudly took the stage at SXSW this year, joining Fast Company’s panel discussion, “Putting Culture at the Core of Our Business.” Our co-founder and CEO, Jerry Grammont, shared insights alongside Jori Miller Sherer, President of Minnetonka, and Mika Shino, Founder and CEO of Issei Mochi Gummies. Moderated by Kc Ifeanyi, Executive Director of Editorial Programming at Fast Company, the conversation explored how businesses can authentically celebrate culture while navigating the demands of commerce.

While we are honored to have participated in this prestigious event, we also stand on the shoulders of other trailblazing Caribbean entrepreneurs who have shared their stories at SXSW before us. Their contributions have paved the way for brands like ours to amplify Caribbean culture on a global stage. It is a privilege to follow in their footsteps and continue building on the legacy of cultural representation at SXSW.

Here’s a closer look at some of the key insights Jerry shared during this inspiring panel.

Rooted in Tradition: The Story Behind Mabï Artisanal Tea

At the heart of Mabï Artisanal Tea is a deep connection to Caribbean heritage, specifically Haitian culture. As Jerry explained during his introduction, Mabï’s teas are crafted using the bark of the Mauby tree—a traditional Caribbean ingredient that has been consumed for over 250 years by everyone from slaves to pirates and generals. Inspired by his Haitian upbringing and his mother’s expertise as a naturopathic doctor, Jerry co-founded Mabï to create plant-based herbal teas that celebrate Caribbean traditions while promoting holistic wellness.

“Our mission is not just about making tea,” Jerry emphasized. “It’s about preserving cultural heritage and sharing it with the world in an authentic way.”

Straddling Culture and Commerce

One of the most thought-provoking questions posed during the panel was how businesses can balance celebrating culture with turning a profit. For Mabï, this balance comes down to respect and authenticity.

“We ensure our business practices honor Caribbean culture by sourcing ingredients directly from local farmers, supporting community development, and telling authentic stories about our products,” Jerry shared. “Fair trade practices and community engagement are central to what we do because we want to celebrate—not exploit—the culture that inspires us.”

Empowering Communities Through Business

Mabï’s impact extends far beyond its products. By sourcing ingredients directly from Haitian farmers, the company provides economic opportunities in communities that need them most. Additionally, Mabï supports cultural events like Reggae Genealogy to help preserve and celebrate Caribbean heritage.

“Success for us isn’t just about profit,” Jerry said. “It’s about fostering sustainable economic growth within Haitian communities, empowering women farmers, and promoting health-conscious lifestyles globally.”

Overcoming Challenges While Staying Authentic

Scaling a culturally rooted business comes with unique challenges. For Mabï, one major hurdle was maintaining authenticity while scaling production. The team had to develop natural preservation techniques to keep their teas fresh without artificial additives—an approach that required extensive experimentation with traditional ingredients like Mauby bark and fruits.

Another challenge has been addressing misconceptions about their product. “Some consumers see Mabi as just another flavored iced tea without understanding its deep cultural roots or functional health benefits,” Jerry noted. To combat this, Mabï actively educates retailers and consumers about the 250-year history of Mauby in Caribbean culture and its scientifically supported health benefits, such as antioxidant properties and natural anticoagulant effects.

Celebrating “Otherness” in Today’s Climate

In a time when narrow views of nationalism can make cultural representation feel like an uphill battle, Mabï embraces its “otherness” as a strength.

“Rather than viewing being ‘other’ as a challenge, we see it as an opportunity to celebrate diversity,” Jerry explained. “By proudly showcasing our cultural identity through high-quality products that resonate universally with wellness-focused consumers, we challenge narrow views of nationalism and demonstrate the value of multicultural contributions.”

What’s Next for Mabï Artisanal Tea

Looking ahead, Mabï has ambitious plans for growth while staying true to its roots. The company is working on expanding its product line with new Mauby-based beverages, increasing its retail presence in international markets, and continuing to support cultural events that celebrate Caribbean heritage.

“Our journey is just beginning,” Jerry said with excitement. “We’re committed to bringing the richness of Caribbean culture to more people around the world.”

Honoring a Legacy of Representation

Mabï Artisanal Tea’s participation at SXSW marks an important milestone for our brand as part of a larger movement celebrating Caribbean entrepreneurship on global platforms. We are deeply inspired by other Caribbean brand owners who have come before us at SXSW—trailblazers who have paved the way for businesses like ours to share our stories authentically and proudly.

To be part of this legacy is both humbling and empowering. We hope to continue amplifying Caribbean voices while honoring those who have opened doors for us all.

To learn more about Mabï Artisanal Tea or join us on our journey of celebrating Caribbean heritage through wellness-focused beverages, visit our website or follow us on social media. Together, let’s continue honoring tradition while building a brighter future!