In this episode, we sit down with Sara Continenza, founder and executive director of Food Strong, a Cleveland-based nonprofit dedicated to cultivating food justice and building sustainable local food systems from the ground up.

We dive into the powerful idea that food is medicine, and how Sara has built Food Strong into a community-driven movement—working with neighborhoods to increase access to fresh food, education, and long-term health. From school garden programs and culinary education to urban farming and mobile farm stands, her work is transforming under-resourced communities into spaces of education, empowerment, and connection.

Sara shares her journey to how her passion for community, education, and sustainability led to the creation of Food Strong in 2018. We talk about what it really takes to build something impactful, the importance of collaboration, and how small, local efforts can create lasting systemic change.

If you’re passionate about wellness, community impact, food access, or creating meaningful change where you live, this episode is full of inspiring, actionable Good Tea. 🍵✨

⭐ Featured Guest: Sara Continenza

• Founder & Executive Director of Food Strong

• Community organizer + food justice advocate

• Focused on building sustainable local food systems

• Leader in urban agriculture, education, and community wellness

• Passionate about food access, empowerment, and grassroots change

🎙 About The Good Tea

The Good Tea is a podcast sharing:

• Uplifting conversations + positive stories from entrepreneurs + community builders

• Conversations around growth, impact, and intentional living

Our mission is to spread connection, nourishment, and intentional living — one conversation at a time.

📌 Connect and volunteer with Food Strong

Website: https://foodstrong.org/

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🍵 Support C.C. Tea and Wellness! 🍵

Shop our selection of quality-sourced holistic teas!

Website: cctea.co

Instagram: instagram.com/c.c.tea/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ccteaandapothecary

Sharing the episode helps us continue amplifying voices that inspire growth and community.

In this episode, we sit down with Jing Lauengco, brand story strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of JING INC, where she helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and women turn “what now” into “what’s next” through storytelling, clarity, and intentional brand-building.

We also dive into her larger creative ecosystem, including her transformational NEXT THING NOW 360° reset workshops, and her community spaces like Wednesdays for Women and THE RALLY—monthly gatherings designed to bring women together for connection, conversation, and momentum in their personal and professional lives.

In this conversation, we explore identity, reinvention, and what it means to rebuild your story while you’re still in it. Jing shares how her work blends strategy and storytelling with real-life community building—helping people move through transitions with clarity, confidence, and support.

If you’re in a season of change, growth, or figuring out your next move, this episode is full of grounding, honest “good tea.” 🍵✨

⭐ Featured Guest: Jing Lauengco

• Brand story strategist + entrepreneur

• Founder of JING INC

• Creator of NEXT THING NOW 360° Reset Workshops

• Host of NEXT THING WITH JING podcast

• Founder of OTHER BROWN GIRL (OBG)

• Creator of community spaces: Wednesdays for Women + THE RALLY

• Focused on storytelling, identity, and aligned business + life design

📌 Connect with Jing

Website: https://www.jinginc.com/

Podcast: NEXT THING WITH JING

🎙 About The Good Tea

The Good Tea is a podcast sharing uplifting stories and honest conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, and community builders. Our mission is to spread connection, nourishment, and intentional living — one conversation at a time.

👍 Support the Show

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

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🍵 Support C.C. Tea and Wellness! 🍵

Shop our selection of quality-sourced holistic teas!

Website: cctea.co

Instagram: instagram.com/c.c.tea/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ccteaandapothecary

Sharing the episode helps us continue amplifying voices that inspire growth and community.

In this episode, we sit down with Shilpika Devaiah, an Ayurvedic wellness practitioner specializing in holistic healing, women’s health, nourishment, and community-centered living.

We dive into the foundations of Ayurveda, how ancient wisdom applies to modern life, and the powerful connection between food, hormones, daily rituals, and overall well-being. Shilpika shares practical insights on balancing your body naturally and creating sustainable wellness practices that feel supportive, not overwhelming.

If you’re curious about holistic health, women’s wellness, mindful eating, or building intentional community, this episode is filled with grounding, nourishing “good tea.” 🍵✨

⭐ Featured Guest: Shilpika Devaiah

• Ayurvedic wellness practitioner

• Holistic women’s health advocate

• Focused on food as medicine + sustainable rituals

• Community-centered healing approach

🎙 About

The Good Tea

The Good Tea is a podcast sharing:

• Uplifting conversations + positive stories

• Holistic wellness + mindful living

• Entrepreneurs + community builders

Our mission is to spread connection, nourishment, and intentional living — one conversation at a time.

📌 Connect with Shilpika

Website: www.ayurvedawellnesshouse.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ayurveda_wellness_house/

👍 Support the Show

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🍵Support C.C. Tea and Wellness! 🍵

Shop our selection of quality-sourced holistic teas!

Website: cctea.co

Instagram: instagram.com/c.c.tea/

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ccteaandapothecary

Sharing the episode helps us continue amplifying voices that inspire growth and community.

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Friedman of Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve to talk about the journey of his mother’s soap company — from humble beginnings to becoming a beloved business in Cleveland. We dive into how that path led to City Goods, a modern local shopping experience located in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, built to showcase local makers and small businesses.

Sam shares exciting details about his newest venture, NightJar, a jazz bar opening on Cleveland’s east side February 13th, 2026. NightJar is a late-night space intentionally designed for community, artists, and live music, adding a new creative hub to Cleveland’s cultural scene.

If you love hearing the behind-the-scenes stories of local businesses, creative entrepreneurs, and the people shaping our community — this episode is packed with all the good tea. 💛

⸻

⭐ Featured Businesses

• Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve — natural skincare company founded in Ohio

• City Goods — modern, local shopping experience in Ohio City

• NightJar — jazz bar + late-night community space (opening February 13th)

⸻

🎙 About The Good Tea

The Good Tea is a Cleveland-based podcast sharing:

• Good news + uplifting stories

• Local business spotlights

• Creative entrepreneurs + community builders

• Positive moments happening in our city and beyond

Our mission is to spread joy, connection, and positivity — one story at a time.

⸻

📌 Support These Cleveland Businesses

Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve: www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoo1564ssTOPBZMKnQJBWPPL9cLyLjgjsLesB6n1dWZhM6JWOKu6

City Goods: www.instagram.com/citygoodscle/?hl=en

NightJar: www.nightjarjazzbar.com/

⸻

👍 Support the Show

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Sharing this episode helps support local businesses, artists, and creative spaces.

In this episode, we’re featuring Verbena Free Spirited, a non-alcoholic mocktail bar and café located in Cleveland’s Hingetown neighborhood. Verbena is redefining social spaces with beautifully crafted zero-proof drinks, intentional community gatherings, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites everyone to slow down and connect.

If you’re curious about the non-alcoholic movement, love discovering unique Cleveland cafés, or enjoy supporting mindful, community-driven businesses, this episode is for you. 💛

⸻

⭐ Featured Business: Verbena Free Spirited

• Non-alcoholic mocktail bar + café

• Located in Ohio City, Cleveland

• Zero-proof drinks and community events

⸻

🎙 About The Good Tea

The Good Tea is a podcast sharing:

• Local business spotlights

• Creative entrepreneurs + community leaders

• Positive moments happening in our city and beyond!

⸻

📌 Support Verbena Free Spirited

Website: verbenafreespirited.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/verbenafreespirited/

Menu / Hours: verbenafreespirited.com/pages/cafe-dry-bar-menu

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In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on Funktiniland, a one-of-a-kind local shop featuring the work of over 60 Ohio artists. From handmade goods and unique art pieces to creative gifts and community-centered vibes, Funktiniland is a true celebration of Ohio talent and small business culture.

If you love supporting local makers, discovering hidden gems, and hearing positive stories from our city — this one’s for you. 💛

⭐ Featured Business: Funktiniland

• Located in Lakewood, Ohio

• Showcasing 60+ artists + creators

• Focused on community, creativity, and local art

⸻

🎙 About The Good Tea

The Good Tea is a podcast sharing:

• Good news + uplifting stories

• Local business spotlights

• Creative entrepreneurs + community leaders

• Positive moments happening in our city and beyond!

🍸👍 Support Funktiniland & Ohio Creatives

Website: funktiniland.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/funktiniland?igsh=MXFyMjhtZXltMGV4cA%3D%3D

⸻

☕️👍 Support the Show

If you enjoy this episode, please:

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Share this episode to help support local artists + small businesses!