Hurricane Helene Destroyed Her Tea Factory, One Canadian Friend Kept 2026

Hurricane Helene destroyed her tea factory, but one Canadian friend kept the business alive 2,300 miles away, showcasing remarkable business resilience and cross-border support.

When Jessie Dean and Alexandra Sangster met in the summer of 2024, they made a pact. The two women both ran tea companies – Dean’s Asheville Tea Company in North Carolina and Sangster’s Sarjesa, more than 2,300 miles away in Calgary, Canada – and they pledged to support each other if their businesses ever needed it.

“The first time I spoke to her, I was like, ‘If something happens to your teabag machine, I’ll make your tea,’” Sangster said. “And if something happens to mine, you can make my tea.” Neither expected that to become a reality so quickly.

Hurricane Helene’s Devastating Impact on Asheville Tea Company

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through Asheville and surrounding areas in western North Carolina, washing out roads, destroying homes and killing dozens of people. The Asheville Tea Company building was near the Swannanoa River, and despite not being in a flood zone, was completely washed away when the river rose more than 20ft above its normal level.

“I texted Jessie as the hurricane was happening and was like, ‘I don’t want you to worry about this. We’ll get through it,’” Sangster said. “When I called Alexandra, she was like, ‘We’ll make your tea, I’ve got you, and we’ll figure it out together,’” said Dean, who started Asheville Tea Company with her sister, Melissa, in 2016. “Which is such a profound thing to hear in that moment, and so supportive logistically and emotionally.”

Sangster made good on that promise, and within weeks, Sarjesa began producing Asheville Tea Company’s blends in Calgary, keeping the brand alive while Dean and her team worked to rebuild.

How Cross-Border Support Sustained a Small Business

The partnership between Dean and Sangster highlights the power of cross-border support in times of crisis. Sarjesa not only manufactured the tea but also handled order fulfillment, customer service, and even shipped products back to Asheville customers. This collaboration allowed Asheville Tea Company to maintain its operations and revenue stream despite losing its physical infrastructure.

The two entrepreneurs had built a relationship based on mutual trust and shared values, which proved invaluable when disaster struck. Their story is a testament to the importance of building strong professional networks and being willing to step in when colleagues face unexpected challenges.

Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners

• Establish backup partnerships with businesses in different geographic regions to mitigate disaster risks.
• Document your recipes, processes, and supplier contacts so another company can replicate your products if needed.
• Maintain open communication with partners and customers during crises to build trust and loyalty.
• Plan for business continuity by identifying potential collaborators who can step in temporarily.

Comparing Disaster Preparedness Strategies

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), nearly 40% of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. The quick action by Sangster and Dean prevented Asheville Tea Company from becoming another statistic.

Rebuilding and Future Outlook

Dean and her sister Melissa are now in the process of rebuilding their facility, with plans to make it more resilient to future floods. Meanwhile, the collaboration with Sarjesa continues, and the two companies have deepened their friendship and professional bond.

“This experience has shown me that business is about people,” Dean said. “You can have the best product in the world, but without the support of others, it’s hard to survive.”

FAQ

As Asheville Tea Company rebuilds, the story of Dean and Sangster serves as an inspiring example of how friendship and collaboration can overcome even the most devastating challenges.

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