Christina Berry’s SippSi Good Tea brings healing and hospitality to Downtown Jackson

Located in the heart of downtown Jackson (100 E. Capitol Street, Ste 106, in the Pinnacle Building, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.), a new kind of business is brewing. It blends wellness with warmth, healing with heritage, and community with creativity. SippSi Good Tea, founded by Jackson native Christina Berry, is more than just a tea shop. It’s a space for connection, restoration, and Southern hospitality, rooted in a deep desire to serve and uplift others.

“I started SippSi during the pandemic,” Berry said. “I had a bunch of time, wanted to be healthier and just started mixing and blending. I’ve always had an open spirit, so I thought, if this is something that I need, maybe other people do too.”

That simple act of curiosity sparked a journey leading Berry from weekend pop ups to opening a full cafe. But for her, success has never just been about sales.

“The first two years, I did pop ups almost every weekend. I gave out over 5,000 samples just to get feedback,” she says. “And what I learned was that people really liked it. That entrepreneurial spirit just took over and I went with it.”

From Kitchen to Community

Berry’s business evolved organically. Listening to her customers, hearing their stories about insomnia, digestive issues, chronic pain, and even cancer, guided her product line’s growth.

“Every step of the journey, people’s needs shaped what we offered,” she explains. “We started with black teas, then added caffeine free blends, then medicinal apothecary teas, and finally bottled options for folks on the go.”

As her offerings expanded, so did the demand and the need for a physical space that embodied the essence of her brand. She found it in the heart of Jackson.

“With Jackson being Mississippi’s capital, people say it’s ‘our downtown,’” Berry said . “Downtowns are meant to connect people. That’s what I wanted for my tea shop, a place where folks can come to relax, do business, or just catch their breath.”

But opening a storefront in a city facing economic, infrastructural, and perceptual challenges wasn’t an easy choice.

“I know what I’m getting into being in downtown Jackson,” she admits. “But here’s the truth. You have to build your brand wherever you are. Whether it’s downtown Pearl, Meridian, or Jackson. You still have to show up and do the work.”

Rooted in Realness

Berry’s background in urban planning and real estate shaped her appreciation for revitalizing spaces others might overlook. Her passion for downtowns isn’t just economic. It’s emotional.

“I care about the people here. And I understand that for downtowns to grow, folks have to invest,” she says. “It’s a little bit of a dance. There’s not a lot of foot traffic yet but there’s opportunity. And I’m willing to be part of that.”

And despite initial concerns, no storefront signage, skepticism from suburban customers, SippSi Good Tea has quickly earned loyal patrons and word of mouth praise.

“I’ve had people say, ‘I couldn’t find you, but I figured it out.’ People get to what they want if they really want it,” she laughs. “And my job is to make sure they get a good experience and good customer service.”

Honest About the Hustle

Berry is also brutally honest about the challenges of building a business, especially as a Black entrepreneur in Mississippi.

“Our wages are lower, our population is smaller. It’s just a harder market,” she says. “And for some folks, a $6 cup of tea feels like a luxury.”

She’s encountered resistance from people who say they love her tea but won’t come to Jackson due to safety concerns whether real or imagined. She still presses forward.

“You can have the best product in the world but if folks are afraid to get to it, that’s a problem,” she says. “So I focus on making my space welcoming. People come in and say, ‘Wow, this is beautiful.’ That matters.”

Introducing the Southern Sipparie

To formally introduce her space to the public, Berry is hosting an open house style grand opening event called The Southern Sipparie on Thursday, July 25th, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at her downtown location. Inspired by the French suffix “-erie,” the Sipparie blends elegance and experience. 

“We’re encouraging guests to dress in florals and wear a tea-party ready look,” Berry says. “Think hats, florals, southern style. It’s a vibe.”

Giveaways will include items from local favorites like Mayflower Café, Elvie’s, and The Wine Shop at Fondren.

“This isn’t just a grand opening,” Berry says. “It’s a chance to celebrate local women owned businesses and show that downtown Jackson is still full of life and possibility.”

As SippSi continues to grow, Berry’s mission remains clear: to use tea as a vessel for wellness, joy, and togetherness. With tea as her tool and community as her compass, Christina Berry is proving even the smallest sips can lead to something big.

For more information, visit https://sippsigoodtea.com, call  281-853-5710, or email sips@sippsigoodtea.com.