Funky Fungi Teahouse

by Kellie Pardi

A CAFE THAT CARES ABOUT QUALITY

Mushroom coffee is a burgeoning trend in the health and wellness sector, lauded for its potential benefits and intriguing flavor profiles. Unlike traditional coffee, mushroom coffee blends typically combine ground coffee beans with powdered medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Chaga, or Lion's Mane, offering a unique twist on the classic morning brew.

For those like Andrea Tinsman, who are seeking healthier alternatives to traditional coffee, mushroom coffee represents more than just a trend; it's a lifestyle choice. Her journey into the world of fungi-infused beverages is not only about personal wellness but also about educating others on the benefits of clean, natural ingredients.

Andrea was born and raised in Holly, Michigan, known for its charming Main Street and historical allure. In 2019 she was 23 years old, recently graduated from college with a degree in interior design, a good job in corporate America, working on her master’s degree in architecture. She was also desperately unhappy. She was working 80 hours a week getting paid for 40, struggling with working in a very male-dominated industry and trying to navigate an increasingly abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Just as COVID19 began to impact the world, Andrea had had enough. She boldly took a deep breath, and jumped from the cliff that had become her life into the great unknown, to pursue a heartfelt mission rooted in the healing power of nature.

The catalyst for the unexpected turn in her journey was when she discovered the healing potential of medicinal mushrooms. Struggling with anxiety and depression, these little forest dwellers became her savior and sparked a deep fascination with fungi! It wasn't long before she began experimenting with growing her own mushrooms and crafting unique blends as alternatives to traditional coffee. Little did she know, her newfound passion was not merely a hobby; it was a calling that would reshape her life.

Initially she was just trying to find healthy alternatives to coffee because she didn’t want the caffeine adding to her anxiety. She’d always had a passion for clean, healthy eating. Most chain coffee shops use cheap, artificial ingredients, gums and fillers in their products which can impact one’s physical and mental health. Armed with her creations, and encouraged by her friends and family, Andrea decided to share her blends with the world, starting at local farmers markets and pop-up events. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and she quickly realized the potential for something greater.

Andrea isn’t the first entrepreneur in her family. Her great, great, great grandfather Charles Tinsman was one of the founding fathers of Holly in 1865, and her grandfather owned an ice cream shop just around the corner, next to Ethos Yoga which is now owned by her older sister Randie! Her family is so deeply embedded in the history of Holly that they have a road named after them!

In 2023, with her sister by her side, Andrea opened Tinsman’s Farm Apothecary, dedicated to clean, healthy food and natural remedies. Starting a business is a big deal for anyone, but at 27 it’s HUGE, so it took a bit of time for her to find her feet and allow her funky, fun-loving disposition to shine through. In her own words, “I guess I’ve always been the sort of person who doesn’t do things I don’t want to do. If I feel like something is not working, I’m not afraid to burn it to the ground and start over, which I think is an important quality to have as a small business owner.”

In 2024, Andrea decided to rebrand their venture as Funky Fungi Tea House, a vibrant and welcoming space dedicated to all things fungi. Despite having no formal business degree, Andrea's passion for creating clean alternatives and educating people on the hidden ingredients, was stronger than her fear of failure. She has embraced the turbulence of being a small business owner head-on, learning the intricacies of running a business on the go. Her journey is marked by trial and error, but her resilience and willingness to pivot has allowed her to navigate obstacles with grace.

But her menu is not limited to just mushroom beverages. In the last year she has added a commercial kitchen and serves all sorts of delectable treats, from hibiscus lattes, to sour dough cinnamon rolls and seasonal yogurt bowls to probiotic sodas. It’s guaranteed that anything you order is not only made with passion, but is a healthy alternative to other (unnamed but infamous) coffee houses! She uses only organic ingredients, unbleached/unrefined flour, seed free oils and no artificial colors or flavors. She makes all of their syrups and milk alternatives in house with simple ingredients! She also has kombucha on draft! Who wants a freshly baked sourdough bagel and a lavender earl grey tea with lemon sweet foam? YES PLEASE! All for the same price as that crappy coffee you bought at that other chain coffee shop that won’t be named.

It’s been a year since the rebranding and the business has continued to grow ever since! So much has changed since the day she jumped off that imaginary cliff! She is now engaged and pregnant with her first child. When asked what she planned to do after the baby is born (which she is convinced is a boy) there was a nostalgic twinkle in her eye. At the core of her business, she harkens back to an older, simpler way of life where we ate cleaner, and family was at the center of life. “I imagine it will be like businesses were when my great, great, great grandfather first arrived here,” she said. “The kids were always hanging around, and when they got older, they helped around the shop. I have a very supportive family, great employees and like-minded customers so I’m sure I’ll figure it out!”

Andrea’s story is one of courage, innovation, and a deep-seated belief in the healing power of nature. Her journey from corporate architecture to owning a teahouse is a testament to the power of following one's passion, even when it means venturing into the unknown. Her passion for mushroom coffee reflects a broader movement towards sustainable, health-conscious living. She is not just redefining her own path; she's inviting others to explore the healing potential of fungi, one cup at a time.

You can find Funky Fungi Teahouse at 113 Battle Alley, in Holly.

Make sure to follow on social media.

Instagram: funkyfungisteahouse,

Facebook: funkyyfungiii or visit www.funkyfungi.love to purchase her mushroom coffee blends.

Kellie has a BA in Journalism with a focus in Marketing. She has been a freelance writer and designer since 2011. With seven years experience in marketing in the non-profit sector. Her passion lies in the transformative power of storytelling, art, sound and nature. She also curates immersive mediation experiences.