Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Daugherty-McCumbers.
Hi Cindy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My daughter, Anna Daugherty, loved everything about loose leaf hot tea. I used to tease her that I was going to open up a tea room and she would be my tea expert. When she passed away (May 11, 2023) at her funeral I promised her I was going to open up the tea room.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been smooth. It started with a promise to Anna and I did things backwards. Of course, the first year and half I was walking and working through a fog. The more I educated myself on what will be needed to open a tea room, the more questions and confusion I had. But I made a promise, this is a no fail option, a way to honor my sweet girl.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science from Indiana University Southeast. For nine years I worked for a clinical reference lab as a clinical laboratory scientist. For the last nine years, I have worked for an in vitro diagnostics company, the company that made our testing equipment in the lab. I am a Technical Support Specialist for one of our product lines. While with this company I earned my Master’s in Executive Leadership from Liberty University.
In 2021, I formed a 501(c)3 charity. It is called The Helpers Nest. It is a local food pantry to assist those in Effingham County experiencing food insecurity. I started the charity in Bluffton, SC and moved it to GA in 2023. I was going to close the food pantry as I didn’t feel like we were making an impact, I was missing something. Anna and I would meet up once a month and discuss our past months, our successes and what we need to work on. We were at Frank and Linda’s in Rincon having our monthly date lunch and I mentioned to her I was thinking of closing it. She looked at me and she was like mom, this is your heart, give it another year. So, I did. I am glad I did not close the pantry down at that time.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would like to remind everyone that you matter. Your life matters. You are loved, needed, and wanted. If you are struggling please talk to someone, I am available. The suicide hotline is 988, please use that number before making any decisions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Annas-tearoom.com
- Facebook: Anna’s Tearoom
