Find strength in every cup with the Badass Tea Co.

Many in the community already know Karen Hadden, owner of The Helicopter Daughter boutique in Mentor. She opened the shop after struggling to find natural ways to support her ailing parents through cancer and illness—and to manage her own stress as a caregiver.

“Women juggle so many roles—spouse, mother, caregiver, career woman and more,” says Karen. “All of this can lead to anxiety, burnout and depression. I’ve been there myself. Most recently, a personal health crisis sent me on a new journey in search of self-care.”

Last year, Karen faced a major turning point after undergoing heart valve surgery. While the physical recovery was challenging, it was the emotional toll that surprised her most. In the quiet days that followed, she encountered an unexpected sadness—cardiac depression. It crept in as self-doubt and anxiety, leaving her uncertain about what healing was supposed to feel like.

But in that space, she found a new direction—one focused not just on recovery, but on self-compassion, presence and peace.

Seeking comfort and trying to avoid caffeine, she created a morning tea ritual.

“Each morning, I reached for a favorite mug, chose a tea that spoke to my heart and quietly let it steep while I breathed in the comfort of the ritual,” she says. “With every sip and every whispered affirmation, I reminded myself: ‘I am healing. I am strong. I am still me.’ It became my anchor when the days felt unsteady.”

From that practice, Karen launched The Badass Tea Co., a brand meant to remind women of their strength and resilience. With more than 60 teas in store and more available online, each label features an uplifting or humorous affirmation.

“Tea is often something you grab at the grocery store—uninspired and predictable,” she says. “But what if tea could be more? What if every sip felt like a moment just for you?”

The Badass Tea Co. offers black, white, green, oolong and herbal tea tisanes with ingredient combinations to energize, calm and restore. Some blends include names like “I Am Radiant”, “I Am Authentic”, “Badass Bliss” and “Calm the Hell Down”. Flavors range from “Chocolate Chai” to “Crème Brûlée Earl Grey” to “Lemon Berry.”

The boutique also carries accessories to support a personalized tea ritual.

“I’ve applied what I’ve learned as a certified self-care coach and certified health coach to The Badass Tea Co.,” says Karen. “It’s about intentional living—slowing down, savoring a moment and letting a warm cup of tea help you reconnect with your strength.”

The Badass Tea Co. is located within The Helicopter Daughter at The Matchworks Building, 8500 Station St., Suite 285, in Mentor. For more information, call 440-725-1571, find it on Facebook or Instagram @thehelicopterdaughter or visit TheHelicopterDaughter.com.

Daily tea tastings are offered in-store. Monthly tea subscriptions are available online.