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Zhena Muzyka - Tea Leaves Brew Success
 Most recipients of the Foundation student loan program send their monthly repayment check in the traditional envelope. Not Zhena Muzyka! Her payment arrives beautifully presented with a sample of organic tea. Owner of Zhena’s Gypsy Tea, 28-year-old Zhena is an inspiring example of the impact of a student loan.
In 2000, just as she had started to repay her Foundation loan, Zhena gave birth to a son, Sage, who had a congenital kidney defect requiring multiple surgeries not fully covered by insurance. Rather than surrendering to total despair, Zhena remembered the resourcefulness of her Ukrainian grandmother and parents who during World War II crossed their war-torn country and Germany by foot, eventually reaching safety in the United States. She borrowed money for a catering cart and set about blending organic teas and selling them, using a variety of creative methods. Six years later, Sage is thriving and Zhena is president of a million-dollar company.
"Receiving a Santa Barbara Foundation loan was a great experience. It gave me confidence in myself and in the future." Zhena’s maternal difficulties led her to have compassion for other mothers. Gypsy Tea guarantees the women in their Sri Lankan tea plantations maternity leave, health care, and childcare. She says, “I realize now how much of a difference I can make as a business owner with an understanding of human need and that I can change a small part of the world and improve people’s lives. I am so grateful to have this opportunity.
Based in Ojai, the Gypsy Tea collection features 16 special blends and is available in over 500 restaurants, spas and gourmet markets nationwide—including Santa Barbara’s Lazy Acres.
Zhena’s loan is almost repaid. The office will miss the teas.
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