Michael Browers Fills the M. Tea Cup

After almost a year of establishment, the M. Tea Cup has made its presence on Vanguard’s campus as the place to go for some great-tasting (and free) tea, courtesy of its founder, sophomore Michael Brower.

Brower has become well-known on campus as the “Tea Guy,” due to his growing popularity for the M. Tea Cup. The idea for brewing tea for peers began last year out of Brower’s dorm room. Some of his floor mates got sick, and he offered to make some tea to bring over to their room.

“I really like doing this because most places tend to rip you off… the only thing I really charge is a good conversation,” said Brower.

A tip jar, however, is also available to those who feel inclined to pay for Brower’s services. In the past year, Brower has made a few hundred dollars in tips alone, most of which he used to trademark the M. Tea Cup.

“I thought [the name] reflected my business, with the letter “M” standing for Michael, and the M. Tea Cup’s name came from the fact that whenever I gave someone a cup of tea, they usually had to borrow one of my many mugs. When I got the mug back, it would always be empty,” said Brower.

There are now over 70 types of tea available to choose from, ranging from brands like Tazo to teas from as far away as Egypt and Ethiopia. If anyone is extremely opposed to tea, hot chocolate is also available.

“But don’t ask me to make you a cup of coffee,” Brower chuckled.

Brower, one day, hopes to open the M. Tea Cup as his own tea shop.  He has since switched from a Cinema Arts to Business Administration major in hopes of making his passion for tea a lifelong career. Until then, he simply wants to be able to make and deliver his tea to anyone who requests, free of charge.

Brower is available in Huntington Hall, room 310.