Coffee businesses embraced ethical sourcing more than a decade ago, and Govro is betting that chefs and shop owners will want a tea brand that does the same. Big Heart’s products are sold at more than 300 locations in 43 states, including 30 in St. Louis, and the goal is to grow that number rapidly.

A key to that growth is Kunthearath Nhek-Morrissey, who’s held senior supply chain positions at Starbucks, Amazon and Bunge.

Nhek-Morrissey volunteered as a judge last year at Arch Grants, a business competition at which Big Heart Tea was one of 20 winners. After watching Govro’s presentation, Nhek-Morrissey saw a match for her own experience and interests.

She soon joined the company as vice president of business operations and supply chain. “What I was really excited about was the chance to build something in St. Louis,” Nhek-Morrissey says.

For Govro, taking on a partner was “a no-brainer decision. It was very apparent as soon as we started talking that we were going to be able to complement each other’s skill set very well.”

After winning a $50,000 Arch Grant in November, Big Heart Tea landed $50,000 from Capital Innovators last month. That investment comes with access to mentors in Capital Innovators’ accelerator program.