We had the good fortune of connecting with Autumn Modena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Autumn, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
That’s a great question…for me, I know this is a cause I care about and I love getting to create and put my artistic side into designing flavors and labels. It’s been hard recently though when I’ve seen businesses I’ve worked with copy my ideas and not give any credit or acknowledgment to RefuTea. I think that’s par for the course in business but it definitely makes me rethink sticking with it a lot more. I don’t have any plans to give up currently but I think about my why and all the time I’ve invested into RefuTea more often these days. Mostly I come to the conclusion that I’m too stubborn to give up – the vision will become reality eventually.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started the business in college and got all my start up funding from business competitions. I really wasn’t studying business but I learned all about public speaking, product design and financials through doing those competitions. Now having been in business for almost ten years (Feb 2025) I have learned the importance of being consistent, setting goals, keeping good business relationships and networking. I think the most important thing is to be kind and hold true values. That is what will make everything else work out.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite things to do are go out to eat and hang at the beach! I live in Muskegon just a few miles from Pere Marquette beach so I love going down to walk the pier, jump the waves with my son or just lay in the sun! I also love checking out the new restaurants in GR and I especially love maru sushi!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My son Liam – for inspiring me to dream again

My mom and sister – for being big fans and marketers since I had the idea

My mentor friends – Dustin, Ben, Pam, Ron, Michelle – for encouraging me and sharing their business expertise

I wouldn’t be in it this long without their love and support

Website: https://refuteashop.com/shop

Instagram: @refuteashop

Image Credits
Amber Mo Creative and Downtown GR

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