Mission Statement
Our mission is to nurture community wellbeing in Johnson City by providing an inclusive and welcoming space for cultural exploration, open dialogue, and creative expression. Through intentional programming and a shared love of tea, we foster compassion, sustainability, and cross-cultural understanding — empowering individuals to build a more connected and resilient community.
Vision Statement
We envision curating an East Tennessee rooted in compassion, cultural connection, and environmental stewardship – where communities thrive through shared dialogue, diversity, and a deep sense of belonging.
Our Story
Since opening our doors in December 2022, The Philosopher’s House has blossomed into a nonprofit, liberal‑arts sanctuary where tea serves as the starting point for meaningful connection and personal growth.
This thoughtfully-restored building near Kings Commons Park is a “third space” that brings diverse people together around shared curiosity and conversation. The Philosopher’s House is a place where the community gathers around traditional tea ceremonies, a cozy fireplace, and a love for learning and sharing. We invite guests to pause, sip, and belong.
But tea is only the beginning. Beyond our brewing table lies a vibrant ecosystem of multicultural education, philosophical practice, and creative expression. We offer everything from language classes in Ukrainian, German, Japanese, and more, to meditation sessions and environmental justice gatherings. Our programming aims to connect community members who have skills and knowledge to share with the larger East Tennessee region.
The Philosopher’s House is where the tri-cities’ Japanese residents share their culture, where people dedicated to alternative transportation find a home and support, and where budding artists find others with whom to share their passions and work. We average 1,140 classes and events per year and the number keeps growing! Local nonprofits, artists, and storytellers gather here naturally—this is where impact-driven programming takes root.
Our commitment to inclusion and accessibility drives our nonprofit model. Over 95% of our recurring offerings are either free or donation based, and our volunteer‑for‑membership model allows participants to earn free tea and discounts while supporting our operations. Coming from low-income backgrounds themselves, Jesse and Jessica took care to ensure no one would be excluded due to socio-economic reasons. Our employment practices and programming choices have given us the reputation of being a safe and encouraging place for diverse people of all types.
Our mission is clear: to cultivate Johnson City’s wellbeing—human, animal, and environmental—through multicultural learning, productive and insight-provoking dialogue, and events that promote interconnection. But our vision is deeper still: to support a thriving, compassionate community rooted in dialogue, diversity, and stewardship. By supporting The Philosopher’s House, you are investing in a living ecosystem of ideas and action—a place where tea becomes the catalyst for change, connection, and healing.
Our Values
Inclusivity – Welcoming all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs
Hospitality – Creating a warm, open environment for all
Sustainability – Committed to practices that support a healthy planet and future
Advocacy – Uplifting marginalized voices and championing equity in our community.
Dialogue – Facilitating open, respectful conversations
Cultural Appreciation – Celebrating diverse traditions and stories
Our Impact
2200+
classes and events
Hosting a variety of classes, taught by largely volunteer instructors, covering multiculturalism, environmentalism and the arts
7910+
yearly average attendees
Creating more opportunities for education, social gatherings and creative expression
6
languages being taught
Low and no cost language lessons and clubs to increase cultural education
100+
live music events
Supporting local and traveling musicians while building community resilience
40+
artists hosted
Creating income earning opportunities as well as increasing community engagement with the arts
32
businesses hosted
Supporting and incubating other non-profits and small businesses to improve East TN resiliency
5500+
pounds of scraps composted
Keeping organic debris out of landfills and improving soil structure in gardens
“The environment is home to countless living things. Its beauty is unparalleled. We
must do everything we can to protect it.”
30+
pollinator-friendly species of plants
Supporting pollinator species while educating the public on herbal and traditional plants