There's something wonderfully full-circle about this moment.
This Pride Month, our founder, Brandon Roy, was invited to join the DAVIDsTEA Pride Campaign as one of this year's Pride Month Ambassadors—a collaboration that feels especially meaningful for someone whose work has always been rooted in community, mindfulness, and creating spaces where people feel safe to show up as themselves.
For Brandon, the partnership is also deeply personal.
"I grew up in Northern Ontario, and some of my closest friends used to work at the DAVIDsTEA store in my hometown mall. To now be collaborating with DAVIDsTEA and celebrating Pride together feels incredibly special."
Meet Brandon
Brandon is the queer founder and mindful entrepreneur behind Happy Tears.
Since launching the brand in 2018, he has dedicated his work to creating modern tools for mindful living—from bilingual conversation card games that inspire meaningful connection to colourful apparel and accessories designed to spark conversations about mental health.
Outside of Happy Tears, Brandon is a dog dad to an independent (and very gentle) Labradoodle named Penelope, teaches high-energy spin classes in downtown Montreal, and is constantly exploring new creative outlets—most recently leaning into poetry writing.
He's passionate about mental health, LGBTQ+ advocacy, experiential marketing, inclusive design, and helping people feel more connected to themselves and to one another.
Building Happy Tears (A Refresher!)
Happy Tears was born from the belief that:
The human experience is not about striving to simply feel good, it is meaningfully built upon feeling everything.
Based in Montreal since 2018, Happy Tears creates tools that encourage people to slow down, ask deeper questions, express themselves authentically, and nurture meaningful relationships.
Our bestselling bilingual conversation games are proudly made in Canada, while our growing collection of apparel and accessories serve as colourful reminders to live more mindfully every day.
As part of our mission, Happy Tears also donates $1 from every order to support 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health initiatives all year long.
Learn more about Our Story.
What Pride Means to Brandon
When asked what Pride means today, Brandon reflected on how its meaning has evolved throughout his life.
"Pride is kinship."
"What began as a celebratory, dance-filled point of connection to community and chosen family was also one of the first spaces where I truly felt safe to exist in my queerness—tethered to joy and finally beginning to release the shame I carried."
For Brandon, Pride is also about remembering.
It's about honouring the queer people who came before us and fought for our right to live openly—to say our identities out loud, hold a partner's hand in public, or even start businesses that reflect who we truly are.
One quote he returns to often comes from Stonewall activist Marsha P. Johnson:
"No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us."
"It's a reminder that none of us are truly free until all of us are free. I try to carry that responsibility into both my life and my work."
Ultimately, Pride is many things:
It is community.
It is courage.
It is celebration.
It is resistance.
It is an invitation for allies to stand beside us.
Above all, Pride is love.
Tea as a Daily Ritual
For Brandon, tea has always represented something much deeper than a beverage.
"It's one of the small rituals I use to slow down. Whether I want to feel grounded, create a moment of softness, or simply do something kind for my body, making tea helps me become more present."
Most mornings begin with an iced oat matcha latte—and, fittingly, DAVIDsTEA's Banana Matcha was the very first matcha he ever tried.
"I've been completely hooked ever since."
Afternoons often call for bright citrus or fruity blends while journaling on the balcony or checking in with his therapist. Evenings are reserved for calming chamomile or mint teas before winding down.
Sunny C: Brandon's Pride Pick 🌈
As one of this year's Pride Month Ambassadors, Brandon is repping SUNNY C; and, just like Pride, it's a blend that works beautifully year-round.
On cooler evenings, he'll steep a warm mug with a touch of honey. During Montreal's summer months, however, Sunny C becomes the ultimate iced tea.
"If I'm hosting a brunch, I'll make a big pitcher over ice and add orange peels, fresh peaches, and raspberries. It's colourful, refreshing, and always a crowd favourite."
Sip Good. Do Good.
Throughout Pride Month, DAVIDsTEA is donating 10% of proceeds from every Pride Collection tea to Rainbow Railroad, supporting their work helping LGBTQIA+ people facing persecution around the world.
It's a beautiful reminder that small daily rituals—whether sharing tea, having meaningful conversations, or simply showing up authentically—can create lasting impact.
Here's to celebrating Pride with courage, compassion, community, and, of course, a really really good cup of tea.
❤️🔥
Shop the DAVIDsTEA Pride Collection.
Shop Happy Tears: The Game.
Follow Brandon and Happy Tears on Instagram and TikTok @happytears.ca.
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