Sipology Closes Its Doors, Halting Orders and Commission Payments

ANCASTER, Ontario – Canadian direct selling tea company Sipology (formerly Steeped Tea) has closed its doors, halting online orders and commission payments, according to a message sent to the field and shared publicly by Sipology independent representatives on social media on April 20th.

In the message from Sipology founders Tonia Jahshan, Hatem Jahshan and the Sipology team, the company said it had made the “incredibly difficult decision to close our doors” due to financial circumstances.

The letter stated that online ordering had been halted immediately and that, given the company’s financial position, commission payments would not be processed.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Ancaster, Ontario, Sipology built its brand around loose leaf teas, matcha, tea accessories and a community-centered direct selling model.

Founders Confirm Closure in Message to the Field

In the letter shared with representatives, that was later shared on social media, the company wrote:

Hello everyone,

This is one of the hardest messages we’ve ever had to write.

Sipology was never just a business. It was built in living rooms, around kitchen tables, and through conversations over a simple cup of tea. It became a community because of you — your passion, your belief, and the way you showed up for others every single day.

What you created went far beyond products. You created connection, confidence, and moments that truly mattered. We are so deeply grateful.

Due to financial circumstances, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close our doors. Online ordering has been halted immediately. Given the company’s financial position, we are unable to process commission payments.

There are no words to fully express how heavy this is to share, and how deeply we wish the outcome was different. At this stage:

• Orders already placed will be processed where possible

• No new orders will be accepted

• We will not be able to respond to individual inquiries moving forward

This decision comes after exhausting every option possible. What we built together mattered. It changed lives — including ours.

Thank you for years of belief, the energy, the laughter, and the love you poured into this community. It has meant more than we can ever fully express.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Tonia, Hatem & the Sipology Team

Reaction from Sipologists, their customers and communities — as well as some former representatives — was immediate, with many expressing shock, sadness, disbelief or frustration over the abruptness of the closure and its impacts. At the same time, some representatives also mentioned the personal growth, community, and friendships they had developed and experienced along the way, as a result of their time with Sipology.

Longtime Canadian Direct Selling Brand

Originally launched as Steeped Tea, Sipology became a recognizable name in the Canadian direct selling channel, known for its tea-focused product line and home gathering culture built around connection, conversation and community.

The closure brings an end to an 18-year chapter for the company and marks a very difficult time for many distributors and customers who were part of that journey. The thoughts and prayers of the direct selling community are with you all.

[*Editor’s Note: At time of publishing, BFH had not received a formal corporate press release, beyond the written message above that was shared with representatives. This report is based on that message, along with public social media posts from representatives and customers responding to the news. If additional official information is shared with BFH regarding orders, commissions or any formal next steps, this article may be updated.]