In 2022, Friendswood High School Special Education teacher Ashley Naylor recognized a need for meaningful job training and employment opportunities for her students after graduation. Spending countless hours researching and visiting various businesses, the Naylors decided on a mobile business model that is event-driven, affordable, and has an easy-to-follow system.
Ashley collaborated with a friend and fellow teacher who taught an “Incubator” class where several students helped create more ideas for a business as part of a class project. Ashley shared her vision and mentored the students who presented the project in a “Shark Tank”-style event. The business idea was met with a high level of enthusiasm and strong community support.
This was the confirmation needed to move forward with the business plan. Ashley retired in May 2023, and her family purchased and launched the first TEAgether tea trailer. With the support of family, community friends, and local officials, the business had a successful soft opening on July 2, 2023, and a grand opening at the Friendswood 4th of July celebration.
Today, TEAgether employs young adults with disabilities in Texas and Louisiana. The business is now a preferred vendor for the city of Friendswood and many otdher local events. TEAgether’s mission is to help young adults with disabilities gain confidence, independence, and meaningful employment.
I found out about TEAgether Ssunday at the Eunice Cajun Mardi Gras where Kadie Mller was busy waiting on customers. She found out about TEAgether through the Eunice City Hall. “I’ve been employed with TEAgether since August 2025 and I really love my job” she said, Kadie, the daughter of John and Donna Miller, is a very outgoing person and enjoys meeting new people and reallyt enjoys her bosses Doug and Ashley. Since starting in August of last year. Her office, I guess you could say, is the tea trailer. She can be found at many local social events such as the Eunice Mardi Gras. Her job has taken her throughout Acadiana including the LSUE baseball games and a varietyl of fairs and festivals. The tea trailer also visits local hospitals.
