Erika Prothow opened E. Free's On Main in February 2024 to carry on her late mother's legacy of friendship and elegance and bring people together through tea. Born in 1939, her mother, Odis Freeman, was an advocate for friendship and wellness amongst her community in Conroe.

“My mother believed that you should give people permission to sit at your table, and you do not alter who they are, but that's because you do not alter yourself,” Erika Prothow said. “So she fiercely showed up as a fabulous Black woman every single time because she believed there's something we can all learn from each other.”
E. Frees On Main offers, tea, tea accessories and journals. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
E. Free's On Main offers, tea, tea accessories and journals. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The inspiration

While her mother put together community health fairs for people of color, Erika Prothow said, like her mother, she felt a calling to advocate for medicine and wellness in her community through the study of herbs.

Through her business, Erika Prothow blends her own teas with herbs and attempts to embody her mother with the wisdom and kindness she passed on to her growing up.

“Tea is a way that people come together,” Erika Prothow said. “It makes you slow down and it has so many beneficial and healing properties.”


Growing up, Erika Prothow said her mother cared for people deeply and spread kindness wherever she went.

“My mother had such a care for people, and she always wanted everyone to live like this audacious, beautiful life,” she said.
E. Frees On Main is operated by the owner and staff members. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
E. Free's On Main is operated by the owner and staff members. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Looking for a libation?

At E. Free’s, Erika Prothow blends teas with people’s wellness in mind. There are over 15 blends made with properties that are beneficial for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and skin concerns, Erika Prothow said.

Every blend has a purpose and story of significance, Erika Prothow said. A few tea blends include:
  • Peach Harvest—made with green rooibos, orange peel, dried peaches, marigold petals, cinnamon and natural flavoring, and supports health by providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties while helping to relieve stress and promote relaxation
  • FriendSip—made with peach, flavored decaf black tea, honeybush, green rooibos and raspberries, and rich in antioxidants which help protect against cell damage, reduce inflammation, and support overall health
This tea contains immune boosting power with cranberries and elderberries that are packed with antioxidants. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
This tea contains immune boosting power with cranberries and elderberries that are packed with antioxidants. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The Winning Season Blend holds a significance to Erika Prothow, which represents the Astros and those who are celebrated for their talents while struggling with personal issues, which can often be forgotten when we think of our role models, she said.


E. Free’s On Main plans to continue adding tea blends to heal and bring communities together, Erika Prothow said. E. Free’s products can also be found at Paulette Cafe in Conroe and the Hyatt Regency Conroe.