Although I had other goals to fulfill, ever since that one brief moment I had wanted to start a business that involved tea in some way. I wasn't sure how, what, or even when... but as we all know, the road is rarely straight and narrow.
I guess it can happen for some, but for me, starting a tea business in no way happened overnight. To begin with, and usually to my detriment, I'm an overthinker. I'd overanalyze, swirl, and zigzag every decision and probably make myself seasick in the process. (Come to think of it, I kind of still do.) Looking back - just as I have for so many other things in my life - I think there was a reason it all happened the way it did.
The Moment
In 1998, I had escorted my cousin to an education fair for a graphic design program. Only people applying for this program could be in attendance, and so in order to stick around and be supportive of him, I applied along for fun. We had to create a magazine ad as one of the exercises, and I created one promoting tea. For some reason it's what I immediately gravitated towards, and right then I started to imagine all the possibilities and various ways of selling tea. What flavours would I carry? Would I have a tea shop? What would I name it? How would I advertise it?
Although I had other goals to fulfill, ever since that one brief moment I had wanted to start a business that involved tea in some way. I wasn't sure how, what, or even when... but as we all know, the road is rarely straight and narrow.
The Journey
I had graduated from a theatre arts program in 1992 and worked various jobs trying to make money. I went from being a bartender to working as a temp, where I was placed in various companies. Often times I was offered full time employment, but I always declined as I wanted the freedom to pursue an acting career.
Eventually - about two years after helping my cousin with his university application - I myself got interested in pursuing graphic design after working in various Sales & Marketing divisions. (It was something I had always enjoyed taking through high school.) So, I took a few courses to learn various software, and very soon started my own graphic design business. My goal was to be able to make my own hours in order to be able to go to auditions. However, my business took off quickly and developed a life of its own, and so I put all my energy into pursuing this other (dare I say it, more "stable") form of creativity.
While maintaining my graphic design business, I still had tea on my mind, and so eventually registered my tea business and attended related tradeshows as often as I could... patiently waiting for the perfect time to start in this very fast-growing industry.
The Marriage
Fast forward 21 years from that day in 1998 - equipped with all the personal and professional experiences that came with it, both good and bad - I was finally inspired and ready to create something tea related. It ended up being the perfect marriage between my graphic design background and my desire to sell tea. It seemed to all fall into place and just felt right! So began the birth of the Tea Card.
The Pandemic
While I'm still learning about all things tea, I hope my Tea Cards provide a warm and friendly gift-giving gesture to brighten anyone's day... no matter where they may be on their own journey.