Sunday, October 26, 2014
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Tea Business Spotlight 16 - Tea Vue
Tea Vue
Maryland, USA
How long have you been in business?
Since 2013.
What is the size/scope of your business?
We are a startup, online loose leaf tea and tea ware retailer with Amazon as an additional distribution channel.
Why tea?
Our love for tea is multifaceted – the expansive and diverse taste, character, and health properties along with the rich history and ceremonial tradition have been most intoxicating for us.
How did you get the ball rolling on your venture?
While conducting research for a consulting engagement, we became aware of the untapped potential of the tea market in the US and globally. Through the compelling business opportunity, we found an even greater appreciation for the complexities of tea.
What do you feel is the biggest strength of your business?
Our mission is to personally curate only the finest quality teas for our customers. We strive to create an experience through not only the tea itself but with our branding and personalized service. Every Tea Vue tea is presented to the customer in packaging that is worthy of with the tea it holds.
What were/are the biggest challenges of getting into/being in the tea business?
Although the market potential is significant, it is a challenge to educate consumers on how to discern widely-available, low grade, bag and loose leaf tea from loose leaf tea of the highest quality.
What would you do differently, if anything?
We would have commenced pursuing Tea Vue years ago.
How's business?
Repeat business is strong – everyone that has tried Tea Vue’s tea extols praise and becomes an ongoing customer. Reaching those that are not yet aware of Tea Vue is the challenge.
What advice would you give to someone who aspires to be in the tea business?
Life is precious and too short – pursue your passion whether tea or otherwise.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Japanese Tea Pickers of Yesteryear
From Japan: Historical and Descriptive, by Charles Henry Eden (1877)
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Featured Tea Book - Book of Tea Classic Edition
Now available in a gorgeous hardcover slipcase edition, this "object d'art" will be sure to add grace and elegance to tea shelves, coffee tables and bookshelves. A keepsake enjoyed by tea lovers for over a hundred years, The Book of Tea Classic Edition will enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the seemingly simple act of making and drinking tea.
In 1906 in turn-of-the century Boston, a small, esoteric book about tea was written with the intention of being read aloud in the famous salon of Isabella Gardner, Boston's most famous socialite. It was authored by Okakura Kakuzo, a Japanese philosopher, art expert, and curator. Little known at the time, Kakuzo would emerge as one of the great thinkers of the early 20th century, a genius who was insightful, witty—and greatly responsible for bridging Western and Eastern cultures. Okakura had been taught at a young age to speak English and was more than capable of expressing to Westerners the nuances of tea and the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
In The Book of Tea Classic Edition he discusses such topics as Zen and Taoism, but also the secular aspects of tea and Japanese life. The book emphasizes how Teaism taught the Japanese many things; most importantly, simplicity. Kakuzo argues that tea-induced simplicity affected the culture, art and architecture of Japan.
Nearly a century later, Kakuzo's The Book of Tea Classic Edition is still beloved the world over, making it an essential part of any tea enthusiast's collection. Interwoven with a rich history of Japanese tea and its place in Japanese society is poignant commentary on Asian culture and our ongoing fascination with it, as well as illuminating essays on art, spirituality, poetry, and more. The Book of Tea Classic Edition is a delightful cup of enlightenment from a man far ahead of his time.
