Tea shaped connection
I’ve always been a coffee person.
Not just a coffee person but someone who’s passionate about coffee. I was equally passionate in my dislike of tea, to the point that more than once, I went to a local 5 star hotel for afternoon tea and defiantly ordered a cappuccino; much to the disdain of the waitress. Undeterred by her protesting reminders that it was afternoon TEA, the rebel in me relished every drop of my cappuccino even more.
When I first met Donna, with her vibrant pink hair and her mischievous giggle, I knew instantly we’d be firm friends. Just how alike we are was yet to be revealed but I knew she was one of my people. My heart did sink into my boots somewhat though when I learned that she sold tea. “Oh no” I thought. “I love supporting friends’ businesses and I want to support Donna but I’m a coffee person. I can’t stand tea.” I did a mental recall and remembered that my daughter and niece like tea. Delighted with myself I contacted Donna with the smug knowledge that not only was I being a decent human by supporting her business, I was also getting family brownie points buying tea that I could gift.
Then something happened…
It’s safe to say that from the first sip when the delivery arrived, I understood the hype. It was quite the experience because part of me didn’t want to enjoy it, I’m a coffee person, remember? But a bigger part of me was blown away by it. I never really understood people who said they can taste when things are made with love, but when I sipped Donna’s creation, I could 100% taste the love and dedication that went into it.
I’ve been a regular customer with Donna ever since, bordering on obsessed. So much so that I’m ridiculously proud that I helped her finish a blend she’d been working on for some time by inspiring her during a conversation.
Tea has become an integral part of my daily routine and also my self care. Every night without fail when the kids have gone to bed, my husband and I sit and enjoy a cup of tea together and have a check in chat with each other before we go to bed. Regardless of whether we’re in the house all evening or if we’ve been out til 2am, we still have our tea and debrief, it’s one of my favorite parts of the day. So much so that even when I traveled for work a few weeks ago, I got back to the hotel room and boiled the kettle before calling my sleepy and slightly confused husband for a chat.
It’s like tea now is a daily reminder for me to stay open minded, to take time to be present, unwind and relax. Connect back with myself and the people who matter most in my life.
I will always be a coffee person but I know there will always be a tea shaped place in my heart now too thanks to Donna and Unravel Tea.
