The first time I ever stepped into a tea shop, it was with my father for a meeting with people practicing Mandarin—a language I had fallen in love with and wanted to get better at.

Nothing could have prepared either of us for nearly getting arrested before the shop even opened.

Not for anything wild, just a misunderstanding that left me with shaking hands and a pounding heart. Despite the chaos, the shop owner welcomed us warmly, offering my father and me our first cup of oolong and a two-hour conversation about traditional Chinese teas and steeping methods. We left that tea shop with new knowledge and, for me, a new obsession. What was it about tea that kept pulling me in, even after such a turbulent start?

Fast forward a few years, and tea blending had become one of my biggest passions. In college, I was the friend who always had a cup of tea ready. Whether is was for a sore throat, an upset stomach, or just comfort on a long night, I was prepared. My go-to line quickly became: “We have to have tea together!” and every close friend can recall sipping on some experimental blend I couldn’t wait to share. Tea became my way of connecting, creating space for others, and building community even in the busiest seasons of life.

From there, I started this tea brand with three things in mind: Create, Educate, Inspire.

• Create blends that tell a story, with every ingredient chosen intentionally, as an expression of myself and the world around me

• Educate by sharing what I’ve learned, making tea exciting and accessible to anyone who’s curious.

• Inspire others to see tea as more than a drink. It’s a way of living, steeped in history, culture, community, and connection.

Inlustria is more than just a brand. It’s my way of passing on what tea has given me: a sense of wonder, a desire for connection, and an art form I’ll always be learning. Every cup is an invitation to pause, breathe, and be inspired.