Our Story

So what is my tea journey? 

I’m part Egyptian so tea drinking is a part of everyday life. Lipton is by far the most popular tea, accompanied by shisha. Even in 100 degree weather one would see open cafes filled with men puffing at their hookah and blowing billowing smoke while occasionally drinking tea straight, never accompanied by milk. At home we would mix black tea with cardamom and sage with full fat milk, always adding a bit of sugar to sweeten the crisp, hearty, black tea.

Fast forward years later when I was invited over for tea by a beloved family who made served me my first cup of the famously sweet Somali chai. I instantly fell in love and since then have been chasing the perfect cup of chai. It was years of practice before I finally learned how to make my signature cup of chai and even created my own blends from around the world.

As an Afro-Arab American and first-generation daughter of African and Middle Eastern immigrants, my love for tea is rooted in community and African and Arab cultures. Being present, grateful, showing respect; not just serving your guests but putting on the effort and show for them to convey your appreciate for them. It takes love and patience to make a cup of chai and it’s a joy to share. That is the centerpiece of our culture. I am passionate about tea-making because I want everyone to slow down and take the time to fall in love with tea, for the sake of making tea.