You might be asking yourself, why should I be interested in Karen Gardiner and her tea adventure? Let me explain to you, Karen’s tale goes beyond tea. It is about passion, commitment, and chasing after a dream.
Karen, the owner of ArtfulTea, has transformed her love for tea into a thriving business that offers a wide variety of 90 different teas. But this is not just any tea shop. ArtfulTea goes beyond the ordinary, with a blending space located beneath the retail shop where Karen creates unique and artful tea blends.
Karen’s journey into the world of tea began when she left her career as a lawyer to follow her heart. Inspired by her grandfather’s introduction to tea as a child, Karen has made tea rituals an integral part of her life. From starting her day with a small pot of tea to tasting hot samples at the shop, Karen’s love for tea is evident in every sip.
In this article, we will delve into Karen’s tea rituals, her favorite teas, and her unique tea landscape in her backyard. Get ready to be inspired and transported into the enchanting world of tea with Karen Gardiner of ArtfulTea.
Key Takeaways
- Karen Gardiner left her career as a lawyer to pursue her passion for tea and started ArtfulTea, a thriving tea business with 90 different teas.
- Tea is not just a drink for Karen, but a form of meditation and a way to find inner peace.
- ArtfulTea offers unique and artful tea blends created by Karen in a blending space located beneath the retail shop.
- Karen’s daily tea rituals involve savoring a small pot of Darjeeling from Happy Valley Tea Estate and exploring the nuances and complexities of different teas through tea tasting.
Karen’s Journey
I opened Kindred Tea in Florida in 2000 and later moved to New Mexico in 2006, where I started ArtfulTea as an online shop in 2007, leaving behind my career as a lawyer to pursue my passion for tea.
My journey into the world of tea began with my grandfather, who introduced me to the enchanting beverage when I was just a child. It was through his guidance and love for tea that I found my inspiration to create Kindred Tea and later ArtfulTea.
For me, tea is not just a drink, but a form of meditation. The act of brewing a pot of tea and savoring its aroma and flavors is a quiet moment of reflection and tranquility. It allows me to slow down, connect with my senses, and find inner peace. Tea has become my sanctuary, and through ArtfulTea, I hope to share this sense of calm and mindfulness with others.
Tea Shops and Blending
Opened in 2000, Kindred Tea in Florida was my first foray into the world of tea shops. It was where my love for tea began to flourish. However, it wasn’t until I moved to New Mexico in 2006 that I truly found my passion for tea and decided to establish ArtfulTea, my online tea shop, in 2007. At ArtfulTea, I offer a wide selection of 90 different teas, each carefully crafted using tea blending techniques that I have honed over the years. Tea blending is an art form that requires a deep understanding of the flavors and aromas of the various teas. It is through the art of tea tasting that I am able to create unique and delicious blends that I am proud to offer to my customers.
Tea Rituals and Favorites
In my daily tea rituals, I savor the rich, earthy flavors of a small pot of Darjeeling from Happy Valley Tea Estate, transporting me to the misty hills of India with each sip.
The act of tea tasting is an integral part of my day, as I delight in exploring the nuances and complexities of different teas. At ArtfulTea, we offer a wide variety of teas, allowing me to indulge in the art of tea tasting.
In the afternoon, as the day winds down, I switch to herbal teas, relishing in their soothing and calming properties. The switch from caffeine to herbal teas is not only a personal preference, but also a way for me to unwind and prepare for a peaceful evening.
Each cup of tea brings me closer to the world of flavors and aromas that I cherish so deeply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Karen Gardiner discover her passion for tea?
I discovered my passion for tea through my grandfather, who introduced me to it as a child. Over the years, I left my career as a lawyer and opened Kindred Tea and later ArtfulTea. My favorite tea blends include the Darjeeling from Happy Valley Tea Estate.
What inspired Karen to create a tea-related landscape in her backyard?
The inspiration behind my tea-inspired garden stems from my deep love for tea and the desire to create a tranquil space that reflects my passion. Through a journey of landscaping, I transformed broken tea cups and saucers into a beautiful labyrinth, where I find solace and meditation.
How many different types of tea does ArtfulTea offer?
ArtfulTea offers a wide variety of tea flavors, with a total of 90 different types. From black to oolong, there is something for everyone. They also provide tea brewing techniques to enhance your tea experience.
How does Karen incorporate tea into her meditation practice?
Incorporating tea into my meditation practice has been a game-changer. Studies show that tea enhances mindfulness and promotes relaxation. The ritual of brewing and sipping tea allows me to fully immerse myself in the present moment, reaping the benefits of both tea and mindfulness.
What are Karen’s preferred methods of enjoying tea?
Tea ceremonies and tea pairings are my preferred methods of enjoying tea. I love the ritual and artistry of tea ceremonies, and exploring the flavors and aromas of different teas through pairings with chocolates or other complementary foods.
