Hands holding freshly picked green tea leaves

Small Business – Collective Growth

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Cultivating a thriving business ecosystem isn’t just about individual success—it’s about lifting each other up. At Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., we’ve embraced the adage that ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ as a guiding principle. This philosophy underscores our commitment to collaboration with other small businesses, recognizing that together, we can achieve more than we could alone. Collaboration isn’t just beneficial; it’s imperative for our growth and sustainability. By partnering with other SMBs, we tap into a wealth of diverse skills and expertise that complement our own. This allows us to focus on our core strengths while leveraging our partners’ specialized knowledge, leading to more efficient and well-rounded operations.

Moreover, collaboration fosters a vibrant sense of community that nurtures mutual success. Through shared experiences and learning from one another’s triumphs and setbacks, we accelerate our individual growth trajectories. This creative exchange of ideas and perspectives not only enriches our business practices but also cultivates an environment ripe for innovation.

In the spirit of collaborative problem-solving, we welcome partnerships with SMBs across various industries. Whether they’re fellow tea purveyors or businesses entirely different from ours, we recognize the value of synergy in driving collective progress. Together, let’s harness the power of collaboration to propel our businesses and our community forward.

Over the past few months, I have been fortunate to work with a range of small businesses. Justin Fox Burks, a talented photographer, who captures a range of emotions with alluring product photography. For those in need of a skilled photographic artist, I highly recommend Justin. I can’t wait for us to work on our next photos. https://www.justinfoxburks.com/beverage

Wanda Davila’s El Patio Pop Up Shop has provided the perfect brick-and-mortar experience for my ecommerce company. By sharing the risk of a physical location, I’ve had the opportunity to share my loose leaf teas in person, providing a safety net that is vital for small businesses. I look forward to working with Wanda on other pop-up experiences this year. https://elpatiopopupshop.com/

Another remarkable business I have had the pleasure of working with is Cocoa Asante, a premium chocolate company that handcrafts beautiful bonbons and bars using cacao from Ghana. Ella Livingston created a sublime chocolate bon bon for this season’s collection using one of our tea infusions, Gloria, Audre, Toni & Zora’s Tea. https://www.cocoaasante.com/products/symphony-of-tea-bonbons

Finally, my partnership with Blaque Butterfly @ Reece Hall Bed & Breakfast has been nothing short of amazing. Blaque Butterfly at Reese Hall is the perfect destination for boutique nuptials and curated events. The staff at Blaque Butterfly is always ready to help bring your vision to fruition, whether you’re planning your dream wedding, a girls’ trip, or recording your next cooking vlog. Thank you for allowing me to share my experiences with these remarkable businesses.

Enjoy loose leaf teas as we spend time uplifting one another!

I’d love to hear about your experiences with other small businesses. If you know of another small business that I can partner with, please let me know.

Best,

Renee

renee.rubens@symphonyofleavestea.com

The Power of Gratitude

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As a certified New Year’s Resolution junkie, at the end of every year, just before the next year begins, I find myself asking – where did the year go? How did the year go by so quickly without my accomplishing some goals that I assured myself, as a part of my New Years’ Resolution ritual were most certainly vital components toward making my life even better. As I have done in previous years, in January 2023, I made a public declaration and a promise to myself that this year would be spectacular and magnificent. I would walk in my power. I would focus on purpose! I would dutifully follow the curated vision board I had designed and sworn undying allegiance to. I would achieve it all.

It’s November 4th. I have scanned my memory bank and I have no clue as to where my 2023 vision board is. I certainly don’t recall the details of everything that’s on it. Needless to say, I am not sure what part of it I accomplished. Another year of resolutions gone by the wayside.

Or have they? I may have not followed my vision board to the tee, or at all for that matter; however, I can thankfully say that I am grateful for accomplishing a few things that were and still continue to be achievements that I am blessed to be a part of.

This year, as the Head of Law Firm Partnerships for Chief Legal Executive, our team delivered a program that changes the game for senior associates in AmLaw200 firms and has left an indelible impression on many of their careers for years to come. We launched and delivered a program entitled Think Like a GC. In this program, we brought senior associates together to present themselves and their legal acumen to decision-makers in corporate law departments. As program participants, the associates received real-time feedback on what they did well, where they can focus to deliver the best client experiences possible. The ongoing benefit of this program is that senior associates, who often don’t get that type of access to in-house counsel, have the opportunity to develop and build relationships with prospective clients. That’s a HUGE step in the progression of a young attorney’s career trajectory! I am thankful to have been a part of the program. #Rainmakers

This year, one of my daughters returned home. It was the right thing for her to do. Life happens and sometimes we need a reset. I have the space and capacity. She is free-spirited personified. Her return is a package deal; she has a 6-year-old son – Denim, whom I adore. He is a self-proclaimed genius. He is an amazing chef. He is capable of masterfully playing every sport. He can solve all problems. He is exceptional by every measure. I LOVE the boundless confidence he possesses and his quick wittedness. We spend a lot of time together. He’s my go to person when I need to learn how to correctly use both the underutilized apps and the frequently used apps on my iPhone and how to “fix” my television. In exchange for all of his help, I get a lot of information that I never thought would matter so much. I now know a ton about the bond between Spiderman and Miles Morales. Growing up in the early 70’s who knew that Spiderman had a best friend? From the perspective of a 6-year-old, I’ve learned that Rinaldo is the “greatest soccer player in the whole entire galaxy and Messi’s game has plenty of shortfalls. Despite his self-proclaimed genius status, Denim doesn’t yet comprehend the significance of Messi having a World Cup win under his belt. Denim is killing me at Roblox, but I think that is to be expected given our respective ages. dif There are a lot of differences in my household these days. I don’t always get to have the local news on at 6:30 AM. Bluey airs at the same time. There are Lunchables taking up space in our refrigerator. I have performed the mortal sin of mistakenly confusing his buddies Caison & Axl. It was certainly not a part of the January 2023 vision board to sit in the very long drop-off line at Oak Grove Elementary every morning. Nonetheless I am winning. I am joyful. I am appreciative. This is the experience that I am supposed to be having. Again, something additional in my life that I am thankful for. #BlackBoyJoy

This year, I have re-focused my efforts towards managing and growing Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., with very intentional goals. It has been a vertically challenging path. In other words, I am not making enough money at this endeavor, yet. To provide some context, I am sitting at my popup shop in Atlanta today. The weather is brisk, and I am enjoying a freshly brewed pot of Gloria, Audre, Toni & Zora’s Tea. There isn’t a patron in sight, so I have more than ample time to write this post. Regardless of the non-existent foot traffic, I am sure that the steps we are taking, right now, are the right steps for growing our business. I also have moved from sole proprietorship to a partnership. Working in partnership with someone else has been an eye-opening experience as to what tactical changes needed to occur to put Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., on the path to successful growth of the business. I have also begun working with micro influencers who share the vision of who Symphony of Leaves Tea Co. is and what we plan to accomplish. As a brand, our primary goal is to be a purveyor of teas that are sourced from artisanal growers who focus on producing premium quality teas grown with a commitment to sustainability and fair trade. I have identified tea suppliers who I enjoy working with who meet that criterion. #SipPurposefully. I get to constantly review our offering and add and remove products as the wants of our customers evolve. I also get the pleasure of working with a host of companies from around the world that share similar values with our company. For example, I work with a vendor who provides me access to small batch tea growers with gardens in both Assam & Darjeeling. As a result, one of my new favourite teas is from a tea grower in the Moran town, in Assam, where the climate is mild and ideal for growing green teas. The grower has creatively produced a green tea, black basil blend which is hand-picked to ensure the best leaves. For me, it’s sublime. Earlier in the year, I tested the offerings from a grower in Thailand. Although they have limited quantities of some of their white teas, they have reliably delivered some award-winning white teas which we are thrilled to be able to carry. According to the IMF, Bhutan is one of the poorest places in the world. Nonetheless, I was introduced to a women’s cooperative who are growing a green tea in Bhutan. It’s a blessing for me to be able to include and offer their green tea as one of our staple teas. I believe our decision to carry their teas will impact the growth of their business, therefore providing them with economic empowerment.

My 2023 vision-board reflected somethings that were incredibly important for me at the beginning of the year. I have pivoted from what I thought was important. What was a win for me when I created my vision board, is eons away from where I stand today. In accepting the agency of personal and professional transformation, I acknowledge that things aren’t always comfortable, but I appreciate the blessings of collaborating with authentic, kind, intellectually curious, creative, thoughtful, brilliant, purpose-driven people more than I ever have before. I’m not sure that I will be making a 2024 vision-board. I’m relatively certain that I don’t need to make New Year’s declarations. I love the path that Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., is on. I’m fine. I’m grateful. I’m thankful. I’m blessed. I am appreciative of walking in my purpose.

The holidays are coming. Tea is an outstanding gift. We have gift sets that we can drop ship for you. I would appreciate it if you would visit our website, pin it as a favourite, and buy some tea. www.symphonyofleavestea.com

White leaf pattern on black background design.

Sip Purposefully – Knowing the Source of Your Loose Leaf Teas

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Discover the story behind your tea. At Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., we prioritize transparency and ethical sourcing. Whether from us or elsewhere, sip purposefully, knowing your choice supports sustainability and communities worldwide.  

Symphony of Leaves Tea Co. would like to know where your tea comes from?

At Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., transparency is at the heart of our ethos. We believe that knowing where your tea comes from is paramount to not only elevating your tea experience but also making a positive impact on the lives of those involved in its production.

Every sip of tea holds a story, and understanding its origins allows us to appreciate its journey. We meticulously source our teas from regions renowned for their premium quality and commitment to responsible growing methods. From the lush tea gardens of Assam to the picturesque landscapes of Darjeeling, each leaf is cultivated with care and expertise by skilled producers dedicated to their craft.

But our commitment goes beyond just quality. We prioritize ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that tea pickers and processors are compensated fairly for their labor. We strive to minimize our environmental footprint by supporting biodiversity and sustainable growing methods.

When you choose Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., you’re not just savoring a cup of tea – you’re supporting a tradition of excellence, integrity, and social responsibility. Join us in sipping purposefully and making a difference, one cup at a time.

Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world.

As providers of premium quality teas and infusions, part of our commitment is to be transparent about our sourcing standards; and that includes sharing information about who we source our teas from, the skills of the growers that we work with and confirming that the growers and pickers involved in tea production are receiving fair and competitive wages. We source from small tea growers around the world. The growers we source from are dedicated artists who want to share their best quality teas with our customers. We are committed to having a positive impact on the tea industry and the livelihoods of the people involved in the tea supply chain. We do this by continually educating ourselves about the industry and sharing that information with you – our customers. The more we know about the industry, the better equipped we are to make purchases from ethical sources, who engage in fair labor practices, who are committed to environmentally responsible initiatives, and support the ecosystems of their local communities.

As a retailer committed to ensuring that you’re receiving premium quality teas from our selection; we want to provide you with useful and relevant information to help you to know that when you purchase tea from us, you are sipping purposefully. We focus on the quality of the leaves – which includes the taste and the aroma of the teas, sustainability of farm production practices, labor rights for growers, and transparency in the supply chain.

We often hear phrases like transparency and accountability bandied about.  Those are more than phrases for our team. They are a part of our DNA. We actively look for growers who are committed to ensuring sustainable production in farming.  In selecting which growers would be included in our network, we look for responsible land use, efficient water management, and minimal use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, adherence to authentic production methods, all of which help define ethical and sustainable tea agricultural practices.

Sadly, the agricultural industry is rife with human trafficking and unsafe working conditions and a general lack of training for workers. We chose to take a stand with who we work with. In order for us to have a clear conscience about what we bring to you, we rigorously manage the process of which growers we work with. Ensuring fair labor practices is crucial. This includes fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against exploitative labor practices. Ethical certifications like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance aim to hold producers accountable for these standards. Most of the farms we source our teas from have received these designations. Some of providers are too small to achieve designations, as they are family farms. However, we have worked to ensure that while they are small. they are meeting the standards for being considered premium quality teas.

Every year the U.S. imports nearly 900,000 tons of tea. Can you imagine the environmental impact that growing tea has on the earth?  As a company, we have made a commitment to principles of sourcing teas that are grown with eco-friendly techniques and are included in supply chains that are transparent. We source teas from artisan growers who have rigorous quality controls and by demonstration have pledged to adhere to authentic production methods. We want you to be able to know the origins of the teas you purchase and feel assured that they are included in a supply chain that represents acknowledgement of the origin of the teas and the conditions in which they are produced. As we commit to supply chain transparency, we look for quality and safety standard that ensure teas are free from contaminants, are properly labeled and consistent in quality.  

Symphony of Leaves Tea Co. is very intentional to providing you with access to teas grown by artisans who are passionate about their craft. We are an open book about where and how we source our teas. Traceability systems help track the journey of tea from the farm to the consumer, ensuring accountability at each step of the supply chain. We have researched the reputations of the vendors we source from. We minimize the need for intermediaries, allowing us to know where our teas are coming from and ensuring that the grower is receiving fair and equitable compensation. Educating consumers about the importance of accountability in the tea industry empowers you, our customers, to make responsible choices and supports companies that adhere to ethical practices.

How does all this impact your tea experiences to help you sip purposefully?

Premium teas are often associated with cultural, innovation and artistic traditions and endeavors. They have a more refined and complex flavor profile with rich aromatic scents. There’s less astringency and free of the bitterness often associated with tea. Our artisan tea growers focus on quality in a way that mass producers can’t.  The tea growers we source from pay meticulous detail to every aspect of the tea production process; from the selection of the tea bushes, the care of the plants to the harvesting, withering, rolling, oxidation and drying processing. We believe that by sourcing artisanal and premium teas for our customers we can help growers share deeper appreciations of the history of tea, the craftsmanship behind each cup and ultimately deliver enhanced brewing experiences.

 Premium teas provide a more enjoyable and aesthetically pleasing brewing experience. Artisanal growers play a crucial role in preserving the art of tea making and offering tea enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy unique high-quality teas. Their dedication to traditional growing methods, sustainable practices and terroir of their tea gardens contributes to the diversity and the richness of the tea world.

 Our offering includes both orthodox teas and hand blended tea infusions. Our infusions are blended with at least 70% whole leaf, premium-quality teas as the base ingredient. We apply the same sourcing ethos to blending ingredients as we do to teas.   

 Hopefully this helps you in your search and selection process for premium quality artisanal tea and tea infusions.

 Looking forward to hearing your thoughts, and feedback. Please reach out to us at renee.rubens@symphonyofleavestea.com or contact us on IG @symphonyofleavestea

 

Warmest Regards

Renee

Loose-Leaf vs. Sachets: Choosing the Right Tea Experience

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Celebrate the Art of Tea: Exploring Loose Leaf versus Sachets

Discover the nuanced world of loose leaf teas, renowned for their superior quality and robust flavor profiles compared to conventional sachets. Loose leaf teas boast whole leaves, preserving their essence and offering a sensory journey with each brew. From the vibrant appearance of the leaves to the captivating aroma and complex flavors, loose leaf teas promise a memorable tea-drinking experience.

Transitioning to loose leaf tea may seem daunting at first, but it offers unparalleled control over brewing parameters, allowing you to tailor each cup to perfection. Utilizing a tea infuser or strainer ensures optimal steeping, ensuring that the delicate flavors of the leaves are fully extracted.

It’s essential to consider the steeping time and water temperature, as they vary depending on the type of tea being brewed. This attention to detail ensures that you unlock the full potential of your tea, indulging in its rich nuances and distinctive character.

Whether you’re a seasoned tea connoisseur or a novice enthusiast, embracing loose leaf tea is a journey worth undertaking. With its unparalleled quality and customizable brewing process, loose leaf tea elevates the tea-drinking experience, inviting you to savor every sip and cherish the artistry behind each cup.

At Symphony of Leaves Tea Co., we curate a selection of premium loose leaf teas sourced from the finest tea gardens worldwide. Join us in exploring the world of loose leaf tea and embark on a flavorful journey that celebrates the true essence of tea.

Most loose-leaf teas are shipped to customers in airtight containers. Keep the container. Store it in your pantry or cabinet and away from moisture and light and you will likely enjoy it for months to come.

Remember – when looking for loose leaf teas:

                Fresh

                Aromatic

                Whole leaves or large pieces of the leaf

                Avoid dusty or broken leaves

Feel free to check out our selection of loose-leaf orthodox teas and blends – and please join us on social media. @symphonyofleavestea

Looking forward to connecting with you in a couple of days. We just received some teas from Nepal, and I can’t wait to share with you what they taste like.

Have a fantastic cup!

Renee

Brewing the Perfect Cup: Mastering the Art of Tea

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Crafting the Ideal Brew: Essential Steps for a Perfect Cup of Tea

Begin with Quality Water: The foundation of great tea starts with good water, as it significantly influences the taste.

Precise Measurement: Use approximately 4 grams of tea leaves per cup to ensure optimal flavor extraction.

Optimal Water Temperature: Heat water to the recommended temperature for your specific tea variety to unlock its full potential.

 

Ideal Temperature per Tea

  • White Tea: 180 degrees F

  • Green Tea: 175-185 degrees F

  • Oolong Tea: 180-210 degrees F

  • Black Tea: 210 degrees F

  • Pu’erh Tea: 200-210 degrees F

  

Brewing time matters – Over brewed tea just tastes bad

Use these recommended times:

  • White Tea: 2 minutes

  • Green Tea: 2-3 minutes

  • Oolong Tea: 2-3 minutes, 5 sec rinse before infusing

  • Black Tea: 3 minutes 

  • Pu’erh Tea: 3 minutes, 5 second rinse before infusing

  

From the Founder

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Thanks for taking a few minutes from your day to hear about my WHY? When I tell people that I am a #TeaBlender, the looks I get range from puzzled to excitement to intrigue. I am often asked, how I got into sourcing tea, and why do I do it… Today I want to talk about MY WHY?

 

The majority of my career I have sold media

…and by way of career options – selling media has brought me a ton of gratification! I have truly enjoyed working with really smart and interesting marketers from around the world. Selling media has provided me with the opportunity to learn and understand how and why specific messages are crafted and how to reach and engage people through inspirational story telling.

  

The most fascinating part for me is how compelling and relevant storytelling entices consumers to engage with a brand and build a trusted partnership with that brand. And while I still enjoy selling media, the fact of the matter is I am 56. And the media landscape changes at what seems like the blink of an idea…. Quickly fading are the days of loyalty to broadcast’s week night primetime lineups. Cable cutters are streaming programs based on when, where and on what device they want to watch “television.” Most subscriptions to “newspapers” and “magazine” are now digital and with so many people working remotely, is there even a morning drive on radio anymore?

My awakening – knowing that ageism, albeit not cool….not cool at all…it is a reality. But I am a New Yorker at heart. I can always stay in the game. Hell, I can create a new game with new rules.

“The rules that say a 58 year old Black woman is creating a global tea brand selling whole leaf, high quality artisan teas, which include teas grown and processed by other women.”

  

So this is my why

Marrying my love of storytelling with my love of tea. I will be launching my YouTube Channel in May #ATeaBellesJourney. Super excited to visit tea plantations in Taiwan, The Americas, and The U.K. and I hope to get to introduce you to beautiful whole leaf, high quality teas.

 

I would love to hear your why! #symphonyofleavestea Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark!

All the Best,

Renee

Madam Vice President Tea

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My name is Renee. I’m a New York born entrepreneur, and I would like to invite you to my latest endeavor #SymphonyofLeavesTea

Yes, I love tea and my company wants to unveil for you a bounty of aromas, tastes and the abundant pleasure of the cornucopia of teas Symphony of Leaves Tea can bring to you and friends, family and partnerships. I want to make 2021 a year of celebration and our robust choice of teas can kickoff each day with a taste that celebrates life and all the day has to offer. I have wanted to launch this business for a really, really long time.

 

There is no better time than now

…for me to share my teas and botanicals with you. Whether you are a novice to the range of varietals that are derived from the #camelliasinensis plant or a connoisseur who is in pursuit of the perfectly aged Yunnan #puerh I look forward to hearing from you.

  

Symphony of Leaves Tea works with single estate, artisan and rare tea growers to bring our customers high quality, loose leaf teas from around the world. Tea is the ritual sip of how we begin our daily lives. It’s warms our hearts and ignites the flames of love. Our goal is to develop a Zen in how we function and tea helps us start down that daily road.

And when we create new blends – they are reflections of current events that are influencing us in a meaningful way…

We are beyond ecstatic, that for the first time in the history of our Republic, to have a woman, Vice President Kamala Devi Harris, hold the second highest office in the land. In honor of Vice President Kamala Harris, we have introduced a new blend – Madam Vice President Tea.

  

Our Madam Vice President Tea is our nod to honor of Kamala Harris’ roots.

The Madam Vice President Tea is a blend of a slightly smoky black tea from #Darjeeling, India, dehydrated organic apple pieces, dehydrated ginger, cane sugar-infused dehydrated ginger, and a hint of cinnamon.

 

This sophisticated tea is a great way to create a moment of peace during a busy day. Our Madam Vice President tea blend represents that anything is possible if you follow your dreams. While you and your squad are collectively contemplating your next moves, remember your Chucks, your pearls and a cup of Madam Vice President Tea.

Renee

Ingredient list: Camellia sinensis leaves, dehydrated organic apple pieces, dehydrated ginger, cane sugar-infused dehydrated ginger, natural flavoring •