About Us
Every cup of tea holds a story, and ours began with a single cup of pandan green tea from Vietnam….
About Us
Every cup of tea holds a story, and ours began with a single cup of pandan green tea from Vietnam….
It all began as a shared dream between us. We are John & Thuy - two passionate tea lovers who want nothing more than to bring the most amazing tea moments to people like you. Our love for Vietnamese pandan green tea sparked our creativity and set us on a journey of discovery. This journey led us to explore the art of pairing teas with pastries, discovering countless delightful combinations along the way. And that's how Tea Time in a Box was born, right here in Seattle, Washington. Crafted with care and love, just for you.
We've explored hundreds of teas, trying to perfect the art of pairing them with pastries to create our “Tea Time in a Box”.
Each box features three premium teas, selected to perfectly complement the delicious pastries. Every box is a journey, carefully crafted to bring you the most harmonious pairings.
We personally select each tea based on its unique qualities, ensuring that every sip is a moment to savor.
What makes each box truly special is the connection it fosters between you and the tea. Included in the box is a QR code that unlocks the story behind each tea, revealing the traditions, people, and places that have shaped its character.
Let us go back to the milestones that were the catalyst for the foundation of our company.
The first was in March of 2022 when we attended the World Tea Expo for the first time. This event opened our eyes to the global tea industry and shaped our vision for Tea J Tea. After this event, Thuy was determined to bring Vietnamese teas to the center stage of the US market.
With that goal in mind, at the end of 2022, we set out to explore Vietnam to meet tea farmers, understand their processes, and learn about their lives. For me (Thuy), who is Vietnamese American, this journey was a heartfelt reconnection with my culture. It also gave us a second purpose and reason to persevere through the difficult times because we sincerely want to support the farmers who work so hard to bring you the finest teas.
We planned to officially launch in March of 2023 and we were filled with hope and excitement. However, fate had other plans for us; so at the end of the year in 2022, a devastating fire tore through our home and business, turning everything to ashes before our eyes. Yet, in that moment of despair, we found the strength to rebuild and keep our dream alive.
We made a conscious decision to persevere and still launch as planned, because we believed that what our business had to offer was more than just good tea and pastry. It offers time to connect and enjoy the company of those around us. Losing nearly everything, gave us a new perspective. It's the realization that the relationships and connections we share are far more valuable than any physical belongings.
It is now over a year since our company’s launch and we are still as curious about the tea cultures around the world. Therefore in 2024, we further explored Vietnam and China. We dove into the tea processing techniques, cultivation, and culture. We recognize there is still much to understand about the diverse teas from around the world, and we are eager to continue improving our offerings to bring you the best.
Winning at the World Tea Expo in March 2024 was our moment of triumph—it was a moment of pure joy and validation. Our Vietnamese green tea was honored with awards for Best Green Tea and Best Tea from Origin, and it felt like all the learning, effort, and perseverance we poured into this journey finally came to fruition. This endorsement helped us expand into the wholesale market, reaching even more tea lovers like you.
Since we started, we’ve completed over 14 months of subscriptions, offering 42 different teas and pairing them with 56 unique pastries, all for your enjoyment. We are continually evolving by participating in three major tea festivals each year: the Cascadia Tea Festival, Portland Tea Festival (PDX Tea Fest), and Northwest Tea Festival. Every year at the World Tea Expo, we connect with new partners and deepen our understanding of the tea industry to serve you better.
Your unwavering support has been our lifeline, giving us the strength and motivation to persevere after our launch. As a small business, we are deeply grateful for the chance to connect with you through social media and other platforms.
Though our story is still unfolding, your belief in us has enabled us to bring you the best tea experiences. With a commitment to continuous learning and a deep respect for the farmers who craft each blend, we promise to keep delivering the quality and connection you’ve come to love. Thank you for being part of our journey—we look forward to many more shared moments of tea, trust, and tradition.