About us
Welcome to our world of tea, where every sip is a journey, and every blend tells a story. My name is Ina, the founder, and heart behind our brand. Originally from a quaint town in Albania, my academic and professional path has been as diverse and enriching as the teas we curate. With a Master's degree in International Trading from Oxford Brookes University, my career has taken me across the globe—from internships in the dynamic real estate markets of Boston and Miami to the vibrant streets of Tokyo, where my true journey began.
Six years ago, I arrived in Japan with a suitcase of dreams but not a single contact or word of Japanese in my repertoire. Undeterred, I immersed myself in the language and culture, soon finding my place on a food and events enterprise. Here, I contributed to 'Tokyo Magazine,' a publication revered among chefs for its insights into business acumen and culinary innovation. My role evolved through exciting challenges, from managing collaborations with celebrated Singaporean patisseries to orchestrating pop-up shops from North-South of Japan.
My travels introduced me to an array of businesses, from prestigious corporations like ANA and Jalux to local vendors who shared their passion and ingredients, enriching our creations of chocolates and desserts. It was through these encounters that I discovered my love for communication, building relationships across the industry, and, most importantly, my affinity for tea.
My appreciation for tea transformed from a daily conbini ritual into a profound cultural exploration. My first encounter with the traditional tea ceremony in Asakusa introduced me to the philosophy of 'Ichigo Ichie'—cherishing each moment as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This philosophy deeply resonated with me, guiding not only my personal life but also my vision for our brand.
My journey through the world of tea, from the serene tea ceremonies of Kyoto to the aromatic pleasure of my favorite Houjicha latte, has been a quest for simplicity and peace in the midst of life's complexities. It is this essence of tranquility and appreciation for the moment that I aim to share through our teas.
The inception of our brand was as serendipitous as it was inspired—a conversation over coffee, a supportive community on Warpcast, and the realization that the best ideas often stem from the simplest moments. Our mission is to bring this simplicity, this peace, to you through a cup of tea, inviting you to embrace the philosophy of Ichigo Ichie with every sip.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Here’s to discovering the extraordinary in the ordinary, one cup of tea at a time.