Boutique of the Month: Ruby’s Garden

June 22, 2019

Ruby's Garden

Every month, we highlight one of the three hundred boutiques across the country that help bring Tea to your local communities. This month, we’re featuring Ruby’s Garden, a boutique in Oakland, CA. Together with her daughter Ruby, storeowner Mae has run Ruby’s Garden for thirteen years. Read on to learn more about her story.

_______

Mae, Storeowner of Ruby's Garden

Mae, Storeowner of Ruby’s Garden

Before I was a stay-at-home mom, I was an architect and a community organizer. All that outward career energy doesn’t just go away when we have a baby, does it? My “nesting instinct” when I was pregnant was knitting. I learned and was soon obsessed. I think the reason I was so into it was because I was creating tangible work product, in contrast to the intangibility of parenting a new baby. All that knitting was part of figuring out I needed work outside the home that I could do while mothering. So I created Ruby’s Garden to be a place I could raise Ruby alongside all the mothers in my community.

Opening a children’s store sounds like it’s about the stuff we sell. I’ve always had a pretty clear point of view in choosing products from my design background. Designing all our store layouts and product fixtures has been extra fun since it’s the fun part of architecture and interior design. But the reason I’ve loved Ruby’s Garden has always been getting to be connected with my neighbors and providing a space for neighbors to connect with each other. I especially love the sisterhood of women-owned businesses on my block and throughout Oakland. Sisters are doing it, and I love being a part of cheering us on.

Ruby and Mae

Ruby and Mae

I’m so proud to have raised Ruby in the shop these thirteen years. As a high-schooler now, Ruby has taught me a lot about youth culture and social media — all of which have impacted how I run the business. She’s an entrepreneur in the making, and I like to think she’s learned a few things from me too.

Ruby and I have been doing more traveling together these past few years. We embarked today on our first trip to Asia together: Taipei first, where my mom grew up, then Hong Kong where my late father grew up. I’m writing from our Airbnb in Taipei after night market street food adventures. Tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival, a national holiday in Taiwan—another adventure tomorrow!

_______

Be sure to check out Ruby’s Garden if you’re in Oakland, CA. Of course, you can always shop Tea at TeaCollection.com. Want to see more? Follow us on Instagram @tea_collection.

Tea Travels: Exploring the Coasts of Italy

June 20, 2019

Travel is always at the heart of Tea — it’s the true inspiration behind all of our clothing collections. We believe that by introducing ourselves to new people, places, and cultures, we become better, more open individuals. To encourage our employees to truly live these values and take time off to see the world, we offer them an annual international travel stipend to help offset costs. Upon their return, our Tea travelers write a post to share their adventures with all of us, and all of you. Today, we’re highlighting a trip to Italy taken by Letty, our Quality Control & Compliance Manager. This was her second time visiting the country, and she set off to explore the smaller towns of the Amalfi Coast. Read on to learn more about her trip.

Fiordo Di Furore, Italy

Cove in Fiordo Di Furore

—

I fell in love with Italy a couple of years ago when I visited Rome, Florence, and Sicily. Since then, I’ve been dying to revisit. Italy is so varied from region to region, so we were excited to explore some new places this time around. We first visited the Amalfi Coast, opting for the smaller towns of Praiano, Maiori, and Minori. We loved all the little coves, full of secret beaches. My favorite was Fiordo Di Furore, reminiscent of the secluded beach from the Studio Ghibli film “Porco Rosso.”

Amalfi Dolls in Italy

Amalfi Dolls

 

 

When we weren’t lounging on the sand, we took hikes between towns. Maiori and Minori were connected by a winding lemon tree hike. Along the walk, we found funny decorations, statues, and even dolls. From Amalfi, we took a very winding and dizzying bus ride to a train to take us to Naples.

I’ve always been skeptical about the hype surrounding Naples pizza. How good could it really be? Once we got off the train, we bee-lined to L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele. I was worried when I saw a line out the door and a sidewalk littered with tourists. In the end, the pizza was well worth the wait. Once we took a bite and tasted the perfectly sweet and acidic sauce, lightly charred crust, and creamy cheese, we committed to ONLY eating pizza. The hype was real.

Museo Madre, Naples, Italy

Museo Madre, Naples

Naples is a lively city, having all the history of Rome without any of the pretension. It mixed high art with street and political art. Each subway station boasted its own art installation, full of colors and movement. The Museo Madre, a cool contemporary art museum, was just dizzying. Once we entered, we were engulfed by a fun house full of graphic shapes and mirrors.

Once 4pm hit, everyone was off work. The winding streets filled with conversation, laughter, and aperol spritz. I love a good commotion, and Naples immediately sang to me. Everyone was friendly and super talkative. A young shopkeeper we spoke with insisted we eat at his best friend’s restaurant, promptly making us reservations. From Naples, we travelled to Procida, a small island off the coast. There, we met with the Naples chef again, who also directed us to the best food on the island.

Galleria Nazionale, Rome, Italy

Galleria Nazionale, Rome

We ended our trip in Rome meeting up with friends. The last time we visited Rome, we diligently hit up all the historical sites. This time, we decided to take our time with leisurely strolls, picnicking in parks, and chatting for hours. I can’t wait to return and see more of Italy.

Feel inspired? Check out our limited Italy collection available at teacollection.com.

Boutique of the Month: The Spotted Goose

May 26, 2019

The Spotted Goose

Our Boutique of the Month series highlights the boutiques across the U.S. that help bring Tea to your local communities. This month, we’re featuring The Spotted Goose, a boutique based in Cincinnati, OH. We sat down with store owner Amy Fessler to learn more about her store and what makes it special.

What inspired you to open your boutique? How long has it been open?
Store Owner Amy Fessler

Store Owner Amy Fessler

 

Totally by chance. Someone else opened the Spotted Goose in 2007. I was shopping in the store one day when I overheard the owner say she was moving to China and going to sell the store. I jumped at the chance and a few months later I was the proud owner of The Spotted Goose.

What makes your store special?

 

We’re a locally owned boutique and love being a part of our neighborhood. We work in the store, get to know our clients and their families, and hand select the items we bring into our space. Our clients are the absolute best and it is so much fun getting to know them and their little families.

What was your favorite Tea destination and why?

 

I’d have to say the current collection. We have a more minimal style and the current collection’s simple patterns and sweet little stripes have definitely been a favorite of ours.

Tea in the Spotted Goose

What was the last trip you and your family took together and what made it special?

 

We went to Cabo for Spring break this year. It was the first time we took the kids out of the country. We had such an amazing time. The most special part was exposing our children to different cultures, family dynamics, and showing them how diverse and wonderful our world really is.

Who inspires you (alive or not) and why?

 

Elyse Walker – boutique owner and fashion icon! I love that she is a strong woman who empowers women. She has a wonderful team of ladies that make up that powerhouse brand. We are so fortunate to have a group of gals (The Goose Gals) in our store who are strong, smart, and our shop family.

What is one thing you think customers should know about your store that they may not be aware of?

 

We offer personal styling sessions for your little ones. Families are busy, so we do our best to make the shopping process simple. Clients call us looking for an outfit for an event or photoshoot or needing new wardrobes for the season. We ask a few questions about style, favorite brands, and size. Then, we shoot over photos/style guides for the family. If the client is out of town, we can ship items directly to them or we can set up an appointment in the store to go over selections. Life is busy. We’re happy to free up some time for our clients to spend with their loved ones!

The Spotted Goose

You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

 

Tulum Teal because those beaches are beautiful! If you catch me daydreaming, I’m on those white sandy beaches soaking up the view and the sunshine.

Be sure to check out the Spotted Goose if you’re in Cincinnati, OH. Of course, you can always shop Tea at TeaCollection.com. Want to see more? Follow us on Instagram @tea_collection.

Thailan When x Tea Collection

April 25, 2019

Thailan When Collaboration

Thailan When is a Vietnamese-Chinese American artist based in Oakland, CA. Thailan first caught our eye with her ability to bring whimsical stories to life through her signature illustrations. Born in a refugee camp in Songkhla, Thailand and raised in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, Thailan offers a unique, multicultural perspective. Together, we created a special collection of graphics exploring Southeast Asian folklore and animal symbolism. Read on to learn more about her upbringing, art, and what her designs for the collaboration mean to her.

How do you balance your Vietnamese, Chinese, and American identities?

Thailan When

Thailan When

Living in America in the ’80s was, at times, challenging for my family. The war wasn’t far behind us, and some of the kids I grew up with had fathers who fought in Vietnam. In my community, there was some resentment towards us, but we were also met with warmth and care and made lifelong friends. My mom would make egg rolls for people as a way to win them over – and honestly, it worked most of the time! Food is a language that everyone speaks apparently… It wasn’t always easy, but I learned how to navigate between two different cultures, and I think my Asian-American identity is split pretty straight down the middle. When I went to Vietnam for the first time two years ago, I deeply resonated with the experience. My dad’s side of the family still lives there. My cousin – who is my age – took me under her wing in Saigon. It was like stepping into a parallel universe of what my life could have been like. Seeing how strong her Vietnamese identity is made me a bit envious, but I am truly proud to be Vietnamese/Chinese-American.

Can you tell us more about how your upbringing has influenced your art?

In my family, we were taught to believe in the supernatural world of ghosts, ancestral spirits, animism, and reincarnation. I remember being four years old and my mom warning me, “Be a good girl, or you’ll come back as a pig. In which case, we might eat you, but of course we would ask for your forgiveness first.” This scolding doubled as a lesson on the cyclical nature of the universe and the honoring of all lives as sacred – even the naughty ones. These kinds of ideas propelled my imagination into fantastical realms. Though my beliefs today differ from the ones I was taught, I still flirt with the concept of magic in my life and in my artwork. I also loved to read growing up. Since I lived in a culturally homogenous area, books and the characters within them introduced me to a much bigger world and made me think about the kind of life I wanted to live. If I recall, Where the Red Fern Grows was the first book that made me cry. It’s about a young boy, his dogs and the land on which they live… I still find myself recreating similar storylines within my art.

You helped us design pieces that feature the Qilin and Hoan Kiem turtle, two figures in Southeast Asian mythology. What do they mean to you?

Qilin

Thailan’s interpretation of Qilin

When Tea asked me to collaborate with them, I was really excited and honored. In order to re-envision these mythical creatures, I did a lot of research and went down a few rabbit holes along the way. It was an enriching experience, which not only taught me more about my culture, but also gave me an opportunity to design specifically for kids, which I had not done before. I have always aimed to make art that speaks to the child in all of us, so this project couldn’t have been a more perfect fit for me.

Qilin is revered as a wise and powerful creature because it can tell whether a person is good or evil, and in some stories, would punish them accordingly. There are depictions that show Qilin walking on clouds for fear of harming a single blade of grass. They are also vegetarian! In a sense, they are ethically-balanced; they have a strong nose for justice while still being able to exhibit compassion. It’s this dichotomy that lends them so much respect in Asian folklore.

Hoan Kiem turtle

The legendary Hoan Kiem turtle

Designing the Hoan Kiem turtle was particularly cool because when I was in Hanoi, I visited the famed lake where the legend comes from. As the tale goes, in the 15th century, a man named Le Loi was able to drive out invading forces with the help of a magical sword. After his success, he was crowned emperor and a giant turtle emerged from the lake to retrieve the heavenly sword. Neither the turtle nor the sword was ever seen again… In Vietnam, the Hoan Kiem turtle is seen as a symbol of independence and longevity as the sword lies in wait, a secret weapon to be summoned if necessary.

What inspires you?

When I was little, we had kind of a mini farm with wildlife all around, so I spent a fair amount of time observing animal behavior. I think what fascinates and inspires me the most about animals is how they seem to live in the present moment, a state of mind that can be difficult for me to tap into. I have also discovered that through them, we are able to indirectly examine ourselves. When our strengths, weaknesses, values and fears feel too sacred to convey explicitly, we anthropomorphize and project them onto animals. In this way, they have long been our reflections and our teachers, and carry a universal symbolism that transcends language and culture. In my artwork, I try not to look at nature in and of itself, but instead examine humankind’s relationship to nature – from folklore into the future.

You can find all the pieces Thailan helped us create at TeaCollection.com. Be sure to check out more stories like this on Instagram @tea_collection.

Boutique of the Month: Cotton Tails

April 24, 2019

Cotton Tails

All across the U.S., boutiques help bring Tea to your local communities. This month, we headed to Memphis, TN to meet Miki, the owner of Cotton Tails. She told us more about her store, a bit about herself, and why she was drawn to Tea. Read on to see what she had to say!

What inspired you to open your boutique? How long has it been open?

 

Tea Display in Cotton Tails

Tea Display in Cotton Tails

My store has been open for 30 years. It all started with going to a children’s store when my daughter Elizabeth was 2. The customer service was horrible. The ladies stood around chit chatting and I could not even get them to ring up my purchase. It made me sad. Picking out your children’s clothing should be a happy experience!

What makes your store special?

 

My wonderful, wonderful customers!

What was your favorite Tea destination and why?

 

My favorite Tea destination will always be Japan. That was the first country that you did.  My mother is Japanese and I was born there. I was there till I was 6. We have been back a few times to visit.

What was the last trip you and your family took together and what made it special?

 

We always like to go to the mountains. It was nice to get away and pack a picnic lunch and hike. Just us and nobody else.

Who inspires you (alive or not) and why?

 

My mother. She is the epitome of grace and wisdom. I love hearing her stories. She was a young girl during WW2. I am always amazed by how brave she was during the war. She went through so much but survived. She and her country gave me a worldly outlook on people and their cultures. It has given me such a respect for people and their differences. Tea drew me in immediately because I understood exactly what their mission was.

You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?

 

A rainbow! I think it takes a lot of different shades to make a box.

If you happen to be in Memphis, TN, be sure to stop by Cotton Tails and say hello to Miki! Of course, you can always shop Tea at TeaCollection.com. Follow more adventures like this on our Instagram @tea_collection.

 

Boutique of the Month: Kissui

March 15, 2019

Kissui

Kissui’s Owner, Laura

Did you know you can find Tea in 300 boutiques around the U.S.? In our new Boutique of the Month series, we’re celebrating the hometown heroes who bring Tea to your community. This month, we’re featuring Kissui from Redlands, CA. We spoke to Kissui’s owner, Laura, and asked how she brings a bit of magic to her community.

What inspired you to open your boutique? How long has it been open?

 

I grew up with parents who were business owners. I always knew I wanted to own something of my own, but wasn’t sure what. I graduated with a degree in Entrepreneurship, but it wasn’t until having my first baby that I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I quickly learned there were no local shops that carried the items I saw online. Just after my daughter turned 1, we opened our store in Redlands and never looked back! I feel so grateful to have spent the last 12 years loving my job.

What makes your store special?

 

Kissui

Inside the Kissui Store

Kissui is not just a store full of products. Kissui is a place where families come and lasting friendships are made. I have raised my kids in this store. Employees bring their babies to work. Customers know there is always a place for them here regardless of whether they are here to shop or just need a break. The products we offer are products we use in our own lives. To us, this is a community. As we venture into having a website, we know it will allow us to grow and have positive impacts on families outside of our small town.

What was your favorite Tea destination and why?

 

Italy! The delicate florals… The ruffles…. It was perfection.

What was the last trip you and your family took together and what made it special?

 

Our last family trip was to Tulum, Mexico. Life can be hectic with 3 kids and 2 stores. Having the opportunity to slow down and just relax as a family was so needed.

If you happen to be in Redlands, CA, be sure to stop by Kissui and say hello to Laura! Of course, you can always shop Tea at TeaCollection.com. Follow more adventures like this on our Instagram @tea_collection.

Hear from Our Team: Celebrating International Women’s Day

March 8, 2019

For International Women’s Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the amazing women (and men) of Tea! Hear what our employees have to say about balance, teaching their kids to be little citizens of the world, and celebrating themselves.

Tea's Leadership Team

International Women’s Day is a day to recognize the incredible women in our lives. As a female-founded company with a majority female leadership team, Tea is rooted in the accomplishments of women who are passionate about what they do. This year’s theme is #BalanceforBetter, asking us to reflect on what we’re doing to create a more balanced world. We sat down with some of our team to hear what they had to say about this year’s theme and more.

One of the first questions working parents — particularly working moms — get asked is how they balance having a career with children. Some of the team compared it to walking across a tightrope; others thought of a seesaw.

Our founder and CEO Leigh Rawdon spoke to the inherent bias that comes with the question, and challenged the notion of adhering to external standards:

Leigh Rawdon

Leigh Rawdon, Tea’s Founder & CEO

What does that actually mean to say, “Do you balance it all?” What’s most important to me is that I don’t use any external standard of what being a good enough mother is or what being good at my job is. I’m not playing a role on TV. I am who I am, and I do what I do. With my kids, I want to raise good, engaged citizens of the world. I want them to discover their purpose and feeling of fulfillment… I am here to shepherd them into this world, but I’m not here just to do that. I have my own sense of purpose, so it’s less about how do I balance one versus the other and it’s more about how do I have a full mix of richness in my own life.

We wear multiple hats, but are not defined by any single one. As we grow up, Leigh advised not to compare ourselves to others:

Measure yourself against your own standards and not against someone else’s external expectations of what success looks like.

 

Dreaming Big

 

Reflecting on what she would tell her younger self, our Senior Copywriter Symmi said to just go for it:

Symmi

 

No dream is too big or too small. In fact, the bigger the better. If you can think it, then there’s more than likely a way to do it. I would tell my younger self, and younger girls everywhere, to think about it and go for it. Don’t be afraid. There’s a quote that I like: “If you dream something and it scares you, then you’re going in the right direction.” – Symmi, Senior Copywriter

 

 

 

Amy, our VP of Finance, would assure herself that she has what it takes to go through the highs and lows that come with life:

Amy

 

 

Have confidence in the fact that life is going through some challenges and having successes, and it all comes together and that feeds into the person who you are. – Amy, VP of Finance

 

 

 

Raising the Next Generation

 

Tomorrow’s generation are today’s kids. Here’s how our team is teaching their children to be good global citizens:

Cindy

 

I think it’s super important to expose them early on to different cultures and what’s outside of their day-to-day. Both my kids were born in Taiwan. We travel every year to a new destination. I’m a big believer in going to different places, learning about something new, and exposing them to what’s different. – Cindy, VP of Marketing & E-Commerce

 

Vicente

 

 

I think one of the first things that separates us is language. My parents taught me Spanish, so I speak exclusively, or try to speak exclusively Spanish to my little guy. – Vicente, Creative Operations Director

 

David

 

The way I teach my son to be a little citizen of the world is how I conduct myself. He’s always watching me. He’s always around me. So whatever I do, he’s going to pick up. The way I would teach him to become a respectable young man is to try to be the best person that I can be. – David, Web Developer

 

 

Ansley

 

I think one thing I’m always focusing on is trying to encourage my daughter to be curious. There’s no silly question out there, and I want her to be comfortable to ask me anything she has a question about. – Ansley, Sr. Director of Operations

 

 

 

Celebrating and Taking Care of Yourself

 

We ended on a lighter note, asking our team how they celebrate themselves:

Spend time with my girlfriends laughing, cocktailing and enjoying each other’s company. No one builds you up like your gal pals. – Tina, VP of Product

The way I celebrate myself is making sure I have time for my own hobbies… It’s important for me to foster other parts of creativity, whether it’s through hobbies like tap dancing or making time for my friends. – Kim, Senior Graphic Designer

For me, holding space for experiences that engage and strengthen my support system is the ultimate act of self-care. – Sarah, Head of Community

What are you doing to #BalanceforBetter this year? Let us know in the comments below.