The People Behind the Magic at JP: Meet Krista

1) How long have you worked for The Jasmine Pearl?

Krista: It will be five years next month! It’s crazy how quickly that time has gone by. When I first started, we were still working out of Chuck and Heather’s home. It is truly amazing and special to be a part of this rapidly growing business.

2) What do you do there? What does a typical day look like for you?

Krista: Burk and I manage the retail space and staff together. I enter sales receipts from the day before along with making sure everything in our POS system is working correctly and make changes accordingly. I also plan and order teaware for the upcoming month and come up with a merchandising theme. The day-to-day varies, as there are always new problems to solve and ideas to brainstorm!

3) What attracted you to the world of tea? Tell us about the moment tea became special to you?

Krista: I don’t remember the exact moment, but I began drinking tea daily while in high school. I was a career center aide the mornings of my senior year and took advantage of not being in a classroom (where food and beverages weren’t allowed) by bringing in a travel mug filled with tea – usually chai. I wasn’t really introduced to the world of loose leaf tea until I was in my twenties. And obviously working for The Jasmine Pearl has thoroughly expanded my knowledge and love of tea!

4) What are your top 5 favorite teas at The Jasmine Pearl?

Krista: In no particular order:

• Assam
• Spring Blossom
• Dancing Dragon
• Tranquility
• Red Hot Hibiscus (Do yourself a favor and brew this super strong and drink it iced. You’re welcome.)

5). If you were a tea, what would you be and why?

Krista: Chaz Chai. A little bit sweet, a little bit sassy. Always ready with a warm hug.

6) Tell a fun fact about yourself. What are your hobbies outside of work?

Krista: I recently had my first child, so right now my “hobbies” consist mostly of taking approximately one million pictures of him and doing anything it takes to get him to smile or laugh. I do love any kind of craft or project with my hands – something that serves as an outlet for my creative side. Otherwise I get antsy.

7) Tell us about a tea mishap or your proudest moment with tea.

Krista: I haven’t had any major mishaps besides the classic accidental over-steeping or spilling a cup of tea. My proudest moment was probably when we were doing blind taste tests of our black and green teas during a staff meeting. I had absolutely no confidence in myself and surprisingly guessed almost all of them correctly.

8) What is your dream place to have a cup of tea and who would you like to share it with?

Krista: I love any beach as long as there’s an ocean and sand. So my dream place would be sitting in the sand on a sunny day, gazing at the sea and chatting with those I love.

9) What is your favorite way to brew tea? What tea ware do you use at home?

Krista: I’m a simple gal. Either a lovely mug of choice with a basket infuser or one of my colorful Bee House teapots.