The People Behind the Magic at JP: Meet Liz

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

Elizabeth: I've been with the Jasmine Pearl since April 2014.

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

Elizabeth: I'm a tea bar associate and an event coordinator. Typically, I spend the morning planning upcoming Jasmine Pearl events with two of my lovely co-workers, Patricia and David. Then I serve samples at the tea bar to retail customers in the afternoon.

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

Elizabeth: My love of tea has existed as long as I remember. My family is from the deep south, and so it has always been a part of my life, I can comfortably say my Grandmom's sweet tea is the best in the world. I remember tea parties with my mom and sisters in the afternoon and chamomile tea with milk before bed when I was a little girl. Earl Grey became my college study buddy and my exploration into the vast and varied world of tea has grown from there.

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

Elizabeth: Ok, this is six. I just couldn't choose 5! -Yellow Bird Ripe Puerh - GABA green - Earl Grey with Lavender - Golden Needles - Yuzu Black -Alishan Oolong

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

Elizabeth: Probably a young Puerh, that way I have a long life ahead of me. I'd be interesting and edgy but get richer, sweeter, and smoother with age! Seems like a pretty good deal to me :)

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

Elizabeth: Outside of work, I co-own a little farm in NE Portland, Produce Society. We offer a little CSA program and host music and art events throughout the summer. I love the balance of tea and work in the dirt!

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

Elizabeth: My proudest tea moment was very recent. My mom went to China a few years ago and visited a tea farm where she found the tea of her dreams. She brought some home but eventually drank it and lamented that she couldn't find anything like it in the states for years. I mean years. She saved the bag but when we translated the words all it said was "excellent high quality tea!" It seemed all hope was lost. But then I started working at Jasmine Pearl and I trying to figure out what tea it might be. She lives in Kentucky, so we sent many pictures and texts back and forth. Finally I guessed it might be the same style tea as Tranquility based on the region and mountain where she found the original magic tea. I took it home this Christmas, and I was right! Now my mom can drink her favorite tea all the time!

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

Elizabeth: Hm. My dream place to drink tea... Definitely a crisp, cool, sunny, spring morning in the country somewhere, drinking some high elevation lightly roasted oolong with a good friend. And although I wouldn't want to share my tea with a goat, I would like it if goats would be there. Especially baby goats. They are so cute and soft and they make really great noises and hop on things... Ok this is just about goats now.

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

Elizabeth: My favorite way to brew tea... if I'm sharing with a friend, I love brewing in a gaiwan so we can sample several of my favorites! Otherwise, I love love love the FOR LIFE folding handle infusers that we carry in the shop. They are stainless steel so they last, easy to clean, leave plenty of space for your leaves, and have wide enough handles to fit over virtually any mug. And there is nothing better than easy, tasty tea in your favorite mug.