How'd I wind up here?! (pt. 4)

Wow. Who knew I could talk about myself for this long? If you've made it this far, Congratulations! You are patient, determined, and most likely have a bottomless beverage and well trained bladder.

We're on the home stretch now. You've read about how even as a kid I messed around with trying to improve products, about the Bathtub Epiphany, and about the dangers of browsing the internet while bored. Now it's time for the really important question.

What up with tea?

I'm so glad you asked. Obviously, I have deep love for tea - it's in my products, it's in my business and blog names, and I may have an entire kitchen cupboard overflowing with more varieties than a dedicated shop would carry.

Now, I can hear your doubt. "But Shawna," you say, "You always joke about needing ALL THE COFFEE. I never hear you say anything about needing ALL THE TEA."

True. Coffee is for productivity. Remember, I make products for the 'busy, stressed out woman'. Why? Because I am one, and I know many others. Coffee allows me to function when I get much less sleep than desired, and gives me something to fill my mouth with so I don't scream when I open the dishwasher and realize the kids loaded 4 pans in upside down and ran it without soap. Again.

Tea, however. Tea is for my soul. Tea is for my mind. Tea is for my health.

My teapot has a home on my desk, for easy access while I work.

The process of making tea - and I'm not talking about the 'nuke a cup of water and plunk a bag in' process - is soothing. It forces you to take your time and slow down - even though it's only for a few minutes. You have to wait for the kettle to boil and the pot to warm. You have to choose the right blend - do you want something floral and calming? Or maybe something energizing? Fruity? You have to wait for it to steep. It's an intentional process.

And once you have your pot brewed? That first mug you pour is a little bit of heaven. Rich, fragrant steam. The sound of trickling water. Beautiful color. Warmth seeping into your hands as you wrap them around the cup. And the first sip. Complex, rich, and stress relieving. It engages all of your senses and resets your body and mind.

And those are just the mental and emotional benefits. Study after study has shown that tea is good for your physical well being too, both when taken internally and when applied topically. High in antioxidants and full of trace minerals, tea is a complex compound that scientists are still studying.

So, that's what's up with tea. And that's how I ended up here, making bath and body products. It was a long, winding path, but I've been headed here since I was a kid and am loving every minute of it.

If you've never indulged in a 'proper' cup of tea, I urge you to give it a try. Focus on the sensory experience. Then come back here and let me know what you thought.