about
The Studio Origin Story
Welcome to Tea'l Cup Studio! It's a joy to share how this little business came to be, and I'm so grateful you're here to learn more.
Me and Tea
I've been drinking tea for a long time. Beyond the childhood tea sets, I still have fond memories of Sunday mornings shuffling to the church's coffee station and browsing the different flavors of teabags with my dad before service. And despite still induging in a yummy coffee concoction every now and again, I remain firmly rooted in camp "tea" for its healthier, daily-drinking attributes. It's for this very reason that I became interested in learning more about wellness and tea practice, and found myself learning all about the handicraft of tea and how it is appriciated within the cultures that cultivated it. I soon adopted the east asian "gong fu" method of tea brewing, and continue to enjoy the art of tea as a hobby more than just a drink.
A New Chapter
Like the rest of the world, I experienced major life change in 2020. Halfway through college, I made the nerve-wracking decision to leave behind the comfort of studio art and instead pursue an online business degree with a completely different university. And despite the challenge I'm so glad I did, because it allowed me the freedom to develop myself outside of all the remote schoolwork. But I wasn't any more certain of my direction than I was when I began, and the year that followed graduation was a personal battle of anxiousness and faith. As those final months loomed closer I had a time of prayerful surrender that changed everything; God gave me direction through a gentle word. The thought "children's book author" came to mind with such a peace in that moment that I knew it was the Holy Spirit's guidance! Just when I was afraid all my time had amounted to nothing--not knowing what to do with the experience I gained--the Lord gave me a job to do and I realized with gratitude just how purposeful my path had been.
A Story To Tell
While I was still a student prior to this time, God was creatively teaching me lessons outside the virtual classroom. He never let me miss the spiritual analogies that were present in the hobbies that filled my time, and convicted me that "being in flow" is necessary for healthy growth. A plant's roots will rot if the soil never drains, and a teacup that doesn't pour out can never be refilled. These and other lessons helped nurture my faith and taught me the importance of being generous with the gifts that He gives. I grew to learn the message, and in His time God gave me the method to share these reminders with others. Tea'l Cup Studio is dedicated to meditating on God's loving wisdom and sharing that wisdom in creative ways for every age.
Personal Values
Discerning the Unique
Ability to see each person's gifts, talents, skills & offerings. A deep desire to allow and free people to be themselves.
Communication
A focus on clarity and exchange of ideas. Words are important and are stewarded like dollars. Gathers stories and illustrations that highlight points.
Bridge Building
Sees all things connected to one another and part of a larger picture. Enjoys placing people, needs and solutions together.
Lifelong Learning
An ongoing pursuit of knowledge in chosen areas of passion and beyond. Craves new learning even if it's about a known subject.
