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| Kathy Niles, owner of Tantalizing Tea, with Barb G. at Jane Austen Festival |
Last month, we met Kathy Niles, owner of Tantalizing Tea, at the Jane Austen Festival in Mount Dora, Florida. We purchased the blend created in Jane's honor and loved it. We connected this week for an interview via email.
(1) We were introduced to Tantalizing Tea just this year at the Jane Austen Fest in Mount Dora. How long has Tantalizing Tea been in business and what inspired you to start a tea business?🫖🫖🫖
Tantalizing Tea began in 2001 as a small side business with a dream of becoming a full-time business much sooner than it did. In 2024, I completely retired from a family manufacturing business and was then able to devote myself fully to pursuing my dreams. Tantalizing Tea was born after many serene afternoons at the famous Mariage Freres tea salon in Paris. Growing up with the common teabag, I did not know that there were so many varieties of tea and flavor profiles. inspired by the tranquil environment and calmness that I experienced, I began to dream about bringing the same experience home.
(2) Tantalzing Tea is headquartered in Leesburg, Florida, not far from Mount Dora. Other than on on-line purchasing from your website, are there other retail outlets where your tea is sold?
Not at this time, but plans are in the works for expanding our wholesale business. For now, Tantalizing Tea can be ordered online at tantalizingtea.com. We ship nationwide.
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| Tantalizing Tea's Divine Jane blend |
(3) We really enjoyed Divine Jane. It's a Chinese black tea blend with raspberry, vanilla and chocolate flavor (reminds us of a sweet treat from a box of chocolates). How did you select these ingredients for a tea honoring Jane Austen?
During my research, I discovered the tea Jane mentioned in her letters was Chinese black tea and most likely Bohea. So, I ordered a sample of Bohea and tasted it. I didn't care for the flavor so went with a China black base. Jane was an avid gardener and in the Regency era there was an abundance of fruit and fruit trees growing in their gardens, which is why the idea of adding Raspberry fruit flavor came to be. Also, the Austen family lived across the street from Sydney Gardens (which is still open today). Strolling the gardens and sipping tea, became a popular social event for men and women alike. It was important for me to include something that represented the Regency gardens. Also, chocolate and coffee houses were very popular; therefore, I added chocolate flavor. Who could resist?
(4) You sell all types of teas: black, green, oolong and white as well as herbals. Do you have plans for any new blends? Do you have a favorite?
Yes. definitely looking to expand our line of teas. We have several new teas that are waiting to be added to our online store and should be up within the next few weeks. I am working on new wellness blends, as well as many new flavors and blends that inspire me. It is hard for me to choose a favorite tea because there are so many that I enjoy. I tend to gravitate towards estate teas, those with no flavors added. Most often I drink Keemun Mao Feng, 2nd Flush Darjeeling, and a great Assam. I lean towards floral Oolongs in the afternoon.
.During my research, I discovered the tea Jane mentioned in her letters was Chinese black tea and most likely Bohea. So, I ordered a sample of Bohea and tasted it. I didn't care for the flavor so went with a China black base. Jane was an avid gardener and in the Regency era there was an abundance of fruit and fruit trees growing in their gardens, which is why the idea of adding Raspberry fruit flavor came to be. Also, the Austen family lived across the street from Sydney Gardens (which is still open today). Strolling the gardens and sipping tea, became a popular social event for men and women alike. It was important for me to include something that represented the Regency gardens. Also, chocolate and coffee houses were very popular; therefore, I added chocolate flavor. Who could resist?
(4) You sell all types of teas: black, green, oolong and white as well as herbals. Do you have plans for any new blends? Do you have a favorite?
Yes. definitely looking to expand our line of teas. We have several new teas that are waiting to be added to our online store and should be up within the next few weeks. I am working on new wellness blends, as well as many new flavors and blends that inspire me. It is hard for me to choose a favorite tea because there are so many that I enjoy. I tend to gravitate towards estate teas, those with no flavors added. Most often I drink Keemun Mao Feng, 2nd Flush Darjeeling, and a great Assam. I lean towards floral Oolongs in the afternoon.
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Thanks, to Kathy Niles for taking the time to chat with us this week.
tantalizingtea.com
To see Barb's Tea Service sample Divine Jane tea on their podcast, see this "sneak peek" from Podcast 66:
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