Tea Business Dreams

Las Vegas and the World Tea Expo

Dear Tea Family-

Springtime finds me busily preparing for the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas.  I fly out on May 29th and will be in the shining city for a full week of tea fun.  This year's event is being held at the Mandalay Bay Resort which is beautiful.  I however, have chosen to stay at Excalibur just down the street as it is the only MGM property I have yet to stay at.  There have been rumors that it may be knocked down to make room for another high end resort so I had to book a room to stay there before it is too late.

Growing up I spent a lot of time in Las Vegas.  My grandfather was an executive with many of the high end properties and my parent's were musicians.  I was in and out of LV a great deal and have watched it grow from a small town to a huge metropolis.

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At this juncture I want to answer a couple of your questions about the World Tea Expo:

1. What is the World Tea Expo ?

The World Tea Expo is an annual trade show devoted entirely to the specialty tea industry.  Vendors from around the world come to share their product lines with tea business owners.  There are mini classes, trend updates and new product profiles throughout the event.

As far as trade shows go the World Tea Expo is relatively small.  You won't find thousands upon thousands of attendees.  Last year they had around 4,000 people and 300 vendors.  The great part is that it's still small enough to network with other companies face to face and be remembered.

2. Who should attend the World Tea Expo?

In my opinion professionals who have an active tea business or those who have had specific industry training and are ready to open the doors of their business should attend.  The show is not a place to learn to start a tea business.  You will be overwhelmed, blown away and waste a great deal of money.

As a professional in the industry attending the show once every couple of years can keep you connected with the heartbeat of tea.... too much more than that and you get repeat information.

3. Why do you, Lady Dawnya, attend the World Tea Expo?

I attend the expo for several reasons.  First of all I conduct interviews for TeaRadio.com.  This is a great chance for me to interview vendors live and share their story with listeners.  In addition, I offer private consultations to a variety of clients and alumni plus a shop the event to bring you the latest and greatest tea information.

If there is something new I want my tea family and most especially my students to know about it first hand.

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I hope that answers many of your questions.  You can be assured that my tea materials contain the latest, most up to date training available.  From my tea business to yours, you can get the training you need from the comfort of your own home.  Why?  Because I have already done the travel and research for you! (and that is priceless!)

More Soon,

Lady Dawnya

Start The Summer Right! June 1st is Your Tea Business Day!

Start summer right!  You can make your tea dreams a reality beginning June 1st 2008.  The first summer class of the Start A Tea Business online class is now available for registration.

Why should you take this class now?  Here are 3 GREAT REASONS!

1.  If starting a tea business is your dream it's up to you to make it happen.  The door of opportunity is infront of you and it waits for you to open it!  Enrolling the Start A Tea Business (TM) class is a perfect way to start your journey.  You don't have to leave home.  You don't have to pay for travel.  You don't have to pay for a hotel.  You can discover the inside secrets from the comfort of your own home and begin making her tea dreams come true!

2. Discover where you fit into the tea business NOW and make money during the holidays.  The holiday season begins in October.  That means if you get yourself trained and ready now you can have a viable business running for the holidays!  Enroll now by calling 888-225-0252 or sign up online at www.StartATeaBusiness.com

3. The tea industry is growing by leaps and bounds.  Opportunity abounds.  You could open a tearoom, a tea cafe, become a tea speaker, start a children's tea party business, lead tea tours, .... what is your dream?  You can do it!

Join Me in my June Online Tea School!

I look forward to working with you,

Lady Dawnya 

Almond Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Almond Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Spread:
Combine 3/4 cup butter, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves or 2 tablespoons dried basil.

Filling:
1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken meat
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup slivered almonds
Salt and pepper to taste
20 slices bread, your choice

Combine the filling ingredients. Spread each slice of bread with a thin layer of the butter mixture. Add the filling to half the bread slices and top with the other half, buttered sides in. Remove the crusts and cut the sandwiches as desired. Makes 40 tea sandwiches.

When Small is Mighty: The History of the Yixing Teapot

You've heard the phrase, "for all the tea in China?" That phrase is usually used to indicate great amounts at great worth.

Perhaps that phrase should have been “for all the teaPOTS in China,” for this huge country has an ancient, but valuable commodity: The Yixing teapot.

The Yixing Region of China is located in the Jiangsu Province, abut 120 miles Northwest of Shanghai, and it’s an area known since the Sung Dynasty (960-1279) for its wonderful pottery. The pottery is beautiful and unique, for it is formed from a purple or red clay, called “zisha,” found only in this one location in the entire world.

The Ming Dynasty, (1368-1644) began the tradition of teapots from the Yixing Region. These were usually simple pots with fine walls and the natural colorations of the clay ranging from deep maroon, to red, to purple, to buff. When, in the 1600’s, the production and exportation of teapots began to flourish, many Chinese artists turned their attention to the familiar but unique teapots created in the Yixing region decorating them with ornate inlays of gold and silver, or painting them with colored enamels. The lovely Yixing teapot became desirable throughout China and Europe.

The desirability of this particular kind of teapot is based on several factors, but one predominant characteristic is the unique purple clay from which it is made. Iron oxide in the clay gives it a purple color, but in addition to the color, the clay itself is ideal for the making of teapots because it is porous after it is fired. This porous characteristic enables the teapots to absorb the flavors and oils from the teas.

Some say that an old, well-loved and well-used Yixing teapot can brew tea itself just by adding hot water! Tea connoisseurs are adamant that each kind of tea should have its own Yixing pot so that the individual flavors of each tea are kept pure and separate from each other. No need for soap, either! Simply rinse out the Yixing teapot with cold water to have it prepared and ready for the next perfect drink of tea.

Another unique feature of the Yixing teapot is the size of the vessel. Not like the typical American or European teapot, the Chinese original Yixing pot is very small. Meant to be for one single individual, and a capacity of 1-2 cups, Yixing teapot users are able to brew their tea – and drink it – all from the same container. They simply brew the tea in the pot, then tip the spout into their mouths.

Still another desired feature in the Yixing teapot is the authenticity and craftsmanship in its making. Each pot is handcrafted on a potter’s wheel. While the Yixing teapot is often reproduced, the “real” product is identified by a “chopmark,” or an artist’s mark on the bottom of the pot or under the lid or handle.

The Yixing Teapot: Small in size. Mighty in function.