Supplier Profile: Aesthete Tea
Based in Portland, Oregon, Aesthete Tea create beautiful teas for any time of day. The mother-daughter duo maintain a strong commitment to know their farmers, and source only the highest quality ingredients from individuals and collectives that share the same values in quality, ethics and health. We are pretty in love with the herbal blends they produce, and proud to carry them in the store!
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Below, we chat with founder Briana
Thornton about herself, her brand and a little about the behind the scenes of running a tea company
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Can you tell us a little about yourself and your brand?
Aesthete is a loose leaf tea and herbal blend company located in Portland. I am the owner and my mother is the folkhealer and herbalist of Aesthete. I created Aesthete in 2017. Prior to Aesthete I worked in Art Galleries in New York for 6 years and then branding at creative agencies in Portland. I felt like there was such a need for. brand that's focus was on community and intention, so I joined forces with my mother to bring that into existence.
Aesthete is a loose leaf tea and herbal blend company located in Portland. I am the owner and my mother is the folkhealer and herbalist of Aesthete. I created Aesthete in 2017. Prior to Aesthete I worked in Art Galleries in New York for 6 years and then branding at creative agencies in Portland. I felt like there was such a need for. brand that's focus was on community and intention, so I joined forces with my mother to bring that into existence.
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How did you get into tea making? Was it always something you wanted to do?
My mother is the genius behind the blends. I grew up with herbal remedies so it has always been a part of my life. Honestly, Aesthete was really organic. Even still today it is growing in such unique and beautiful directions that I could have never planned for. I didn't know my creative outlet and career would end up in tea, but I knew that I wanted to feel good about the work I did and share something that brought people together in a healthy way.
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You have grown so much in the last 3 years. What goals do you have going forward?
I know, its crazy. There are days when I'm so caught up in all of it that I have to remind myself to breathe and appreciate it all. We are opening our teahouse in Portland this April and launched our sister company, Thornton's Supply in December. We intend to grow our list of stockists and the line of products we carry. We have quite a few things in the works that are within the wellness realm but different from tea that we are so excited to have available for our customers.
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Walk us through a day in your life?
Oh gosh, haha. Well my employees say I am like the squirrel from Ice Age...so that should give you a picture. In all seriousness though, its a bit hectic as of lately. Some days I get so overwhelmed that I have to actually step away from my computer and email. There are days where I question everything and other days where I feel so accomplished and proud of myself. Everything is relative and I've learned to take each day as it comes.
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Your favorite blend?
Witches Brew. I drink it everyday.
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Images by Kris LeBoeuf
Shop Aesthete Tea HERE
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