BUSINESS - WOMEN IN BUSINESS
After returning to the Island in 2006 Burnett decided to take her tea catering business one step further. What started as a tea stand at the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market blossomed into serving high quality loose leaf teas to over forty businesses across the Island, and at least twenty more throughout the country. Although her business has expanded through the years, especially with the success of the online shop, Burnett still sees the importance of her presence at the market. “The market gives real-time insight into what our customers want," explains Burnett. "My tea patrons are awesome people who keep me focused. I love when they stop to talk tea and share their lives with me. It energizes me to connect with such a great group of teaple." (Burnett’s name for tea people.) She sees the importance of community, both as a small business owner, and as an Islander. “The market is full of vendors whom I admire so much. I collaborate with many of them and I hope to always have a presence at the market.” In the “Tea matters.” And Burnett would know: Since she began Lady Baker’s Tea in 2006, tea has not only been her passion, but her livelihood. Named after an old friend with whom she often shared tea, one can easily tell that Lady Baker’s Tea is a labour of love. LADY BAKER'S TEA Photos: LaVie in Pictures words of Katherine Burnett:
But that’s not all Burnett aspires for in the future for Lady Baker’s Tea. Burnett is training to become a sommelier through the Tea Academy of The Tea and Herbal Association of Canada. Gaining this accreditation involves a rigorous and demanding process and by September Burnett will be one of approximately 190 tea sommeliers in Canada. It’s a very exciting new direction for Burnett. “With this unique expertise I plan to offer events and workshops for tea and food pairing (with Island cheeses and chocolate) and offer tea tasting sessions.” When asked what she’d like to convey to her customers, Burnett replied “I encourage everyone to think outside the cup when it comes to tea. Let it evoke your senses. Experiment with mar-tea-nis. Serve it iced over frozen fruit or make tea ice cubes for that pitcher of sangria on a hot summer day! Better still; use white tea as a base for your sangria." She then adds, "Indulge with friends and family. Indulge as you host that garden party. Indulge while on a nurturing retreat of self-discovery.“
By the way Katherine speaks about her business, it is tea that can touch the emotions and imaginations of people everywhere. Lady Baker would be honoured to have Burnett's company named in her memory. Burnett's passion is truly inspiring.
▲Katherine Burnett (third from left) and her tea team
Lady Baker's Tea sales@ladybakerstea.com Prince Edward Island www.ladybakerstea.com
SPRING 2018 www.pei-living.ca
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