French Teacher, Turned Entrepreneur
At a time when life expectancies have reached beyond what was once considered the norm, it is not unusual for those of the so called "baby boomer" generation to retire from one profession and launch another. This was certainly the case for Emily Murphy the founder of Emily's Teas who in June of 2004 left behind a successful teaching career to enter the very different and
challenging business world.
Emily had spent almost a quarter of a century teaching French. It was not because she became disenchanted with teaching that she left the field, it was because she felt strongly about following another passion. The idea of selling gift boxes containing everything you need to enjoy a proper cup of tea had been one that she had been kicking around in her subconscious for many years. Finally, she mustered the courage to take the plunge.
In order to prepare for her new career, the teacher turned entrepreneur left for England a few days after the school year ended. What better way to learn about tea then to go to the country that has been associated with the tea trade ever since the travelers to the east brought tea back to England in the early 1600’s. The first order of business was to attend a Tea Seminar at The Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee located on the Thames in London. Edward Bramah, the museum’s curator, conducted the seminar that included
a review of the social and commercial history of tea and a tasting session. The remainder of the trip was spent touring the country, studying the tea taking habits of the British and asking many questions.
Armed with a certificate from the Tea Seminar and the information she had gathered, Emily returned home enthusiastic about beginning her new career. It soon became obvious that it was not that easy. There were many hurdles to jump before actually starting the business. Negotiations with distributors, banks,shippers and insurance companies became the order of the day. Finally in October, Emily’s Teas, a virtual store front was opened and ready for business. In addition to the virtual store, Emily can be seen at many local vendor events.
As a natural offshoot of her business, Emily is now booking
tea seminars, tastings and parties to interested groups in the Washington D.C. area. In addition to the certification she received in London, Emily has certification in the Foundations of Tea Levels 1 & 2 from the Specialty Tea Institute and certification in etiquette from The International School of Protocol. Having lectured all those years as a teacher, presentations of this type are second nature. And what remains of her former life? She has even given her Seminar and Tasting in French and offers a decadent French Dessert Tea Party- mais oui!
