Stories Steeped In Culture That Build Community with Niraj Lama of Happy Earth Tea

[1:20] Developing a passion for tea as a journalist in the tea industry in Darjeeling, India

[6:50] Turning a passion for tea into a business, connecting the two worlds of his roots in India and his new home in Rochester

[11:20] "What can I give to the community through tea? A wellness of body and mind, tea fosters through its many traditions an appreciation of art and diversity...tea connects these very diverse worlds."

[14:00] How Niraj fosters a community at the Tea Bar by telling the stories and history of tea
Sign up for the next tea class here: https://happyearthtea.com/products/tea-session

[17:00] How Niraj supports tea farmers that treat employees and the environment well, while also helping them to do better

[22:00] The Triple Bottom Line at Leaf Tea Bar. Learn more about committing to 1% for the Planet https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/

[29:00] Being a conscious consumer of tea

[35:30] Making conscious choices toward sustainability

[40:00] Being named one of CNN's 11 best tea houses in the world: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/worlds-best-tea-houses

[43:00] Advice to entrepreneurs on creating a community: "For any business to build a community, not just of customers but of advocates...you need some sort of commitment to giving back."

[46:00] Taking a long-term perspective and balancing giving and taking

Visit Leaf Tea Bar at 650 South Ave, or learn more about Happy Earth Tea at https://happyearthtea.com/