Looking for inspiration to add tea to your daily health and wellness experience? We have expert advice from Louisiana-based Tea Sommelier, Katherine Bush Felton, who is also the brand architect behind the tea lifestyle brand, Mrs. Helen’s Tea House. Explore the story behind this lifestyle Tastemaker and the building of her heritage brand, along with her tips for adding tea to your life.
Katherine Bush Felton is the owner of Helen’s Teahouse. Named after Katherine’s grandmother, a Wallace, Louisiana native, the boutique brand is an online destination for fine teas. . As a certified tea sommelier, she personally selects each luxury tea brand, simplifying the luxury tea shopping experience for clients. Katherine brings her passion for tea and over 20 years’ public affairs experience with the Obama White House, U.S. Congress and various government agencies to this boutique company. As the “First Lady” at Wiley University, a Historically Black University in Marshall, Texas, Katherine enjoys her role as caretaker of the historic presidential home and grounds. Katherine also serves on the Board of Directors of The Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana, the only museum dedicated to the lives of enslaved persons in the country.
Tips for Curated Tea Experiences from Louisiana-Based Tea Sommelier
Hometown : Seattle, Washington
Current City : New Orleans, LA and Marshall, TX
Brand Name: Mrs. Helens Teahouse
Social Channels
Instagram: @mrshelensteahouse
Facebook: Mrs. Helen’s Teahouse (Facebook)
Website : Mrshelensteahouse.com
What inspired you to start this brand?
I have loved tea since I was a little girl. My earliest memory was with my grandmother who would serve Red Rose tea and Wonder Bread strips with butter and sugar. As I matured, so did my palate. I searched far and wide for the best teas, and shared them with family, friends, colleagues and supporters of Wiley University. When I decided to leave my last C-Suite position, I wanted to focus on projects that would bring me joy. Mrs. Helen’s Teahouse is an extension of this joy, allowing me to simplify and streamline the luxury tea shopping experience for customers. I traveled the world tasting teas, and became a certified tea sommelier last year! Launching Mrs. Helen’s Teahouse has been one of the best career decisions I have ever made.
What do you love about living in the South?
I enjoy the architecture of the South- both the glamorous historic homes and the modest cottages. . I love having tea outside on perfect spring days, while enjoying the sounds of hummingbirds and the smell of jasmine and gardenias.
I love the arts and culture in New Orleans, and the food, the emerging artists, the incredible high school bands, the legacy of the Black Masking Indians, and my favorite museum, the Whitney Plantation, located just outside New Orleans. As a descendant of Wallace, Louisiana, a settlement of Black landowners founded after the Civil War and of the Great Migration, I remain grateful to learn so much about the birthplace of my ancestors.
What are your favorite Fine China brands?
My absolute favorite fine china is the Sheila Bridges’ Harlem Toile line with Wedgewood. The iconic designs highlight the rich and vast diversity of African American culture. Each piece depicts a different scene that resonates with my childhood, from basketballs to boomboxes, picnics and horses. I even have the same tea set in both of our homes.
What are the essentials for an at-home tea bar?
- A tin of your favorite loose leaf tea. I prefer loose leaf because there is something magical that happens when taking the extra steps to prepare loose leaf tea. It causes you to slow down and create a, luxurious self- care ritual.
- A good precision tea kettle allows you to brew your tea at the perfect temperature and ensures the best taste and full flavor profile. Tea that is brewed too hot or too long will cause bitterness. I recommend the Fellow EGK Electric Kettle because it allows you to set a specific temperature as opposed to other models that adjust to a few preset temperature ranges.
- A beautiful vessel is a must. Your teacup is important so begin with one cup that brings you joy and build from there. I have a collection of vintage teacups. When I enjoy tea, I make a point to select a vessel that suits my mood and energy of the day.
- A good local honey. I don’t typically use honey, but I like to keep a jar of locally sourced honey for guests who crave a little something sweeter.
- A beautiful tray is important for presentation. I love my collection of vintage silver trays and use them daily to transport my teapot and cup to my favorite places in my home to enjoy my tea.
What is your go-to hostess gift?
My go to hostess gift is a canister of luxury tea and a box of tea filters. There is nothing like receiving a luxury , high quality tea, particularly teas that communicate elegance, gratitude, and thoughtfulness. I have found that people who are not initially into tea become tea lovers after being introduced to great tea. Tea gifts sets like Dammann Frѐres Iris Gift Set will allow your host to sample a variety of excellent teas.
Any tips for adding tea to a daily routine?
When introducing tea to your routine, make sure you start with a high quality tea full of flavor and fragrances that suit your individual taste. The better the tea, the less likely y a need for a sweetener. I like to compare tea to a good bourbon, the better the bourbon, the less likely you’ll need mixers to enhance your drinking experience. As you explore teas, it is important to follow instructions for brewing time and water temperature. I have converted many customers to green tea drinkers, just by recommending the correct water temperature which dramatically improves the flavor and drinking experience. I also recommend using purified water. Finally, have fun and enjoy the journey.
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