Our Story

Hi, I’m Shirley.

I’m the founder, tea curator, photographer, website builder, and social media manager behind Brew & Blossom — a one-woman tea brand rooted in both professional training and personal passion.

I grew up near tea fields and earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Tea Science. I’m also a certified Tea Artist and Taster, and currently pursuing the UK Tea Academy Specialist Diploma. My research once focused on the health benefits of tea compounds and using AI to predict the aging of white tea cakes — but I believe tea should feel inviting, not academic. Tea is not about perfection — it’s about connection.

“Tea is about connection
—not credentials.”

Rooted in Science, Grown in Trust

Brew & Blossom is built on trust — in the leaves handmade by my father, the farms we’ve walked through, the rituals I studied, and the science I researched. My background in Tea Science — from cultivation to biochemistry, from sensory analysis to cultural heritage — shaped how I approach tea: not just as a product, but as a shared experience grounded in integrity.

Inviting You In

I believe tea should be approachable, not intimidating. That’s why I create light, accessible content — sharing practical brew tips, fun facts, and stories that make tea culture feel personal. From sourcing to packing, every step reflects care. We honor tradition, but we’re not afraid to play — in storytelling, in brewing, and in how we welcome new tea drinkers.

From My Hands to Yours

Every product here has been selected, photographed, and packed by me. I run the entire brand — from sourcing to social media — with care and caffeine.f you have feedback or just want to say hi, I’d love to connect. This is just the beginning.Let’s sip slowly and live thoughtfully — one cup at a time.

My Tea Journey

From the misty tea fields of Zhejiang to building Brew & Blossom in Seattle —
here’s how tea has shaped my life, one season at a time.

Childhood in Tea Fields

From the Tea Fields

I grew up in Shangyu, Zhejiang — a region nestled between misty mountains and tea fields. From the first harvest of the year to the tea we served guests and drank daily, its presence stayed with us through every season. From baskets filled with fresh buds to the comfort of household tea, it wasn’t just something we drank — it flowed through time, through habits, and through the way we lived.

Tea Research

Tea Science & Research

Earning degrees in Tea Science allowed me to see tea through a new lens. The childhood memories I carried — the aroma, the rituals, the unspoken knowledge — were suddenly given structure and explanation. Through scientific training, what I had once felt instinctively became something I could analyze, describe, and deeply understand. I even conducted research on topics like discriminating the storage time of white tea using hyperspectral imaging and the antibacterial effects of tea catechins , which deepened not just how I studied tea, but how I experienced it.

A New Chapter in the U.S.

Each time I traveled between China and the U.S., my suitcase was filled to the brim with loose leaf tea — some made by my father, some gifted by old tea friends I trust deeply. I wanted to share more than just good tea. Tea is connection — between people, across cultures, and through time. I hope to make that connection easier, warmer, and more beautiful for everyone who’s curious about where to begin.