If you’re being asked how your tea story began, what would you respond? Unlike many other tea enthusiasts who have been tea drinkers for as long as they can remember, for me the story begins with being known by friends and family as a chili head in my teenage years.

I’ve always had a passion for growing and processing food from crop plants which are exotic in a way that they are not traditionally grown in Northern Germany. While being determined to follow this passion also within my professional life I tried to remain open and see where my path would take me. After all, it was a lucky coincidence that I happened to start my career in the tea industry. Looking back, it was probably when I entered a tea tasting room for the first time that my passion for tea was ignited and I feel very grateful that this passion has proven to be a loyal companion ever since.

Eventually, after having worked for two tea trading companies located close to Hamburg, Germany and for both the German and the European tea associations I felt like it was time to take my passion for tea to the next level and start my business called „Half Tass“ with the aim of inspiring, teaching and entertaining people about our beloved beverage. Through delivering tea workshops, courses and modules of ESTA’s Tea Certification Programme I find much joy in helping people discover and explore the exciting world of tea. Regardless if they are experienced tea drinkers or just at the beginning of writing their own tea story.

Speaking of one’s own tea story: In terms of my own tea story, I’m proud to say that ESTA has been a tremendous influence. Not only has ESTA given me the opportunity to interact with like-minded tea enthusiasts. Moreover, being a part of the growing community of Authorised Tea Certifiers I’m thrilled to make a contribution to the admirable speciality tea movement.