From my desk in Hong Kong

Hello kindred spirits and a warm greeting from the road, as I continue my Asia Pacific Tea Tasting Tour. After Melbourne, Hong Kong and Sydney, I now have precious time with Matthias and Sienna for my birthday - before heading on to Canberra and Perth.

In this inaugural letter, thank-you from the bottom of my heart for your support over the last 12 months. Yes, it was officially 12 months in February. You were the first to try my teas, send me beautiful letters, spread the word amongst your friends, family and collegues. You have been the pioneers in this tea evolution and kept me afloat with a resounding 'yes' in the moments I started to doubt. Thank-you.

Asia Pacific Tea Tasting Tour

What a month it has been. On my tour, I have loved meeting so many tea lovers, old and young, soulful women and modern men. In the process I have had offers to help with the business from photographers, graphic artists, caterers, and an enterprising 15 year old who bakes her own chocolate chip cookies - we thought we might run a stall together at Glebe market. And there have been requests for coaching from those dreaming of setting up their own business...there is something in this. More to come.

In Hong Kong, I had the pleasure of Peking Duck at a famed local restaurant near Central, and enjoyed tea with the  Consul and Trade Commisioner at the opening of the 'Australian' promotion in Park n Shop supermarkets. Slightly less glamorous was my negotiation of local trains and ferries to far flung destinations with my (overweight) suitcase of goodies, and impossibly high heels - thankfully in the company of Siobhan from Kailis Organic Olive Oil and Matthew from Cintra Estate.

I discovered a jar of the exquisite'Casablanca' blend from Marriage Freres in Paris - Gunpowder Green tea, mint, black tea and bergamot - an unexpectedly aromatic and refreshing combination.

Back to the tour, I would love you to come and say hello if you are in the area. It is such a thrill for me. Country Vic and Canberra dates are on my homepage.

White Tea with Rose samples list

And now, a sneak preview of my most romantic blend ever...first grade loose leaf Peony White tea with just a scattering of rose petals, in a delicate pink pack; a tribute to all my notions of love and marriage and finding ‘the one’- which I have in my beautiful Matthias. White with Rose will be available in July. I will have mini boxes and would love to send you one to try. Just add your mailing address to this form.

I need your advice:

Twelve months on, it is time to review. One of the questions I have for you relates to my English Breakfast tea. The tea is perfection as far as I am concerned..but the name..I would like to make it a little more Madame Flavour, a little less usual. I am known to be impulsive, so please temper me with your thoughts.
Should I :

• Leave English Breakfast alone

• Change the name to Elegant Breakfast

• Change the Name to High Tea, with a description to clarify

• Change the name to something else you suggest

The change, if there is one, will take place around August, 2009. To vote go to my homepage and look for the poll in the right column.

Advertising

Never one to sit still for long, except when I am in our beautiful rainforest, I and my gifted and patient team have put together our first advertisement to spread the word to fellow tea lovers - appearing in the current Delicious magazine and Women's Health and Fitness and in Superfood Ideas in May. Let me know what you think.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Even more exciting, we have joined with the Cancer Councils Victoria, NSW, SA and ACT and donated mini tea boxes to enourage several thousand businesses to fully participate in the Morning Tea event. Both my parents have had battles with cancer, my father most recently with melanoma; and I have been touched by the generosity and care provided at Peter MacCallum, and made much more aware of the extent and impact of cancer. I have also decided to make Madame Flavour mini boxes available at half their retail price to those offices who would like a little something special for their ABMT this year. You can access this offer through the website - enter coupon code ABMT09 in the Boutique at checkout. The minis will be delivered to your office door.

My thoughts are with you at this difficult financial time. Away from Matthias and Sienna, I am conscious of the treasure that my family are to me, regardless of the size of our house or make of our car. They, my extended family, beautiful friends and kindred spirits are what give life it's reward.

Til next time,

Yours Truly

Madame Flavour

I have sent you this letter either because you registered, or because we have spoken by mail before. I will be sending a monthly or so letter, of highest Madamely integrity, consisting of interesting stories, special offers, requests for your brilliant opinions. If you would prefer not to receive my letter, click below.

Madame Flavour
P.O Box 4067,
Black Rock North 3193,
Vic, Australia
Phone: 1800780109
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it