CuriosiTeas NYC owner Sheena Foster launched tea company during National Entrepreneurship Week in NY

March 8, 2012 - PRLog -- CuriosiTeas NYC owner Sheena Foster launched her specialty Harlem based tea company and introduced urban tea academy  Reconcile Teas with co-host Tanyka Henry, In House Certified Nutritional Holistic Counselor and Ayurvedic practitioner on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Gran Piatto D’Oro, 1429 Fifth Avenue 116th – 117th Street from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

CuriosiTeas NYC revealed four {4} custom, hand blended, fair trade certified, loose leaf teas and herbal infusions {Bhalaswah Soweto, Forever Young, Dutchess of Harlem, and Adline Jefferson} to over 125 guests at the grand launch. Paired with freshly prepared delectable baked goods by sponsors Tonnie’s Minis and Sweet Suga Mama’s, guests savored eclectic teas while enjoying the ambiance of the venue reminiscent of a piece of Italy in the heart of Harlem, NYC.

Co-host Tanyka Henry proudly introduced Sheena Foster, a friend, whom she met while volunteering on a sports program for special needs children in 2010. Tanyka was inspired by Sheena’s story and journey of how CuriosiTeas NYC was born during her visit to India. Sheena spent over two weeks building a home with Habitat for Humanity International and teaching English to local villagers. “Upon arriving to Delhi, the Habitat volunteers were discouraged from consuming unbolted water, drinking tea and eating fresh fruit and vegetables because of potential health risk. After being left alone with the locals subsequent to the Habitat build and no allies to turn down the tea, I finally sat and sipped tea with the natives. That was my official welcome to India and a transformational experience,” declared Sheena.  

CuriosiTeas NYC launch was filled with a tea tasting and guests waiting on line up to twenty five {25} minutes to relish in the delightful aroma of unique tea blends such as “Bhalaswah Soweto”, a Chai Tea with Honey Roobios and Honeybush inspired by villages visited in India and South Africa. The evenings most requested blend “Dutchess of Harlem”, an oolong and fruit blend was inspired by the founding of Harlem by the Dutch. “The Adline Jefferson” herbal tisane blend is dearest to Sheena, as it pays homage to her paternal great, great grandmother and maternal grandmother whom were both herbalists.

As an additional benefit, Sheena provided opportunities for small and budding business to have free vendor space to showcase their products and services in honor of National Entrepreneurship Week. From live painting, by Ms. Phia Presents, massages by Oni Bodi, makeovers by G. Wynn Artistry, for purchase, vintage clothing and accessories by Obora Lux, Bikram Yoga East Harlem, and body butters by Decadent Body and Buttalistix.

“I’m so excited that I am leaving empty handed and have completely sold out of all of my products!” Exclaimed the owner of Decadent Body.

During the highly anticipated tea tasting, Sheena introduced her flagship urban tea academy scheduled to launch this summer called Reconcile Teas. This is a non-profit project that will use a holistic approach and innovative strategies to provide life skills, industrial and job training to youth from at-risk communities through an urban tea academy, cultural immersion and entrepreneurship program.

“I am excited I was fortunate to launch my tea company on one of the most significant days of my life, my 30th birthday and during National Entrepreneurship Week. CuriosiTeas NYC embodies every element of who I am and my deepest business passions. From international, community and youth development, when people purchase CuriosiTeas NYC, the impact of their dollars will reach far beyond their purchase from crop to cup. With fair trade and corporate responsibility practices, to being hand blended with love by youth apart of Reconcile Teas, one can leave their mark,” exclaims Sheena fervently.

The evening ended with guest singing Happy 30th Birthday to Sheena over a Mardi Gras theme King Cake and beads shipped directly from Gambino’s Bakery in New Orleans to honor Sheena, who was born on Mardi Gras day in New Orleans. Attendees received gift bags filled with sample products and promotional materials as an added bonus.

CuriosiTeas NYC co-event planner was Feysiola Ogunfemi of Statuesque Events. Sponsors include Inevitable Events, LLC, the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Black Female Entrepreneurs, John H. Alston Photography, Tonnie’s Minis and the Venue; Gran Piatto d’Oro generously donated their space by owners Amie and Rolando.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CuriosiTeas or
Contact Sheena at sheena@CuriosiTeasNYC.com

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CuriosiTeas NYC is a Harlem based specialty bouTeaque company that specializes in custom hand-blended, fair trade certified, premium loose-leaf teas to create the ultimate tasting experience, optimal health benefits and cultural immersion.