OUR STORY
A Life Steeped in Tea
I was born in Chengdu, Sichuan, where tea is simply part of life.
You may have glimpsed its teahouses in The New York Times or National Geographic: bamboo chairs beneath trees, steaming cups on weathered tables, and people spending unhurried afternoons over tea and conversation. For me, those scenes are memories of home.
As a child, I spent weekends there with my family, reaching across the table to steal sips from my parents’ cups. Long before I knew one tea from another, I knew its aroma—and the warmth of being together.
A Daily Ritual of Care
At home, my mother chose what to brew according to the season, the weather, or how she felt that morning. Tea leaves, flowers and botanicals all had a place.
Watching her, I learned to notice small pleasures: an aroma, a flavor, the comfort of a warm cup. Preparing tea was a simple way of caring for ourselves and the people around us.
That feeling has stayed with me: beauty and care belong in ordinary days.
Rooted in Mengding Mountain
As I grew older, my father, a longtime tea enthusiast, would take our family to Mengding Mountain on weekends. Tea has been grown on its mist-covered slopes for more than two thousand years.
The mountain once supplied imperial tribute teas and holds a special place in Chinese tea culture. An old saying captures that reputation:
“扬子江中水，蒙山顶上茶”
The finest water comes from the Yangtze River; the finest tea from Mengding Mountain.
This is where my father taught me to taste.
Quality Has a Feeling
Among tea gardens and families who had tended them for generations, my father taught me to pay attention to what made each cup memorable.
I learned to appreciate a smooth texture and the gentle sweetness that lingered after a sip. The finest teas left a lasting impression without demanding attention.
At the time, I thought I was simply spending time with my father. Years later, I understood: he was teaching me how to recognize excellence.
Following Tea to Its Source
What began on Mengding’s slopes eventually became a profession.
Years of sourcing, tasting and studying took me across China—from Yunnan’s ancient tea forests to Fujian’s rocky landscapes—and deeper into its flower and botanical traditions. Each place taught me how soil, climate and craftsmanship shape a cup’s character.
Today, as a tea sommelier, I bring those experiences to Rose Pause. I look for distinctive character and balanced flavor, sourcing directly from long-established producers in each tea’s home region. Many have passed down their tea-making craft through generations.
A Moment Worth Making
I created Rose Pause to share the Chinese teas and botanical traditions that shaped my life—and to make them easy to enjoy.
“Rose” speaks to the beauty of the natural world. “Pause” is the space we make to notice it.
That might mean watching a blossom open in water, breathing in its aroma, or enjoying a few quiet sips during a busy day. This is what I hope to offer: exceptional tea, something beautiful to savor, and a little time for yourself.
From My Life to Your Cup
Rose Pause brings together what my family taught me and what years of sourcing and tasting have helped me discover.
For you, that means thoughtfully chosen teas and botanicals, distinctive flavors, and clear guidance to help you enjoy every cup. You don’t need to be a tea expert to appreciate good tea.
I hope you find something you love—and look forward to making it part of your day.
Alexandra D.
Founder, Rose Pause