Walking into Heritage Coffee House in Agassiz, the fierce winds blowing, during an unusual episode of weather a few weeks back, something caught my eye — it was an object or several objects, neatly lined on the counter.
They exuded warmth, majesty, and healing.
There was something about them that promised to transport the gazer to another world, another time, another place; in fact, their very presence could with one glance move any onlooker into a realm of goodness, purity, simplicity, and relaxation.
Little tins whispered hints of a place that was gentler, one without fiercely howling winds, and frozen finger tips and stiff muscles (what were these blissful creations I thought?)
They were little jars of leaves, loose leaf teas, natural and organic teas of the highest quality and of the most delectable, tantalizing, and colourful combinations.
I lifted lids, as gorgeous scents of lavender, calendula, nettle and a splash of peppermint assaulted my senses. Names like Cherry Blossom, Midnight Mint, and Lemon Drop promised to tease any palate.
Could they be real and who was responsible for these heaven sent objects I asked?
I knew I had to find out more, as in a frenzy, I continued to lift the lids in front of me. I wanted to taste them all, to try them all — I wanted to learn how they were made and where they were imported from or if they were imported, stat.
Suddenly the harsh winds, seemed less harsh, as I imagined myself enjoying a luxurious cup of tea under a blanket near a fire with a good book, and hopefully soon, but I digress I had some detective work to do.
All I know is that they were made by someone named Karla, and she distributed them locally, little did I know, I was about to find out something about the tea world I had never known.
Upon finding the owner of KarlasSpecialteas, Karla Turner herself, I realized another universe onto itself.
I had heard of wine sommeliers, but I had never heard of tea sommeliers (a tea sommelier is a person who has been extensively trained and is knowledgeable and well versed in all aspects of tea).
It’ turns out the Mission based entrepreneur is a tea sommelier.
Turner started out in aromatherapy 15 years ago at Langara College before it was popular, and became a shipping manager shortly thereafter, but her passion for healing, tea, and health stayed with her.
“I’m passionate about healing people through natural products,” she told The Observer, disclosing that she’s currently working on a line of medicinal teas. She can even recommend a tea blend to help with iron production.
Her knowledge of tea, herbs, and essential oils developed over time as she married and grew a family, before becoming a tea sommelier through the Tea Association of Canada, and starting KarlasSpecialteas a few years back.
Since then she’s blended her way to success through a line of extraordinary and delicious teas using variations of black tea, white tea, and green tea blends.
Her intricate creations include matcha, oolong, herbal infusions and rooibos selections from the best of local organically grown and wildcraft ingredients from all corners of the world.
She imports black teas from India, Sri Lanka, and Africa and promises that her teas “meet or exceed the EU standards, contain no gluten or GMO’s.
“Tea invokes different feelings,” she says of the varieties she carries. “Whether it’s to calm, or inspire, a certain combination can invoke different sensations.”
“Each region is different for flavour and training your palate takes years,” she says of her global teas, and the unique nuances in each of her blends.
For more information on Turner’s Specialteas check out KarlasSpecialties.ca, or contact Karla at 604 615-9319. They are also available at Heritage Coffee House on Pioneer Ave in Agassiz.
