Today we’d like to introduce you to Zo Guthrie.
Hi Zo, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a family that appreciated experiencing food from other cultures and we always had tea ready for friends and family who came to visit. In the late 90’s a close friend introduced me to Taiwanese teas and that opened up my voracious exploration of the world culture of tea and I never turned back! I started my tea company in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2005 and relocated to Los Angeles in 2020 to open a shop.
Over the years I have done many modes of operation with the ultimate goal of providing an enriching and unique tea experience for my community and one that also incorporates and reflects the community that I am a part of. I’ve held many private and public tea events for a variety of clientele and settings, I’ve offered tea menu pairings, staff training, and supplying to restaurants, vended at tea festivals and farmers markets, and my teas have been featured at boutiques throughout the United States, and I’ve sold my teas online since my company’s inception. In 2018, I met my partner (Ito Art Fashion, ito888.com) and we decided to move to Los Angeles and open a store that incorporated the vision of both of our businesses into one experience of Art, Fashion, and Tea.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are always ups and downs, and it’s often easy to get caught up in these fluctuations and worry about them. One of the biggest hurdles in my journey so far has been getting a dedicated retail space, which I was finally able to do after moving to Los Angeles. I moved to LA a week before COVID to open my shop – timing! My partner and I were very happy to finally open our first retail location on South Spring and 8th St. in 2021 and then relocated to 701 E 3rd at Alameda in the Arts District in March of 2023.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m dedicated to providing a unique experience for visitors to my shop; I am always researching and selecting items for the shop to provide a comprehensive selection of seasonal fine teas and teaware that represent the many tea cultures found throughout the world. I carry gourmet edible tea treats and self-care goods from local makers and also create my own line of signature tea blends.
I curated a selection of unique single-origin, fine teas, collectible teawares, and gifts. I offer focused tea tastings by reservation that I specialize for my guests. At the shop, we also hold special events featuring local artists throughout the year. Our shop selection is always evolving and visiting our shop is an immersive experience.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To keep true to what your passion is and what brings you delight and share that with others even when operations get challenging.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.foxandmoontea.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxandmoontea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Foxandmoontea/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa_uacof3hHsY4Pi-OLBjpg
Image Credits
Jerry Jacob Zo Guthrie
