As little girls (and some little boys too), I think we can all look back and remember playing dress up and having tea parties. I also remember my grandmother’s exquisite china tea sets, hand crafted and designed with beautiful roses. Tea time held such wonderful memories, it’s probably because of that I still get such a feeling of love sipping on a warm cup.
In May of this year I was invited to the opening of New York- based Tracy Stern’s SALONTEA, which opened its first ever Canadian boutique in Vancouver (with President Sarah Ambrose). I had heard about the New York location and tea before as Oprah is fond of the brand. I wasn’t sure what the night had in store but soon found myself in my very own “Alice in Wonderland”. I took the occasion to dress up in one of my big Betsey Johnson dresses all decked out in black frilly lace! Upon arriving I was instantly mesmerized by the decor and colors that filled the room~burnt orange, hot pink and chocolate-brown. I wanted to find out more about the concept and was directed to the entrance wall. There laid out before me were seven different cut out mirror images~ The Writer, The Society Hostess, The Romantic, The Lover, The Artist, The Musician and The Fashionable Dandy. I was told to see what image grabbed my attention and that would be the tea of choice. I was of course drawn to “The Writer“, which I found out was Oprah’s favourite too (love this)! I mingled and engaged in wonderful conversations while enjoying a selection of teas, an array of delicate sandwiches, sweet treats and some sparkling champagne. My attention then turned to a display in the middle of the shop, on the shelves sat BEAUTEA products and perfumes which are made from tea. I was very curious and had to learn more.
I had the opportunity to meet Tracy Stern that night and I can honestly tell you she was beyond lovely, gracious and the perfect hostess. I was drawn to Tracy’s concept, devotion and love for the essence of beauty. We sat and chatted for quite some time and she indulged me in her world of tea. The conversation soon turned to beauty talk and we ended up sharing our favourite lipsticks, hers being Tom Ford’s Red and mine (at the time) YSL’s Coral. I explained what a huge fan of tea I was and that I loved taking baths. She mentioned that I should definitely try “The Writer” tea bath sachet and roll on tea perfumes. The perfumes were amazing, with such captivating, enticing and alluring scents. I took some of the tea sachet’s home and it was like indulging in a cup of chai tea (see a previous post here). I was in total heaven.
I picked up a copy of Tracy’s new book “tea party” and she graciously signed with a personal note. The whole night was a fabulous experience and I absolutely love the concept. It really is a perfect place to relax during an afternoon or to host a tea party. This takes tea parties to the next level. From the moment I met Tracy I knew without a doubt that she would be someone who I would like to feature on BB411 for a Beauty Q&A. So go grab your favourite cup of tea, sit back and learn more about life and beauty with Tracy Stern.
BB411~Have you always been in love with fashion and beauty?
TS~Since I was a little girl, barbies, fashion and simple luxuries like taking bubble baths were always my world. My mother dressed me well & I have an award from kindergarten for “BEST DRESSED AWARD”! Today in a NY magazine I am still voted best dressed.
BB411~What is the story that brought you to creating “tea party” and the beauty line?
TS~”tea party” the book-I have and always have a million ideas and inspirations for creating special events, decor and gorgeous table top ideas. Plus I love people and being surrounded by friends . I love the element of surprise and fantasy and want to create that for my guests while being old-fashioned and bringing people together.
BB411~What is your earliest memory with tea and tea parties?
TS~As an only child I would have tea parties for my dolls and remember my grandmother cutting out circle tea sandwiches for me with egg salad. Very sweet and simple.
BB411~Do you use tea for your skin care?
TS~I love beauty and purity. Using tea which naturally rejuvenates the skin cells on skins first layer of epidermis. You can actually spray brewed tea to balance the ph levels. As well it actually helps sunburns too.
BB411~Where do you see your business going in the next 1, 5 & 10 years?
TS~I would like to organically approach building several tea apothecary’s for the people to understand the lifestyle component of tea
BB411~3 beauty products you carry with you always?
TS~lipgloss, chai perfume roll on, lipstick
BB411~#1 beauty product you could not live without?
TS~My pure oils
BB411~Favorite lip color?
TS~TOM FORD RED
BB411~How do you stay fit?
TS~Eating healthy, juicing, drinking tea and walking the world over
BB411~What does beauty mean to you?
TS~It’s lifestyle encompassing visual, scents, tastes & it’s a feeling to make life more beautiful and wonderful
BB411~Are you involved in any charities, are any close to your heart?
TS~I am involved in numerous charities in NYC and internationally . My latest NFTE just honored me for helping young entrepreneurs & I’m especially fond of all my charities to help children and women in need.
BB411~ If you could tell your younger self something you know now what would it be? (a lesson learned or wisdom gained?)
TS~I would tel my younger self that everything that happens is the way its meant to be. Let go and enjoy life and all opportunities that come your way.
BB411~Fun fact that your fans may not know about you?
TS~People don’t know I’m a skateboarder! I have been skating and doing tricks since high school – freestyle and old school. I love to travel internationally and now will start writing a jet set blog and national column for travel at pink memo.
Tracy Stern has created the popular SALONTEA and BEAUTEA product lines, which are sold at specialty shops and boutiques around the world and on her website. She hosts a tea salon in Manhattan and organizes bridal showers, banquets, and themed parties around the country. Stern and her products have appeared on numerous national television programs as well as in publications such as O Magazine, People, Harper’s Bazaar, and the New York Times.”
To find out more about Tracy and keep up to date with what she has going on, check out SalonTea or follow her on facebook & Twitter
Remember to say that you heard it first from BeautyBuzz411!
I look forward to hearing from all of you, email at beautybuzz411@gmail.com or simply leave a comment here
Much Love, Beauty Buzz 411
