Darsana Tea
M
y name is Renée Fulsom and I am the founder and creative behind all that is Darsana Tea. In 2003 I opened a small café in Edmonton focusing on organics in teas and coffees. During that time my love for creating blends developed and since then I have taken many classes towards becoming a tea sommelier, in learning the art and science in blending herbs and teas that are not only good tasting but good for you. Last year I had the opportunity to move to Duncan with the plan to open a retail location to do my custom blending. Duncan’s vibrant downtown location seemed to be the ideal spot. Shortly after the move from the mainland that opportunity got put on hold and I began to look again at other options to get my teas to market. I love the Cowichan Valley for its diversity in people and agriculture, Canada’s 1st tea plantation and of course all the cideries and vineyards. I eventually hope to connect with those that grow herbs to create blends specific to the plants of the region.
I recently completed the Cowichan Food Innovation Program, organized by Economic Development Cowichan and facilitated by Spring Activator. The program has been a wonderful resource and networking opportunity for a new person to the Cowichan Valley to meet and network with other business owners within the community and discover what other opportunities may lie ahead. My passion for herbal tea is in the blending - combining fruits, roots, flowers and leaves making it pleasing to look at with colour, with flavours that are satisfying to the taste buds and of course good for you. My dream in opening a retail location is still there, to build on
the family of products related to the 7 primary blends – just waiting for the right location and the right time. Until then,
Darsana Tea can be purchased online at darsanatea.com, with shipping available across Canada.
23
