Judy Larkin, known as the Tea Lady, does

much more than talk about tea, and to call her

presentations “tea parties” wouldn’t do them

 justice, nor give recognition to the fact that

she is not only a first-rate entertainer, but also

 a scholar.

 

Professional training and memberships give

testament to Ms. Larkin’s passion for tea. She’s

earned the title of "Certified Tea Professional"

through the Specialty Tea Institute, a division

of the Tea Association of America that is

 dedicated to the promotion of quality tea.

 

A Master Gardener since 1985, she is also a

member  of the  Maryland Garden Clubs.

 

 In 1994, she was named “Woman of the Year

 in Prince William County, VA” for her efforts

 to improve women’s status and quality of life.

 

Her training hasn’t been limited to books,

classes, and professional memberships.

 

Ms. Larkin has been part of the American trade delegations to study tea production in  Sri Lanka, India and China.  These are just a few of Ms. Larkin’s journeys—she’s also traveled to 26 countries and three continents.

 

Her British heritage (she hails from Manchester)  provided a knowledge of that country's tea rituals—but her experience and study has given her a much broader perspective. Whether  talking about “tea ladies” who pushed teacarts through factories in England, “tea ladies” who pluck the camellia sinensis leaf in Sri Lanka, or why real men should drink tea, Ms. Larkin is at home in the world of tea she loves—and she helps her audiences feel at home too.

 

Her past experience as a meeting planner ensures that each event you book with her is finely tuned.  The client always comes first.

 

“Only when you look good, can I look good,” she says. She’ll  work with you to make sure each event meets your unique requirements.

 

 Need to rent china or other tea equipage? The Tea Lady can provide that, too.

 

Humor, grace, scholarship, and a good time, characterize the Tea Lady’s events. Though based in the mid-Atlantic region, she will travel anywhere in the world to share her love of tea.

 

It is her belief that tea is for everyone—one need not be an “expert.” In fact, says Ms. Larkin, there is so much to learn about tea that it would be virtually impossible to be an “expert” in one lifetime.  One of her goals is to shatter stereotypes about tea drinkers .

 

Whether  male or female, young or old, a new tea drinker or a long-time tea lover, the Tea Lady welcomes you to join her. You will feel appreciated, well-informed, and entertained.

 

The Tea Lady’s diverse clients include venues ranging from the Boston Park Plaza Hotel in Massachusetts to teashops, restaurants, museums, historical associations, genealogy associations, libraries, schools, family reunions, garden clubs, women's clubs, and senior citizens in assisted living and retirement communities. Her favorite audience, however, can be found at the Juvenile Detention Center in Prince William County, VA.