From Chicago to Home – A Journey of Tea, Love, and Growth

🌸 Spring Reflections – From UR HAPPY PLACE, Bo

Hello from Ohio, where spring sunshine touches the backyard, but the air still carries a chill. Some people are traveling with loved ones during spring break, while others are preparing their hearts in a quiet, sacred way for Easter. I believe if we carry a heart of resurrection—revived with hopeful hope—then life becomes less difficult, and even the challenges feel meaningful.

The Chicago Tea Festival – A Gentle Wake-Up Call
Last week, I visited the Tea Festival in Chicago. It was smaller than I expected, yet filled with the passion of many small sellers like me. Although I didn’t walk away with something tangible, I returned with something far greater—a clear sense of where I need to go and the scale of the market I should aim for. There were some difficulties, especially due to communication issues with a manufacturer I had met before. I had to start again and was discouraged for a couple of days. But I’ve realized, through all of this, nothing has been in vain. Since the Atlanta show in January, I’ve been researching, preparing, and learning—and those hours were never wasted.

An Unexpected Gift – Meeting with a Big Company
Shortly after I returned home, I had a scheduled Zoom meeting with a large company. It was meant to be 30 minutes, but the owner graciously extended it to over an hour, offering heartfelt consultation. This person, with a long career and a big heart, expressed their desire to walk alongside small sellers like me—to create healthy, delicious tea that becomes a gift to those who love it.

It felt like a turning point, one I hadn’t anticipated but feel so grateful for. They’ll be sending samples soon, and we’ll continue the conversation. I’ll share more as it unfolds.

💌 From the Windy City – A Love Story Remembered
Chicago brought back a flood of memories. When I met my husband, Chad, we were young and didn’t have much, but rich in heart. We took Greyhound buses, shared earphones listening to Yuki Kuramoto on a cassette tape, and ate Uno pizza in the Windy City.

Later, we got married and entered a busy season in life. Chad was often traveling to downtown Chicago every weekend to demonstrate woodworking at Sears. During those years, he had a vibrant and active career—working as an editor for Woodworking Magazine, creating on YouTube, modeling for tool companies, and appearing on PBS shows.

While his schedule was full, I stood beside him—not in the spotlight, but as his manager, his emotional support, and his steady partner.

Now, life has grown quieter. The pace is slower, but just as meaningful. And this time, it’s Chad who supports me—walking beside me in my tea journey, offering his hands, his heart, and his presence. So much has changed, and yet one thing remains the same: we are still walking together. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

Now, as we prepare for our 22nd anniversary, we leave our 30s and 40s behind, hand in hand as companions. I’ve realized that marriage is the most beautiful tool for shaping us into better people. Life has had its highs and lows, but all of it—every bright light and shadow—has brought us to today, and I’m grateful.

☕ A Garden of Hope, and Tea with You
I want to walk into my 50s, 60s, and 70s not only with Chad, my best friend, but also with you—my extended family.

Let’s continue creating a small garden of hope, sipping tea, sharing stories, leaning on one another, and growing. When the world feels heavy, let’s remember: the best tea is brewed with a herb called hope, sweetened by one warm drop of honey, and shared in love with those around you.

Wishing you a peaceful Easter and sending you calm from the blooming white apple blossoms in our backyard.

Thinking of you,
UR HAPPY PLACE, Bo