Happi Dani was created to offer Dani, Certified Yoga Instructor and Tea Sommelier, an opportunity for more self-care moments in her life. At the time she had a different position in a fast-paced city, and tea was something that allowed her to slow down and focus on the present moment. After completing her yoga training in the Himalayas and the tea sommelier program with the Tea Association of Canada, Dani began blending teas that reflected her personal yoga journey. At the tea table she discussed leaving the corporate world behind, a not-so tasty tea blend, and she shared the perfect yoga pose and tea pairing for the spring season.
The kettle is on and I can hear it about to sing. What tea are you going to steep for us today?
I’m going to steep my Banquet blend, which has a keemun base with rose petals, orange peel and cinnamon. It’s a nice medium bodied black tea which I think is perfect for a little afternoon pick me up. In fact, this was actually a tea that I blended for my afternoon tea theme wedding celebration last year!
That sounds like a dream wedding celebration and a beautiful tea blend to celebrate love! What came first for you: your love for tea or your love for yoga?
It was definitely tea, yoga came to me a bit later in life! My first memories of tea were with my grandparents, although my love of tea didn’t fully flourish until I was living in England back in 2008. I loved how friends and family would take time out of their daily life to just sit and have a cup of tea with each other. In this fast paced digital world, I think it is important to be fully present for each other and cherish these little moments.
I agree, it’s very important! How did you take the leap to become a certified yoga instructor and tea sommelier?
After being in a corporate job that I wasn’t happy in and deciding to go back to school for dental reception, thinking that I would be happier (which I wasn’t and I failed the course!), I came to the realization that I had to do what I love and that I had to also bring more self care back into my life. I ended up going from my busy job in the city to working in a small tea & gift shop in the suburbs. It was the happiest that I had been in a long time!
It was during this time that I decided to pursue my yoga teacher certification in India and afterwards dive even deeper into my love of tea and pursue my tea sommelier certification. I am so grateful for my husband who also encouraged me to follow my heart and do what I love. Sometimes we need that gentle push to get started.
I find that my yoga and tea journey weave together so seamlessly – they are both mindfulness practices that encourage you to slow down, connect back to yourself and be in the present moment!
I love following your tea blending journey on Instagram! Can you tell us about a time when you experimented with a blend for your Happi Dani brand that you just didn’t like in the end?
Oh yes, there are many haha! In the beginning it was a process of becoming familiar with the different ingredients and I definitely overdid it on many occasions. An example is with lavender, which I love although it can easily overpower a blend if you add too much and taste a bit soapy. I have experimented with all sorts of combinations. One of my earlier ones was with rose, rosehips and cinnamon – it ended up tasting like the cinnamon flavoured tomato which I wouldn’t recommend. My greatest learning opportunities have come from these tea failures though!
I’ll be looking out for the launch of that cinnamon flavoured tomato tea blend next April 1st 😉
If you could pair a tea with any yoga pose, what would that pairing look like?
Oh it’s difficult to choose just one! I would choose a light and uplifting white tea or short oxidized oolong, with a heart opener like camel’s pose! This is one of my favourite poses and perfect for the transitions of spring!
Speed Round:
Black, Green, Yellow, White, Oolong or Puerh?
Black and puerh!
Hot, Iced or Cold?
Hot
Teapot, Infuser or Gaiwan?
Infuser or gaiwan – it depends on the type of tea!
Straight, Sweetened or Latte?
Straight
Cheese or Chocolate pairing?
Mmm chocolate!
Choose one person, living or passed, celebrity or family, that you would like to have tea with.
I would love to have tea with my grandma who passed away when I was young. I have amazing memories from the short time that I did know her and I feel like we actually had a lot in common. She would dedicate extra time in the morning to properly enjoy her cup of tea and enjoy the process of getting ready. I’m also the type of person who cannot be rushed…whether it’s with or without tea!
Find Happi Dani:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
ABOUT THIS SERIES: Tea tells stories and when connected with humans, more are created. That’s where the idea for this blog series, At the Tea Table, originated. With this series, The Cup of Life asks tea lovers around the world to take us inside their tea lives to share their favourite steeps, spaces, routines and more. Meet some of your fellow tea drinkers here.
It was great to learn more about Dani! Keep at that tea blending! Yum!
Very nice combination- tea and yoga!
I knew you would like this ATTT! 😉 Thanks for reading, Jen!