I'm Lyric, the founder, and my journey with tea began long before Staple Sip.

I grew up blessed with a unique perspective on tea, nurtured by two distinct yet equally passionate tea-loving regions. My father hails from Guangdong Shantou, the heartland of Gongfu Cha – the meticulous, ritualistic tea ceremony often featuring robust Oolong teas like Dancong (单丛，’Phoenix Single Bush’) and Tieguanyin (铁观音，’Iron Goddess of Mercy’). Here, tea is so integral to life that you might even see Gongfu tea served as refreshment during a marathon!

My mother is from Sichuan Chengdu, a province known for its laid-back teahouse culture. Picture this: people relaxing for hours, chatting, playing games, all while sipping fragrant green tea, often served in a traditional Gaiwan. Teas like Zhu Ye Qing (竹叶青，’Bamboo Leaf Green’) are everyday staples.

Experiencing both the intense focus of Chaoshan Gongfu Cha and the leisurely pace of Sichuanese tea houses instilled in me a deep appreciation for the diversity and cultural significance of tea from a young age. This daily ritual, this "口粮茶" (kǒu liáng chá) philosophy – tea as an accessible, delicious part of everyday life – profoundly shaped my personal standard: a truly good tea must possess a pure aroma, clear liquor, and a distinct, sweet aftertaste. It's this conviction that inspired me to create Staple Sip.