Masaya Co — Sustainable Furniture from Seed to Seat
MasayaCo is a sustainable furniture company on a mission to combat climate change through reforestation & sustainable design.
mood of living
Sustainable development and fair trade are priority issues for Palais des Thés. The Paris based company focuses on eco-friendly harvesting.
One of the most refreshing things in life has and always will be a classic cup of tea. Palais des Thés, a premium, organic tea brand founded by François-Xavier Delmas in Paris, France in 1986 knows this best. For decades, Palais des Thés, an organic and eco-friendly tea company, has strived to provide the world’s many tea lovers with only the most exceptional teas from Asia as well as travel-inspired signature flavored blends created in Paris.
After studying law, Mr. Delmas became fascinated with the world of tea and traveled to tea plantations in search of fresh ingredients and unique taste. His deep passion and talent are shared through thirty-two boutiques around the world, his book, Tea Drinker’s Handbook, his Tea School in Paris, and his company’s tea classes in New York. He hopes to continue sharing his love for tea with people for many more years to come.
MoL: Where do you look for inspiration?
FD: In my first three years working at my tea shops in Paris, I learned a lot from customers. They have a huge interest in tea and at the same time, poor knowledge. They show you the way.
MoL: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you could really do this?
FD: When we opened our first shop in the 6th arrondissement in Paris in 1986, and we succeeded in turning our first customers into the wonders of tea.
MoL: Who is an influential figure in your life?
FD: Many people have influenced me. Some of them maybe don’t know about that. They may be unknown. They may live at the end of the world, on the top of a mountain, or on a sidewalk of Calcutta. In fact, others easily leave an imprint on me.
MoL: Where do you go for peace of mind and spirit?
FD: In France, I have two places I love. One is a very small island in Brittany where I spend holidays; the other one is an old mill near Paris where I stay as often as possible. Both places are perfect for contemplative people. Silence, wilderness, closeness to nature…these mean a lot to me. But I also have a strong passion for tea gardens in Nepal and in Darjeeling, India. Gardens in Kyoto are important to me as well.
Tea making process
MoL: What was the most important moment of your life?
FD: I don’t believe in a most important moment. I believe in each day. Each breath is important to me.
MoL: What makes you laugh?
FD: Friends!
MoL: Do you have any words of wisdom?
FD: Make your passion your work and you’ll not work a day in your life.
MoL: What advice can you give to anyone interested in starting his or her own business?
FD: Follow your passion and share it with others.
Photography courtesy of Francois-Xavier Delmas
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Betty Kibaara — Director of Food Initiatives, Rockefeller Foundation
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