Creative London: Tea and Tequila Trading

We caught up with Sarah and Millie the founders of Tea and Tequila Trading, who started the business in 2015. Giving some of the most talented Mexican artisans and producers the opportunity to bring their products to the UK Market and now they have their eyes set on an even bigger market, and rightfully so!

1. LADIES, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START UP TEA & TEQUILA TRADING?

We were inspired by all things colourful and Mexico. Sarah moved to Mexico in 2013 having studied Spanish at Bristol University (where we both met and lived together for 3 years). She fell in love with Mexican culture and hand crafted design. Millie had recently visited Sarah and contracted her obsession with Mexican art culture and design. Tea & Tequila Trading originated from her discovery of the Acapulco Chair with its iconic design and contemporary edge and the company was born with the intention to bring the best of Mexico hand picked through young British eyes to the UK.

2. IT’S GREAT TO SEE YOU SUPPORTING ARTISANS ACROSS MEXICO, HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT ARTISANS TO BRING ON BOARD, IT MUST BE A TOUCH JOB WITH SO MUCH TALENT IN MEXICO?

There were certain Mexican designs which we were originally inspired by, these were not the more common authentic Mexican styles but instead very particular, and different which have helped us shape the style of our brand. It wasn’t easy sourcing the skilled artisans we are working with today, involving many months of trial and error, back and forth! We have an amazing team now set up who we love working with and feel very fortunate to have found.

3. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE FIND IN MEXICO TO SELL AT TEA & TEQUILA TRADING?

Our favourite designs which we created having been initially inspired by accessories and huichol art are our signature clutch bags. They are now being sold in Mexico as well as London due to their original contemporary style combined with some traditional Mexican craft. Our favourite find has to be some of the original things that spurred us to start tea and tequila. The Acapulco Chair was probably our first huge inspiration with its colourful funky style that we have now incorporated into all of our products for example the surprise bright linings in our clutch bags and the coloured Quartz gemstones in our new collection of tropical Tea & Tequila jewellery.

4. DO YOU CURRENTLY ONLY SELL ONLINE? ANY PLANS TO OPEN A SHOP IN THE UK?

Yes we do, we have just relaunched our website in time for the Summer with lots of exciting new clutch bags and jewels – www.teaandtequilatrading.com We have just begun stocking in some small independent boutiques and pop ups in London, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Mexico. We hope to extend our list considerably this year to get Tea & Tequila stocked worldwide.

5. BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN?

To focus on each project thoroughly, not try to do everything! Focus on quality and be patient as a young start up that credibility takes time and integrity and perseverance are vital and will be worth it in the end.

6. FAVOURITE HANG OUT SPOTS IN LONDON?

Due to us importing Mezcal Amores ( this is the trading part of our brand where we import, distribute and represent selected spirit brands) Our favourite spots at the moment are some of the places where we have this delicious Mezcal stocked; The Chiltern Firehouse, Pachamama, Experimental Cocktail Club and Behind This Wall and for good food it has to be Morito (the best tapas in town!).