About Us

Paulette McDaniel, is the founder and President of The Ideal Tea Leaf, Inc.  Ms. McDaniel is a well known speaker, lecturer, and educator on the subject of tea.  Her interest in tea over the past ten years has become one of her passions.

Over the last decade The Ideal Tea Leaf has experienced many changes.  Originally known as The Ideal Tea Party, Paulette began catering tea parties for women’s groups, bridal and baby showers, luncheons, and of course, children’s birthdays.  Victorian themes, beloved children’s characters, and days gone by were only a few of the many themes.  Food, ranging from themed cakes to the more traditional tea fare, was a major focus of these wonderful parties.

In 1998, Ms. McDaniel incorporated the business under The Ideal Tea Party, Inc.  While tea parties remained a focus, the diversity, complexity and possibilities of the tea commodity was becoming of special interest.

With her interest in Tea growing, Ms. McDaniel began attending seminars and conventions within the tea trade.  Traveling and educating herself changed and diversified her business model.  Catering ended in 2004 as that area of the business was sold to an acquaintance in the catering business. Tea became the main interest and soon she was wholesaling tea from around the world to local businesses, and party planners.

Over the next few years, Ms. McDaniel accumulated many friends, vendors, importers, and business associates within the tea world while continuing to add to her knowledge and passion for Tea.  Time spent with accomplished
Tea Blenders, learning and practicing the techniques of blending different teas and herbs, has led Paulette to create and offer tea blends of her own creation to her clientele at The Ideal Tea Leaf, Inc.  Her Spa Teas, in particular, are quickly becoming known not only for their flavor but for their potential health benefits.

Through the Specialty Tea Institute Paulette has now received Level I and Level II of the Tea Certification Program and is presently working on her Level III certification.  Teaching, talking, sharing and learning about the Tea Industry, Ms. McDaniel regularly teaches Tea classes at Colleges and Universities to help promote interest in Tea.  This spring she will be teaching a Tea 101 class at Hodges University.

Paulette is looking forward to her future in the Tea Industry and has designed The Ideal Tea Leaf with the hopes of advancing the knowledge and pleasure of tea for those well-versed as well as those who are new to the world of tea.

Those with questions are always invited to contact Paulette through her website.