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Life by the Cup: Inspiration for a Purpose-Filled Life
The founder of Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Company tells her extraordinary story of struggle, hope, and audacity, inspiring women to overcome setbacks—no matter how daunting—and pursue their dreams.
As a twenty-four-year-old single mom, Zhena Muzyka had a young son in need of life-saving surgery and only six dollars in her wallet. But she also had three other powerful motivators: hope, a love of tea, and a dream to share beautiful, aromatic, organic teas with the world. By combining her knowledge of aromatherapy and her gypsy grandmother’s teachings, Zhena started selling custom tea blends from a cart on California street corners—and with a lot of ingenuity and grit, her business took off. Now, thirteen years later, her son is healthy and Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is a thriving, purpose-driven, fair-trade, multimillion-dollar brand.
Life by the Cup is the inspiring story of Zhena’s journey to a meaningful life as founder of a company that benefits health, protects the environment, and supports humanitarian efforts. Zhena’s message to women is that no matter where they are, they can change their circumstances and live their dreams.
Each chapter illuminates an inspirational life lesson through stories and wisdom passed down through generations—and also shares one of her signature tea blends as well as mouthwatering tea-based dessert recipes. Zhena’s gentle insight will motivate you no matter where you are in life. Her message: Be audacious in your dreams, commit to your values, and see your passion transformed into possibility.
As a twenty-four-year-old single mom, Zhena Muzyka had a young son in need of life-saving surgery and only six dollars in her wallet. But she also had three other powerful motivators: hope, a love of tea, and a dream to share beautiful, aromatic, organic teas with the world. By combining her knowledge of aromatherapy and her gypsy grandmother’s teachings, Zhena started selling custom tea blends from a cart on California street corners—and with a lot of ingenuity and grit, her business took off. Now, thirteen years later, her son is healthy and Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is a thriving, purpose-driven, fair-trade, multimillion-dollar brand.
Life by the Cup is the inspiring story of Zhena’s journey to a meaningful life as founder of a company that benefits health, protects the environment, and supports humanitarian efforts. Zhena’s message to women is that no matter where they are, they can change their circumstances and live their dreams.
Each chapter illuminates an inspirational life lesson through stories and wisdom passed down through generations—and also shares one of her signature tea blends as well as mouthwatering tea-based dessert recipes. Zhena’s gentle insight will motivate you no matter where you are in life. Her message: Be audacious in your dreams, commit to your values, and see your passion transformed into possibility.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2014
51 people are currently reading
1070 people want to read
About the author
Zhena Muzyka
4 books41 followersZhena Muzyka is an author, activist, keynote speaker & women's business coach. She is also the founder of Zhena’s Gypsy Tea. In the year 2000 Zhena created Zhena’s Gypsy Tea to fund her son’s life-saving operations. Celebrated for her work in fair trade business practices, Zhena’s tea products have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur, Woman’s World, O, The Oprah Magazine, The LA Times, Everyday with Rachael Ray, and on Dr. Oz and Good Morning America, among others. Zhena is a Country Living Women Entrepreneur Honoree and has received the Enterprising Women of the Year award, The Socially Responsible Business Award, Pacific Coast Time’s Fastest Growing Businesses’ Award, Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies, and Coco Eco’s 20 most inspiring women. Zhena lives in California with her family and is also founder of the Robin Hood Laptop Project (supplying refurbished laptops to the kids in the tea fields). She coaches women in business and speaks nationwide to entrepreneurs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 20, 2014
I am not a person who reads nonfiction. I just prefer narrative, which Zhena delivers in this book. Each chapter begins with a description of a tea (which she makes sound amazing!) and then she tells you a story. Ever practical (as all working moms must be), Zhena wrote with the idea that you could read a chapter in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. I read the entire book in a day!
The stories are just incredible. Often what happens in her life isn't all that different than anyone else's, but she's able to glean insight from small things. She's incredibly honest in recognizing and confronting her weaknesses (which, as another fiercely independent woman, also happen to be my weaknesses) and then shows the reader how she walked through the weakness to the other side. And she's also just a beautiful writer--you can feel her good intentions and the California sunshine on every page.
Following the narrative there is a section on how the lesson applies to life and to business, and then an exercise for those who really want to start putting the lesson to work in their own lives.
I have no interest in starting a business. I'm a school librarian and it is what I was meant to do. But these lessons, while applicable to business owners/managers, are really about life. Zhena shows you how to become your authentic self, and how the act of becoming that authentic self can translate into success in your career and personal life. Zhena believes business can save the world, and she makes her readers believe it, too. If more business owners made decisions based on their core beliefs (and their core beliefs were not rooted in money), the world would be transformed.
It was truly an inspiring book. I can't wait to read it again! And then, as a bonus, you get to the end and find recipes for tea-infused treats like a flourless chocolate cake. I'm going to get a group of friends to read it and then gather over tea and treats to discuss what we learn.
If you, like so many others, have a difficult time asking others for help, recognizing when to listen to others, or knowing when to take a break and celebrate, please read this book. Even if you've never met Zhena, by the time you finish, you'll feel like she's a dear friend.
Full disclosure: I attended Cottey College with Zhena. I think that probably made my expectations very high, though, because I knew she was a talented writer. I've also loved her teas for years.
The stories are just incredible. Often what happens in her life isn't all that different than anyone else's, but she's able to glean insight from small things. She's incredibly honest in recognizing and confronting her weaknesses (which, as another fiercely independent woman, also happen to be my weaknesses) and then shows the reader how she walked through the weakness to the other side. And she's also just a beautiful writer--you can feel her good intentions and the California sunshine on every page.
Following the narrative there is a section on how the lesson applies to life and to business, and then an exercise for those who really want to start putting the lesson to work in their own lives.
I have no interest in starting a business. I'm a school librarian and it is what I was meant to do. But these lessons, while applicable to business owners/managers, are really about life. Zhena shows you how to become your authentic self, and how the act of becoming that authentic self can translate into success in your career and personal life. Zhena believes business can save the world, and she makes her readers believe it, too. If more business owners made decisions based on their core beliefs (and their core beliefs were not rooted in money), the world would be transformed.
It was truly an inspiring book. I can't wait to read it again! And then, as a bonus, you get to the end and find recipes for tea-infused treats like a flourless chocolate cake. I'm going to get a group of friends to read it and then gather over tea and treats to discuss what we learn.
If you, like so many others, have a difficult time asking others for help, recognizing when to listen to others, or knowing when to take a break and celebrate, please read this book. Even if you've never met Zhena, by the time you finish, you'll feel like she's a dear friend.
Full disclosure: I attended Cottey College with Zhena. I think that probably made my expectations very high, though, because I knew she was a talented writer. I've also loved her teas for years.
November 7, 2014
I loved this book!!!! I am a coffee reader, but now I am craving tea and can't wait to get to a store that sells Gypsy Tea.
I love how this book was organized, each chapter starts with an explanantion of one of her teas. Not just any old description, this tells of how it was made and how it will make you feel. After that, Zhena Muzya goes on to tell a lesson she learned from creating this particular flavor.
This is a woman who has worked hard to build her brand. She started as a single mom to a sick baby and worked hard. I admore how her son was always with her in the process. She literally travels the world to find the best tea.
She also makes sure the tea workers are taken care of and treated well. She is the definition of fair trade. I am in such awe of this woman, she is my new hero.
I think every woman should read this to now what can be accomlished with hard work. I am going to buy a few copies to give as gifts with a tin of Gypsy tea to go with it.
I love how this book was organized, each chapter starts with an explanantion of one of her teas. Not just any old description, this tells of how it was made and how it will make you feel. After that, Zhena Muzya goes on to tell a lesson she learned from creating this particular flavor.
This is a woman who has worked hard to build her brand. She started as a single mom to a sick baby and worked hard. I admore how her son was always with her in the process. She literally travels the world to find the best tea.
She also makes sure the tea workers are taken care of and treated well. She is the definition of fair trade. I am in such awe of this woman, she is my new hero.
I think every woman should read this to now what can be accomlished with hard work. I am going to buy a few copies to give as gifts with a tin of Gypsy tea to go with it.
August 19, 2021
Wow! What an interesting and inspiring life story.
March 21, 2015
This is a truly inspirational story that will not only warm your heart and give you strength but instils some sound practical and emotional advice as well. For anyone who finds themselves in a tight spot or in a seemingly hopeless situation, the advice is clear- follow your heart. That is what Zhena did when she found herself in a desperate and seemingly impossible situation, and it enabled her to not just vastly improve her and her son’s lives, but those of countless others too.
As a young female entrepreneur myself I found the spirit of her journey highly relatable and engaging. This book is more than an autobiography, it is a guide to life. I can’t imagine the struggle Zhena had to go through to reach where she is today, but her love of her son, passion for tea and her heritage and her belief pulled her through; today her success and happiness speaks for itself. As I read, I enjoyed the layout of the each chapter and how the practical and spiritual guidance was woven into the narrative. It often felt that I was reading a fictional story rather than the very real story of Zhena’s life. I guess that is just testimony to how phenomenal her life has been and the beauty of the writing.
I could also really understand the significance that tea played in her life. Being British born, it is almost second nature for me to run to the kettle whenever I am stressed, upset or run down. No matter where I go in the world I always carrying some tea from back home with me because nothing else tastes quite as good. Saying that though, us Brits have never been adventurous in my tea drinking and usually stick to variations of black tea, however Zhena’s descriptions had my mouth watering, they were absolutely intoxicating. Since reading this book I have found myself browsing online for different flavours to sample! ;)
Even though I’ve never met her, reading this book made me feel like Zhena is a good friend of mine and I don’t doubt I will think of her story often when I settle down for a relaxing cup of tea. I appreciate the raw honesty and striking humanity of her story telling and warmly wish her and all those involved in Gypsy Teas the best success!
As a young female entrepreneur myself I found the spirit of her journey highly relatable and engaging. This book is more than an autobiography, it is a guide to life. I can’t imagine the struggle Zhena had to go through to reach where she is today, but her love of her son, passion for tea and her heritage and her belief pulled her through; today her success and happiness speaks for itself. As I read, I enjoyed the layout of the each chapter and how the practical and spiritual guidance was woven into the narrative. It often felt that I was reading a fictional story rather than the very real story of Zhena’s life. I guess that is just testimony to how phenomenal her life has been and the beauty of the writing.
I could also really understand the significance that tea played in her life. Being British born, it is almost second nature for me to run to the kettle whenever I am stressed, upset or run down. No matter where I go in the world I always carrying some tea from back home with me because nothing else tastes quite as good. Saying that though, us Brits have never been adventurous in my tea drinking and usually stick to variations of black tea, however Zhena’s descriptions had my mouth watering, they were absolutely intoxicating. Since reading this book I have found myself browsing online for different flavours to sample! ;)
Even though I’ve never met her, reading this book made me feel like Zhena is a good friend of mine and I don’t doubt I will think of her story often when I settle down for a relaxing cup of tea. I appreciate the raw honesty and striking humanity of her story telling and warmly wish her and all those involved in Gypsy Teas the best success!
September 30, 2014
"Life by the Cup" is the story of 24 y/o Zhena Muzyka, a single mom whose young son Sage is in need of several lifesaving operations. After working a series of low-paying, dead-end jobs; Zhena has an epiphany - why not draw upon her knowledge and love of the sensual, healing powers of hand-crafted, organic tea and her Ukrainian Roma (Gypsy) grandmother's recipes and build a business that will provide a living for her and Sage and help others. The book follows Zhena as she builds her business from a tea cart in a corner of a clothing store to a fair-trade company that provides employment, security and education for her employees in the U.S. as well as the tea workers in Sri Lanka who grow the leaves for her special blends.
"Life by the Cup" is more than an uplifting rags-to-riches story. Told in Zhena's own words, it is a how-to manual on how to live a richer, more inspired life. Each chapter imparts a life lesson that will benefit everyone who reads the book, for example, the power of generosity, connections and collaboration with others and (my favorite) cultivating curiosity. There are also suggestions on how to host a gypsy tea party and wonderful recipes using Zhena's Gypsy Tea blends. An inspirational story with life lessons and ideas, this book benefits the reader at every stage, whether one is looking for purpose and meaning, building a business or just trying to get more zest out of life.
"Life by the Cup" is more than an uplifting rags-to-riches story. Told in Zhena's own words, it is a how-to manual on how to live a richer, more inspired life. Each chapter imparts a life lesson that will benefit everyone who reads the book, for example, the power of generosity, connections and collaboration with others and (my favorite) cultivating curiosity. There are also suggestions on how to host a gypsy tea party and wonderful recipes using Zhena's Gypsy Tea blends. An inspirational story with life lessons and ideas, this book benefits the reader at every stage, whether one is looking for purpose and meaning, building a business or just trying to get more zest out of life.
August 2, 2014
Life by the Cup is more than a rags-to-riches story, although Zhena's journey is inspiring. It's also about what she did with her riches: to help alleviate poverty for tea workers worldwide.
This book has all the makings of a good story: a strong desire (to earn the money to keep her son alive), obstacles to overcome, and the actions she took (and the pluck she developed) to overcome each obstacle. Although billed as a book geared to women, it's for anyone who wants to overcome limitations. I found the author's message compelling, reassuring, and emotionally-engaging.
This book has all the makings of a good story: a strong desire (to earn the money to keep her son alive), obstacles to overcome, and the actions she took (and the pluck she developed) to overcome each obstacle. Although billed as a book geared to women, it's for anyone who wants to overcome limitations. I found the author's message compelling, reassuring, and emotionally-engaging.
December 14, 2014
Just started this fascinating memoir of single mom Zhena Muzyka and how she went from having only $6 in her pocket to a multi-million dollar entrepreneur, because she was desperate to earn money to save her six year old son, who needed life saving surgery. Can't wait to meet the author in San Diego on Saturday, June 21 at the Westgate Hotel, for a literary tea of course!
June 24, 2014
This book by Muzyka is a new experience for me. As a male the book was directed to females, but I enjoyed it. As a tea drnker I enjoyed that part of it. Life by cups of tea with words of wisdom is the message of this book and it is full to overflowing with ideas to help.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the Isms" "Wesley's Wars" and "To Whom It May Concern"
May 25, 2016
I enjoyed the memoir part, but would have liked to have more detail in that area. This book is self-promotional and I tired of that part from time to time and kept putting the book aside. I did appreciate some of the lessons that she learned that helped her become a success and to overcome hurdles she encountered.
July 3, 2014
Loved it! Feel good book of the year.
March 29, 2024
This book I just can't say enough great things about!!! It's a must-read!!!! The way this is written is brilliant!!! It's set up where you can read a chapter while sipping a cup of tea or you can just keep going. At the end of each chapter, there are inspirational lessons that were based on that chapter you've just read that you can complete. The history told by the author & founder of her first tea company, "Gypsy Tea" to the founder & owner of her current company, "Magic Hour Teas" Zhena is incredibly inspirational. A woman-owned company where you as the reader can feel her passion, strength through all the adversities, love & commitment to sharing her dreams come to reality to share with you. Throughout the book, you will also see how it's laid out to tell the story of her five first OG tea blends! You will read how and why Zhena began making her passion for tea into a reality. How she became one of the first women to originate & create to pass the Fair Tea Trade laws. This is the kind of book that you could read over and over again and still get a different experience & lessons from. It's also a book that you can see yourself picking up to reread any end-of-chapter lessons you could do to grow. I highly recommend this book.
September 12, 2019
I've been a fan of Zhena and her teas for years now, and having experienced her bright smile and energetic glow, I've always assumed that she had some sort of charmed life that is completely out of reach for a normal human like me. Reading the details of her story was a real eye-opener, and once again I'm reminded that life is what we make it.
Her writing is evocative and expressive, taking the reader on a journey from desperation to hope to elation, and everything in between. But if Zhena's story of persistence and grit isn't enough, you also get lessons, exercises, and actionable tools that come from her experiences. And just the descriptions of the flavors and scents that she blended into her teas will instantly transport you to another world.
Most of all, this is a book that teaches us that we must believe, take action, and persevere, and actually shows us how. My favorite quote: "I had gone from making $10 an hour working for someone else to $7.50 working for myself." Every entrepreneur will relate to Zhena's experiences. I feel re-energized from reading her book, and am ready to make new leaps forward with her encouragement!
Her writing is evocative and expressive, taking the reader on a journey from desperation to hope to elation, and everything in between. But if Zhena's story of persistence and grit isn't enough, you also get lessons, exercises, and actionable tools that come from her experiences. And just the descriptions of the flavors and scents that she blended into her teas will instantly transport you to another world.
Most of all, this is a book that teaches us that we must believe, take action, and persevere, and actually shows us how. My favorite quote: "I had gone from making $10 an hour working for someone else to $7.50 working for myself." Every entrepreneur will relate to Zhena's experiences. I feel re-energized from reading her book, and am ready to make new leaps forward with her encouragement!
February 12, 2021
My mother-in-law let me borrow her copy of this. I'm glad she did because this isn't the type of book I would usually pick out for myself. It's sweet and warming, and I could feel a little of my cynicism and bitterness melting away while I read. Zhena writes beautifully, and it's her way with words that kept me reading, even when parts of the book felt unrelatable. I'm not a mother and never will be, and I don't think of myself as a "sister", so I was aware of not being the target audience here. I'm also far too white to consider myself part of any "tribe" or to "express my inner Gypsy" or wear a bindi, so some of the tea party ideas toward the back of the book felt a little glib. I think it's wonderful that Zhena celebrates her ancestry, but it feels cheap and shallow to tell just anybody to put on a scarf, drink some tea, and get a palm reading to express a stereotype of a culture whose people still face persecution today. Something about the whole idea just doesn't sit right with me. So there were a few moments that made me cringe, but for the most part, this was a nice, enjoyable read. Zhena seems like a sweet lady. I'm glad her tea dreams worked out for her.
February 21, 2018
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was a memoir. I was confused by the action items at the end of each chapter until I realized it was actually categorized as a self-help book. Overall, I enjoyed the memoir aspect of the book much more than the self-help aspect. Her descriptive language is beautiful, incorporates all five senses, and is only occasionally a bit cheesey (for example, when she claims that one of the medicinal benefits of tea is that it can heal a broken heart). Zhena's story is truly inspiring, though there were definitely moments when I craved more detail (for example, when she talked about her neighbor who helped her when she didn't have food in the house, and who later invested in her organic tea business when many others would not). I suppose providing too much more detail would have made it difficult for Zhena to keep her chapters "short enough to sip" with a cup of tea. My favorite chapter was the one on self-validation. I recommend this book for tea lovers, aspiring entrepreneurs, or anyone who loves a good motivational story!
February 9, 2021
This book came to me at the perfect time. It’s fun, positive, inspirational and contains a lot of great exercises to build confidence and inspire your brand. I initially picked up this copy at a charity store and it continued to sit on my shelf for years before I finally picked it up. The promise of a book filled with fun tea recipes and an inspirational story compelled me to finally give it a read. It was delicious.
I am also excited to try some of the recipes featured in the back and hopefully, one day, some of Zhena's Gypsy Tea.
Perfect for fans of Eat, Pray, Love.
I am also excited to try some of the recipes featured in the back and hopefully, one day, some of Zhena's Gypsy Tea.
Perfect for fans of Eat, Pray, Love.
September 8, 2025
Read this with my tea group and it did not meet our needs. This book was two books in one. The first was a story about the author's struggles and ultimately her success with a tea business. The second was a self-help book filled with meditative practices and inspirational exercises. We wanted more of the former and the latter felt like a rehash of a zillion other books I've read before. I gave it four stars because it did what the author set out to do. It was well written and well thought out. I was just the wrong audience.
February 1, 2018
My husband found this book in the library, thought I'd like it....and I did. While I'm not an entrepreneur, aside from assisting my husband in his own business, it's a great book for perseverance and following your dreams one step at a time. I found myself reading this book mostly before bedtime, as I found it calming AND it puts positive thoughts in your head to go to sleep with.
February 7, 2019
This is such a refreshing read! I was worried I wouldn't connect much to her message because she talks a lot about building a business but her words are so encouraging and inspiring! I am a huge fan of her, her writing, and her tea!
October 24, 2017
This was my air travel book. It ended better than it began, because the sum of valuable tidbits to amount to something.
October 26, 2017
Such a powerful read, great motivational book!
May 18, 2018
Love tea....love the simple narrative .... Loved the concepts.😊
September 5, 2018
Sincere beautiful advice from a passionate entrepreneur that will leave you feeling uplifted cup by cup.
February 16, 2019
I read this book in just a couple of sittings. I loved the quotes and her determination.
May 16, 2020
Easy calming read perfect for me during the Pandemic.
March 15, 2021
By far the best self-help book I've read.
Read
March 15, 2024Part memoir and part self help with recipes.
May 14, 2021
I bought this book for a friend, but I had to read it first (after having taken a workshop from Zhena). While I was reading it on my mom's front porch in Michigan, I found an old tin of Gypsy Tea in my mom's pantry. I bought it for her once upon a time. Even though the tea might have passed its prime, I brewed a cup for serendipity's sake.
Thanks to Zhena for sharing her inspirational story, for the awesome adjectives she uses to describe the tantalizing tea (I have placed Magic Hour orders since), and for the thinking points throughout. I would like to host or attend a gypsy tea party someday.
I finally gifted the book to my friend (a fellow tea enthusiast) as intended. Pinkies up!
Thanks to Zhena for sharing her inspirational story, for the awesome adjectives she uses to describe the tantalizing tea (I have placed Magic Hour orders since), and for the thinking points throughout. I would like to host or attend a gypsy tea party someday.
I finally gifted the book to my friend (a fellow tea enthusiast) as intended. Pinkies up!
November 13, 2014
One woman's story of tea Zhena Muzyka is a single mom with a baby son that has medical problems. She's got $6 left in her bank account. She's at the bottom of the barrel--what is she to do?
She decided to go into business, selling tea. This is a rags to riches story of one woman who decided to pursue her dreams of a tea shop. The book follows her journey as she begins with a little tea cart, her experiments in tea flavors, the people she meets, her trips to see where her tea comes from, and what she gains from it all.
It's a nice story: single mom makes good and pledges to take her profits to help the people who helped her get to where she is today. However, I felt it had a bit of a hippie/New Age vibe that wasn't for me. It was also repetitive: she talks a bit of a tea at the start of a chapter (she makes them sound quite delicious though!), discusses the topic and what she learned, and then ends with some thoughts as well as a meditation or other type of exercise.
I also felt she skipped over quite a lot: how is it that she felt she couldn't go to her parents when she was at the end of her rope at the beginning of the story but was able to get them to donate to get her business up and running? How did she get all this knowledge about teas? She writes about how she called up her suppliers, distributors, etc. to chat about tea, but it still seemed rather condensed and shortened.
She also seems very naive in some spots. In some ways it's not too surprising how she found success: she managed to find a new way of branding in the US that was different (either a little or a lot) from the Liptons or Tevananas out there, especially as this was in 2000, when people were still in love with Starbucks and coffee. She found a niche that appealed to people as consumers have begun focusing on fair trade, organic, etc. goods and services.
She also discusses how encountered some children on a train and was told by a fellow passenger that they were free from working due to child labor laws, but could still not afford to be at school due to the costs. She's quite upset about this information, but I find it odd that she wasn't at least somewhat aware of this before making her trips to India, Sri Lanka, etc. She writes a paragraph where she struggles with questions about child labor helping them keep the children fed, that school was not free, etc. Certainly actually being faced with the actual children would startle anyone. But it seemed like she had absolutely no idea of the concept until the passenger pointed it out to her.
Still, overall it was an interesting (and quick!) read. I don't believe I've actually had any of her teas but wouldn't mind supporting her and her endeavors--also a marked different from the Liptons out there. Tea fans, people looking for inspiration or want to know more about her and her brand will probably enjoy it. I'm glad it was a library borrow for me though.
She decided to go into business, selling tea. This is a rags to riches story of one woman who decided to pursue her dreams of a tea shop. The book follows her journey as she begins with a little tea cart, her experiments in tea flavors, the people she meets, her trips to see where her tea comes from, and what she gains from it all.
It's a nice story: single mom makes good and pledges to take her profits to help the people who helped her get to where she is today. However, I felt it had a bit of a hippie/New Age vibe that wasn't for me. It was also repetitive: she talks a bit of a tea at the start of a chapter (she makes them sound quite delicious though!), discusses the topic and what she learned, and then ends with some thoughts as well as a meditation or other type of exercise.
I also felt she skipped over quite a lot: how is it that she felt she couldn't go to her parents when she was at the end of her rope at the beginning of the story but was able to get them to donate to get her business up and running? How did she get all this knowledge about teas? She writes about how she called up her suppliers, distributors, etc. to chat about tea, but it still seemed rather condensed and shortened.
She also seems very naive in some spots. In some ways it's not too surprising how she found success: she managed to find a new way of branding in the US that was different (either a little or a lot) from the Liptons or Tevananas out there, especially as this was in 2000, when people were still in love with Starbucks and coffee. She found a niche that appealed to people as consumers have begun focusing on fair trade, organic, etc. goods and services.
She also discusses how encountered some children on a train and was told by a fellow passenger that they were free from working due to child labor laws, but could still not afford to be at school due to the costs. She's quite upset about this information, but I find it odd that she wasn't at least somewhat aware of this before making her trips to India, Sri Lanka, etc. She writes a paragraph where she struggles with questions about child labor helping them keep the children fed, that school was not free, etc. Certainly actually being faced with the actual children would startle anyone. But it seemed like she had absolutely no idea of the concept until the passenger pointed it out to her.
Still, overall it was an interesting (and quick!) read. I don't believe I've actually had any of her teas but wouldn't mind supporting her and her endeavors--also a marked different from the Liptons out there. Tea fans, people looking for inspiration or want to know more about her and her brand will probably enjoy it. I'm glad it was a library borrow for me though.
July 20, 2022
A very inspirational book about never giving up on your purpose in life. I love how the author ties in her product (tea) throughout her journey. I am definitely NOT a tea lover; however, her description of and the love, thought, and care she puts into every one of her products definitely made me want to try them! A nice, easy read…
October 13, 2014
I knew Zhena when she was a junior and senior in high school. One night she showed up at one of the monthly poetry readings and read a couple of her poems during the Open Mic portion. Hearing her poems and talking to her over those couple years, I knew she'd do well in life; I had no idea how well, even when the odds were so longs at times. I'm very proud of her.
Though LIFE BY THE CUP seems more geared to, as she calls them, "mom-trepreneurs", men can also learn very much from this book. It's partly about her blends of tea and tea itself, partly memoir, very much filled with wisdom, as well as being a workbook. Her descriptions of the teas themselves reminded me very much of Diane Ackerman's writing in A HISTORY OF THE SENSES: lush and poetic their descriptions...exquisite. Her memoir is pretty astounding in the poignancy of her circumstances and her memories of her Gypsy Roots, her love for her son, Sage, and her triumphs. The wisdom, as it often does, come from deep reflection of the events in her life, not from some tome. And the workbook part help the reader get a kick start on evaluating what it is they want to achieve in life, who they are now and who they imagine they could be, with the caveat that life can take us on its own adventures and change us in ways that are unexpected.
Each chapter is about the length of a cup of tea that is drunk in the fullness of one's appreciation for it. (As a note: her band of tea blends, Zhena's Gypsy Tea, are pretty damn spectacular). She even gives ideas on how to throw a very successful and meaningful Tea Party.
I've bought this for two young women already and want to do so for ten more, whether I've met them ye or not; I plan on doing one a month. Then I want to buy a copy of it for myself. This is a deeply moving story with wonderful perspective that even an oft times cynic like myself can appreciate.
Though LIFE BY THE CUP seems more geared to, as she calls them, "mom-trepreneurs", men can also learn very much from this book. It's partly about her blends of tea and tea itself, partly memoir, very much filled with wisdom, as well as being a workbook. Her descriptions of the teas themselves reminded me very much of Diane Ackerman's writing in A HISTORY OF THE SENSES: lush and poetic their descriptions...exquisite. Her memoir is pretty astounding in the poignancy of her circumstances and her memories of her Gypsy Roots, her love for her son, Sage, and her triumphs. The wisdom, as it often does, come from deep reflection of the events in her life, not from some tome. And the workbook part help the reader get a kick start on evaluating what it is they want to achieve in life, who they are now and who they imagine they could be, with the caveat that life can take us on its own adventures and change us in ways that are unexpected.
Each chapter is about the length of a cup of tea that is drunk in the fullness of one's appreciation for it. (As a note: her band of tea blends, Zhena's Gypsy Tea, are pretty damn spectacular). She even gives ideas on how to throw a very successful and meaningful Tea Party.
I've bought this for two young women already and want to do so for ten more, whether I've met them ye or not; I plan on doing one a month. Then I want to buy a copy of it for myself. This is a deeply moving story with wonderful perspective that even an oft times cynic like myself can appreciate.
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