Welcome to ‘Behind the Brand’, a series where we unveil the stories and faces behind the diverse brands in our new location “the edit”, presented by Style Canada, in the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Join us as we journey through the heart and soul of each brand, exploring the inspirations, challenges, and triumphs that shape their unique identities. From local artisans to international labels, get ready to discover the vibrant tapestry of creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that defines our curated collection of brands. Stay tuned as we take you behind the scenes and introduce you to the captivating narratives behind each brand, one story at a time.
Meet Kristen, the face behind ‘La Bonne Fille Fine Tea Co.’
Website: https://labonnefilletea.com/
Instagram: @labonnefilletea
photo provided by: La Bonne Fille
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I love adventurous travel; mountain climbing in Rwanda, exploring Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, and hiking in Patagonia; I’m always looking for the next adventure. At home, I’m a devoted Christian and loving cat lady with a Bengal named Chloe, a Devon Rex named Sensei, and an adorable domestic shorthair named Murray.
Tell us the story behind your brand
photo provided by: La Bonne Fille
After a friend’s sudden passing, I took a long look at my life. I knew I wanted to create something for myself. I’ve always been a world traveller, and during my travels, I got interested in tea to the point where I actively sought out tea-producing countries. At first, just to taste, but then I started visiting farms and meeting growers; my interest became an all-consuming passion. I had been doing R&D without even realizing it!
Tea aside, my other great passion is love. I’m in love with love. I’m really into The Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise, Love is Blind, romance movies, red roses, and sappy Valentine’s cards; I even write poetry. I’m a sucker for all of it.
When I focused on the possibility of starting a tea brand, I saw a niche in the market for what I had to offer: the highest quality full-leaf teas crafted into delicious blends of natural ingredients combined with my love for all things romantic. La Bonne Fille Fine Tea Co. was launched from the base of the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 2021.
Our team at LBF is all about the tangible and the ephemeral; exquisite tastes on the tongue coupled with that heady feeling of following your true passion.
What inspires you?
The world of fashion and beauty inspires me. So much of the look for my brand has been influenced by Chanel and Dior, of course, and I also admire contemporary designers like Bouchra Jarrar and Kiminte Kimhekim. Their work speaks to the LBF aesthetic of the modern romantic. I also love Gee Beauty, what they’re doing for cosmetics, I want to do for tea.
Where’s your favourite spot to vacation in the summer?
Lately, I’ve been immersing myself in the splendour of our Canadian landscape. Each province offers something remarkably distinct and extraordinary. From the pristine beaches of Prince Edward Island to the majestic National Park in British Columbia, Canada truly showcases some of the most awe-inspiring natural beauty on the planet. Here at home in Ontario, I like to escape to Grand Bend. Where else can you find a white sand beach surrounded by pine trees? Plus, they have an ice cream festival every September.
What does 2024 hold for your brand?
Since launching, LBF has appeared at events with Ted Baker, Kiehl’s, and Diner en Blanc in Toronto and Montreal. We’ve been included in swag bags for TIFF and the Women’s Empowerment Awards. We’ve also been featured in Chatelaine, Breakfast Television, and the Kit, where editor-in-chief Laura du Carufel chose our Creamy Earl Grey as one of her favourite things. Seeing our teas on the menu at Café Zuzu has been a thrill. I look up to Janet Zuccarini as a businesswoman and love her restaurants, but Zuzu is my favourite. LBF is also gracing the shelves of boutique groceries and markets near you – including The Village Grocer in Markham and Freebird Market in Etobicoke.
Interested in seeing past Behind the Brands of ‘the edit’? Click Here!
