My good friend, Donna, kept mentioning she had a neighbor that I had to interview. I paid it no mind thinking that casual interactions with neighbors were probably not the best basis on which to make a hire. Then, a few years ago, I had an opening and, along with other candidates, I decided I may as well interview her. And that’s how Martha came our way. She joined us, saw what was needed and took over.
In her first week, she said she was so excited that she was dreaming about Tea! Her excitement still remains. With a calm energy and focus, Martha gets through an enormous quantity of work each day and keeps the wheels oiled and all the parts running smoothly. She is my liaison with all the employees, both at the office and, previously, at the Tea Room. She is equal parts Mother Superior and Mother Hen but with an efficiency and keen sense of customer care. I joke that most of my life is following up – with vendors, customers, managers. Not so with Martha – assign something to her and it just gets done and done right the first time. Martha has a busy life and I marvel at the way she successfully balances all of it. Here is an insight into her life and thoughts. I hope there never comes a day when our organization has to run without her. We are a better company because of her.
What excites you about your job?
It is an ongoing learning experience, both challenging and rewarding. I’ve learned that “Tea” is not just a three letter word, it is an experience.
What do you do when you’re not working?
I spend time with my family, friends & my BFF puppy Harley. I enjoy old black and white movies on Sunday mornings with a cup of tea in bed in my pajamas, cooking and baking!
Tell us something personal about yourself.
I am a mother. My boys have been my inspiration especially my youngest Michael, who is now 28 with Autism. Though it is challenging, I have learned unconditional love, patience, compassion and understanding. We are all born with “Gifts” and the gifts I’ve learned from my son have made me the person I am today. I lost my oldest son Nicholas 10 years ago and learned that life is really too short. It changes in a second. My courage and strength come from him. I have learned from my son Steven that you should feel the fear and do it anyway. My crazy adventurous side comes from him. I value my friends like family & am a big believer in always paying it forward.
That's Martha in a few words. And I must say that Lychee Martini looks good.
