If you’ve popped into the Tea Shop lately, you’ve likely been greeted by the friendly face of Chrissy, our newest team member. Chrissy first discovered us as a customer and, earlier this year, asked if we happened to be hiring. As it turned out, the timing couldn’t have been better. Since joining us, she’s brought fun and an incredible warmth, care, and attention to detail to everything she does – from serving customers in the shop to carefully dispatching online orders.

We sat down with Chrissy for a cup of English Breakfast to chat about her journey to Webster’s, what she enjoys most about the role, and a few of her favourite things outside of work.

Hey Chrissy! You started out as a customer, how did that turn into joining the team?

I popped into Webster’s to stock up on one of my favourites - English Breakfast tea, and got chatting with the lovely Ash about how gorgeous the new shop space was looking. She mentioned how busy things had been and that they might be looking for some extra help on the team. The timing was perfect for me, so I said I’d love to be considered when they were ready - and voilà!

Also, having popped in earlier that month to buy a gift for a friend and witnessing your valiant (but slightly questionable!) attempt at gift wrapping, I figured my help might be required should gift wrapping become an option!




Yes, I've since been banned from gift wrapping! Your role covers a bit of everything, from chatting with customers to dispatching online orders. What part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?

I honestly love every part of working at Webster’s Tea! The team is fab, we have plenty of laughs, and you and Ash are absolutely divine to work for. You've been so supportive of my university schedule, which I really appreciate.

Being right next door to Clarke Road Kitchen is another huge bonus, it’s far too tempting! I’ve also decided that tea drinkers are a special breed of human, our customers are truly wonderful and always make my day. And of course, the endless supply of delicious tea is another favourite perk! You’ll almost always find me with a cup of English Breakfast in hand, it’s my absolute go-to however in an attempt to cut back on caffeine I am integrating the Blood Orange Rooibos to my tea drinking ritual.

When you’re not at the shop sipping on English Breakfast, how do you like to spend your time?

Life is busy at present, I am studying towards a bachelor degree in Social Sciences with a major in Psychology through the University of Waikato here at the Tauranga campus. To wind down I love getting out into nature and enjoying one of the many local walks with my little dog Baxter.

Tell us a bit about wee Baxter. What kind of dog is he, and what’s a perfect day for the two of you?

Baxter is without doubt one of the most spoilt dogs in all of New Zealand! He’s a King Charles Spaniel crossed with a Shih Tzu, (it’s fun trying to shorten that breed - a ‘King Shih...’?!)

Our perfect day would start with sunshine, my usual hot water with lemon followed by an English Breakfast tea and poached eggs on my homemade protein bread, and Baxter would, of course, get his raw egg too! We’d head off for a beautiful walk along one of the many stunning local beaches, where Bax would make plenty of new friends, he’s the ultimate social butterfly.

Lunch would be at a gorgeous little restaurant with a nice glass (or two!) of Chardonnay shared with a few of my treasured girlfriends. Then a good book and an afternoon snooze would be essential, followed by a gin and tonic and my beautiful mum Dilly’s famous lasagne. Naturally, the day would include endless pats and tasty tidbits for Mr Baxter throughout. 

You’re busy studying Psychology too. What led you to this?

Honestly, I just love people - what makes us who we are, our stories, our experiences. Getting to know ourselves and others feels like one of the most meaningful parts of being human. It truly breaks my heart to see people suffer with challenges that affect their mental health, and I’d love to work in a field where I can make a difference.

Helping others to see the beauty that already lives within them would be my greatest joy. My goal is to become a psychologist, particularly working with those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, as well as supporting their families and loved ones who are so often deeply affected too.


 

Beautiful! Finally, if you could share a pot of tea with anyone, living or gone, who would it be, and why?

Oooooh this is a toughy can I have 2 different tea parties?

Tea party 1 would be my Dad – he passed away 14 years ago on the 5^th of November – he loved a Rooibos with honey. So of course a little family get together with him would be the best!

Tea party 2 would be with my Aunty Molly (Dad and Molly didn’t quite see eye to eye hence 2 tea parties)- she was the ultimate London lady and infamous within our family for cream cakes and a mid-afternoon cup of Darjeeling (she would have loved Webster’s English Breakfast blend). This generally  led on to a very strong gin and tonic and a show in the Westend. 

Thanks Chrissy! 

Pop into the shop to say hi to Chrissy (and Baxter too if you're lucky).