A Legacy of Joy
The central aspect of tea ceremony involves harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. The whole process is not about drinking tea, but is about aesthetics, preparing a bowl of tea from one’s heart.
When Thia McKann founded The Path of Tea with husband Chris McKann in 2006, that is exactly what she hoped to accomplish with their shop. A place where she could pour her heart out, cup by cup to her community.
Houston Native and Spring Woods High graduate in 1973, Thia McKann worked diligently for years to become the first Certified Tea Master in Texas. She could much more aptly be classified as a healer than a shop owner, and believed education to be the primary focus for The Path of Tea. She was teacher/educator at Houston’s premier cancer hospital MD Anderson and taught the history of tea; how tea is produced, and the numerous health benefits of varying teas to Medical students, Patients and Caregivers.
“We believe if people are able to better understand what organic tea can do to heal the body, mind and spirit it can make a huge contribution as well as positive changes in our world, and in our lives.”– Thia McKann
Thia left this world, and her family, to begin the next phase of her journey in December of 2012. She leaves behind a legacy of joy that is continued by her partner in life, Chris McKann to this day.
“Don’t look for her in the past; she isn’t there. Don’t look for her in the future, her physical body is no longer here. Be with her, right here, right now.” – Chris McKann
About Chris McKann
When Thia described her vision for what was to become The Path of Tea, Chris McKann knew he could help turn that vision into a reality. He had owned and operated a custom hardwood flooring business in Houston for 25 years, after all. But it was more than that bit of serendipity that tied Chris McKann to his wife’s vision. While living in New Zealand for 5 years, he experienced the intense beauty and peace that comes with a connection to nature– and how that connection could bring balance to one’s life. In fact, Chris always had a curiosity about how the brain and the body could be in balance. While working on his Masters Degree in Psychology, his focus was how Biology and Psychology work together. Tea is healing to both the body and mind– and was a shared passion. Thia’s dream became Chris’ in the most organic way.
The Path of Tea is the embodiment of two lifetimes worth of work, study and dedication. Chris Mckann continues to build upon that vision today.