Tea has always been Erica Indira Swanson’s beverage of choice. After traveling and living in China for two years, her love for tea and tea culture grew along with a desire to share her passion with others. Once she was back in her home-town of Portland, Oregon, at the age of 23, Erica set out to create a new experience in the beverage industry. In a city saturated with coffee and very few tea shops, Erica’s mission was to make a space reflective of her Scandinavian roots that was approachable, modern, and welcoming toward everyone. Tea Bar’s goal has always been simple: to make high quality tea approachable.
Tea Bar offers certified organic fair trade tea sourced from family farms all over the world. From invigorating matcha, to calming chamomile rose, each blend is blended in house one small batch and a time.
“I love the versatility of tea. You can take it on-the-go or enjoy it slowly at home or with those you love,” Erica says.
Her brick-and-mortar shops, located in the heart of NW and SE Portland, are bright, beautiful spaces that have been featured in Forbes, Goop and Bon Appetit among others.
Erica enjoys supporting her community by collaborating with other small businesses and opening the doors to Tea Bar as a place that entrepreneurs can pop up and showcase their business. Tea Bar has hosted over 100 pop ups so far, and has collaborated with many local businesses.
