Valérie Peyre

I currently run my own business. I created Tekoe in Lausanne with Pierre Maget in 2004. We’ve since opened a number of new shops, including one in Paris. In Switzerland, we have seven shops and 60 employees. In Asia, it is traditionally the women who are the experts in harvesting the tealeaves, while the men still tend to look after the production, blending and sales. I only ever deal with men when I travel to Asia to buy tea, but there are more and more women in the West who do this job, even if there are still very few of us.

I’m passionate about tea, creating new blends and selecting teas. I like creating, sharing my passion, teaching and training my salespeople.

My career path. I’ve always had a passion for high-quality leaf tea, but before it was just a hobby. I used to travel a lot for my job in manufacturing and technology and would always be given mediocre tea on planes and in hotels. One day, I decided that I mustn’t be the only one who’s frustrated that they can never get a decent cup of tea in urban areas. And whilst talking with Pierre Maget about the lack of places to get a good drink of tea when you have a busy life of meetings, travelling and so on, my urban tea concept came to me. My family and friends have provided great support.

A downside or obstacle ? Managing the company takes up too much of my time.

I’m proud of my creativity and that I have made unique blends and found new tea plantations.