Meet Rojina: A Future Tea Master in the Making

 

When I travelled to eastern Nepal this spring, I expected to learn about tea.

What I didn't expect was to meet someone who would leave such a lasting impression on me.

Her name is Rojina.

At just 23 years old, she is an apprentice tea maker with a bold goal: to become Nepal's first female Tea Master.

In an industry where leadership and tea-making roles have traditionally been held by men, Rojina is carving her own path. Through determination, talent, and a passion for her craft, she is proving that the future of tea can look different than the past.

As part of my visit, I had the opportunity to sit down with Rojina and a translator to learn more about her journey. During our conversation, I shared some of my own experiences working in horticulture, another industry where women have often had to work harder to earn a seat at the table.

 

 

Despite growing up on opposite sides of the world, we found common ground in our experiences. We spoke about the challenges of working in male-dominated industries, the   importance of mentorship, and the  opportunities that arise when women are given the  chance to learn, grow, and lead.

What struck me most was her quiet confidence. Rojina isn't asking for special treatment. She   simply wants the opportunity to master her craft.

And she's already well on her way.

 

 

Earlier this year, her 2026 hand-rolled estate tea was released in a limited batch and quickly sold out. A remarkable achievement for any tea maker, but especially for someone still early in her career.

During my visit, Rojina guided me through the tea-making process from start to finish. Together we picked fresh tea leaves in the garden, carefully rolled them by hand, and followed the transformation from leaf to finished tea. The small batch I created under her guidance is one of the most meaningful souvenirs I've ever brought home.

Those moments in the tea garden reminded me that tea is about so much more than what ends up in our cup. Behind every harvest are people, stories, skills, and generations of knowledge being passed on.

 

 

One of the reasons meeting Rojina was so meaningful is because our community has played a small part in helping support her journey.

Through our Empower HER Fund, proceeds from Womanly Tea help support women-led initiatives and educational opportunities. Rojina's tea-making education has been one of those projects.

Seeing her proudly hold a bag of Womanly Tea during my visit was a full-circle moment I will never forget. A reminder that when we choose products with purpose, the impact can travel much farther than we realize.

The Empower HER Fund was never intended to be a one-time project.

Our goal is to continue supporting women in tea-producing communities through education, training, and opportunities that help create lasting change. Whether it's helping a young woman pursue tea-making, supporting leadership development, or funding future initiatives, every purchase contributes to a larger story.

 

 

Rojina's journey is far from over.

In many ways, it is just beginning.

I have no doubt that we will continue to hear her name in the years ahead, and I hope one day to celebrate her achievement as Nepal's first female Tea Master.

Until then, we'll continue cheering her on, one cup at a time.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Together, we're helping create opportunities, support education, and empower the next generation of women in tea.

Help Us Support More Women Like Rojina

Every purchase of Womanly Tea contributes to our Empower HER Fund, helping support education, training, and opportunities for women in tea-growing communities. Together, we're investing in the future of tea—one woman, one opportunity, and one cup at a time.

Want to make an additional contribution? Contact us to learn more about our current Empower HER projects and fundraising initiatives.