Tea has always been a constant in my life. Tea itself, Camellia sinensis, is deeply woven into British history and culture in so many ways. My travels across Asia and beyond further transformed my love for tea into a true passion.
Learning about tea and exploring tea traditions from around the world opened my eyes to the depth, history and beauty of tea rituals, such as the Chinese tea ceremony: a timeless ritual that embodies mindfulness, harmony and connection, honouring nature’s cycles and fostering a deep sense of tranquillity with each cup.
Over the years, as someone who values health and authenticity, I became increasingly frustrated with low quality foods and beverages across the market being advertised as “good for you”. I saw low quality teas sold in microplastic filled bags, full of additives and artificial flavourings, often with vague sourcing practices. I wanted clean, natural, healthy, ethically sourced, high quality teas that I could enjoy daily without hidden toxins or misleading labels.
That is what led me to start Totally Loose Leaf. My vision is to offer premium loose leaf teas and tisane that prioritise exceptional quality, rich nutrition, wellbeing and transparency. Every tea we source is selected with care, with a focus on quality leaves, ethical sourcing standards and a pure, nourishing experience.
But for me, Totally Loose Leaf is about more than tea. It is about modernising Britain’s tea culture by encouraging people to think more deeply about where their tea comes from, who grows it, and whether the people behind every cup are treated with dignity.
As a women-owned business, I am especially passionate about supporting women in tea-growing regions around the world. I am actively building relationships with ethical suppliers, women-led producers, tea farms and cooperatives that share values around fairer working conditions, responsible sourcing, community investment and better opportunities for women and young people.
The UK has such a deep love for tea, and I believe our everyday choices as consumers can help shape better supply chains. When we choose better quality tea, ask more questions and support ethical sourcing, we help create demand for trade practices that value both the leaf and the people behind it.
For the conscious consumer, I want to provide more than just tea. I want to create moments of wellness and mindfulness while also sharing the stories, cultures and communities behind the teas we drink. Each blend tells a story, taking you on a journey from the tea farm to your cup.
Through Totally Loose Leaf, my hope is to offer a more thoughtful tea experience: one rooted in quality, wellbeing, transparency and a deeper respect for the people behind every leaf.
Engil John
Totally Loose Leaf
