Every journey begins
with a single spark.
A twenty-year journey of exploring the world's teas, building a beloved business, and now, transitioning into the world of storytelling.
Welcome
Hello, I am Kathleen.
For over two decades, I immersed myself in the rich, historical, and deeply personal world of tea through my business, Churchill's Fine Teas. Now, as an aspiring writer, I am drawing upon those twenty years of travel, education, and shared memories to weave new narratives and share unique stories.
Aspiring Writer & Educator
Contact KathleenAbout Kathleen
Kathleen Kern has had a twenty-year journey with learning and educating about teas from around the world. Kathleen’s tea journey began by opening the first specialty tea business in Cincinnati, Ohio in 2003 and growing to multiple locations complimented with an internet business. Kathleen sold the tea business in November 2023.
“Like a lot of small businesses, Churchill's began with a small spark of passion. Over the last 20 years that spark has ignited – our team of one (me, a Brit who missed a good cuppa) and grown to a team of 15. Our shared passion has given two generations of our family the opportunity to travel, learn, taste tea together, create memories, and share stories. Many of our customers and team members have become friends. We've remained independently owned and operated as we've moved, expanded, opened pop-ups and new locations, won awards, and collaborated with the very best of Cincinnati. We've finished every single day with a feeling of gratitude to have such amazing and passionate customers, partners, neighbors, tea growers and brilliant team members. The last 20 years have been nothing short of exceptional. Now I am moving on and equally excited about what the new future holds.”
Kathleen now shares unique growth strategies to grow your business and collaborate with complimenting businesses and non-profit organizations. Kathleen created and led public and private classes, tasting events, and consulted with restaurants and museums to create tea menus and training on tea brewing techniques.
Favorite Collaborations
Some of Kathleen’s favorite collaborations were the following:
- Cincinnati Flower Show
- CET, public broadcasting system
- Downton Abbey events
- Royal wedding events
- Created an Afternoon Tea charity fundraiser with Charles, Earl Spencer the honored speaker in memory of his sister, Princess Diana.
- Cincinnati Ballet
- Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati, Ohio
- The History Museum of South Bend, Indiana
- The Fitton Center for Creative Arts, Hamilton, Ohio
Available for Consultations
Kathleen is now available to create classes, tastings, and custom consulting engagements.
London, England • Washington D.C. • Or By Arrangement
Press & Media
Featured Articles
A Cup of Tea with Kathleen Kern
"All the tea in the world comes from the exact same plant," Kathleen Kern informed me when we sat down to chat...
And That's the Tea on Churchill's Fine Teas
Churchill's Fine Teas has been providing Cincinnatians with loose leaf blends for nearly two decades...
An Introduction to Churchill's
Exploring the artistry of tea blending and the cultural experiences created by Kathleen Kern through her renowned events.
Upcoming Works
"Every new chapter begins with a blank page."
Kathleen is currently drawing inspiration from her twenty years of travels and experiences to work on her debut writing projects. Please check back later for announcements.
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