Edyta and Paul own an organic tea business based nearby Mournes.  

When  living and studying in Krakow Edyta has been indulging in life spread across libraries, galleries, cafes and tea rooms, somewhere in between where flavoursome tea was served next to a good book and a basement gig. Being introduced to a variety of looseleaf teas, sacredly held in distinguished jars with sophisticated labels opened the door of new tastes. Back then it reminded me more of the practice of ancient medics than the most common leaves of camellia sinensis, this was when the new world of teas was discovered. I truly became a consumer. 

Paul on the hand after obtaining a degree in neuroscience and learning to practise acupuncture was more akin to exquisite, authentic and healing properties of teas. When we met in Belfast Paul returned to NI after leaving in Korea and Bali where he learned more about this powerful yet often compromised drink. 

Our joint passion to organic and eco loving was always strongly pronounced in our life choices. We soon settled in a country cottage close  to the Mourne Mountains compromising easy access to Belfast life, instead we chose to indulge in  the life of morning beach walks and endless hikes.

Over the years however minimal access to authentic teas didn’t cause any sleepless nights, we both focused on our professional careers & travel adventures. During many journeys we had exciting opportunities to enjoy delightful teas in tea rooms where the very beverage presented itself in a respectful ritual like way. Something that wasn’t as easily achievable in NI.  

After living on the island for a couple of years despite the cleanliness of Irish air Edyta started dealing with multiple allergies, some of them were ongoing wile others presented themselves new and in full abundance. Back then there wasn’t any local tea business that offered organic products let alone compostable packaging, or a zero waste mission. Longing for the sophisticated taste of loose-leaf teas and herbal blends without GMO, or harsh chemicals we concluded that the most sensible way would be to reach to the source, initially for our own use and later on to share the joy of drinking tea with others, that’s how  Arata Leaf was born. 

Nowadays Arata Leaf offers a selection of teas sourced from South Africa, China, India and European countries where herbal teas such as peppermint are grown.