Taking a leap into opening a teahouse

Life has a way of pushing us toward change when we least expect it. After five years of working at my first company, I was suddenly made redundant. It was a shock—one that came with the weight of a mortgage, a calendar packed with weddings, hen dos, baby showers, and the looming milestone of turning 30. On top of that, I had recently moved away from London, making job hunting even more challenging. The stress was overwhelming, yet amidst the chaos, I realized how lucky I was.

We made adjustments—renting out our spare room, leaning on Minh’s income to cover my share of the mortgage for the time being. And in that moment of uncertainty, I saw an opportunity. I finally had the time to fully dedicate myself to something I had been dreaming about for years: opening a teahouse.

The first month of this journey has been an emotional rollercoaster. There’s an undeniable sadness in realizing how much money plays a role in chasing your dreams. Finding a space for the teahouse hasn’t been as straightforward as I had hoped—estate agents aren’t as helpful as I imagined, often dismissing me when I don’t have every financial detail locked down instead of offering guidance. It’s disheartening, and at times, it feels like an uphill battle.

But despite the setbacks, I remind myself that I have the vision. I have the plan. And most importantly, I have the determination. This is just the beginning, and hopefully, by this time next week, I’ll have made more progress.

For now, I’m embracing the uncertainty, trusting the process, and holding onto the belief that The Lost Card Teahouse will become the safe haven I’ve always envisioned.