In Sylvana’s world, the words written on her heart read, “The journey of a hundred cups … begins with a single sip.” For 25 years, Sylvana has dedicated her life to tea, the beautiful and flavorful drink steeped in ancient and recent history. Even as a teenager, she knew that tea was not just any common beverage, so she would often spend her days drinking and studying the nuances of Russian and Armenian teas. It was in Europe where she discovered KEIKO tea, the finest of Japanese teas, and decided to pursue her dream of mastering the art of tea. Today, Sylvana, a multilingual Certified Tea Master, believes “dedication to tea is of utmost importance … passion is not enough.”

Tea Master is a prestigious title that allows for decisive power in handling tea, tea lists, and everything pertaining to the tea experience. As an experienced Tea Master, she is a major asset to the American Tea Masters Association. She has recently been selected to launch the Canadian Tea Masters Association where students will obtain Certified Tea Master certificates, an educational journey that is difficult to attain, but after hard work and dedication, they will be worthy of the title “Tea Master.” At her new school, Sylvana offers an extraordinary opportunity. This is the first time Tea Master Courses have been offered in English and French in Canada. The courses will be held across Canada, first in Toronto, then in Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa.

Her commitment to everything tea manifests in the numerous organizations in which she is involved, as well as her time spent working and travelling for the ‘cause’ of tea, both domestically and internationally, and particularly in Europe. During her 10 years in France, Sylvana worked as a business development consultant serving multi-national companies and governments. Traveling extensively to Japan has also played a vital role in her understanding of tea tastes, history, flavors, and serving styles. This is where she became a true expert on Japanese tea, built strong relationships with suppliers, and developed a unique connection to the Japanese culture. This was also the seed for her tea-focused business. With insight and expertise, she pioneered matcha, tea-based desserts and sweets to North America under her company, Top Taste International.

Sylvana successfully utilizes her law degree and her background in public relations to advance today’s growing tea category. She consults with tea-loving entrepreneurs, assisting them in implementing ideas, building strategies, and inspiring and expanding their overall vision about the world of tea.

Sylvana thinks “outside the tea box” and enthusiastically searches for ways to further incorporate tea into the world around us. Recently featured in the Chicago Shimpo magazine, it was noted that her presentation at the Japanese Green Tea Showcase, October 20th, 2011, was exceptional, and that she offered “comprehensive information about green tea”. The article also mentioned her revolutionary concept for introducing tea lists into the menus of restaurants, much like wine lists. She hosts Tea Workshops in North America and lectures at tea symposiums around the world. Frequent comments like, “What a memorable experience!” are heard. With a sparkling personality and unmatched enthusiasm, Sylvana herself is much like the tea she sources: rare.

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