Meet Karina Stafford

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karina Stafford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karina, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding My Purpose Through Tea, Community, and Rituals

My journey to finding my purpose has been a long and meaningful one. It took me across different countries, through various careers, and ultimately led me to discover a deep connection with nature and creativity that I hadn’t fully realized before.

I grew up in the Russian countryside, where I was always surrounded by nature. This connection to the natural world stayed with me, even as I pursued a career in journalism. I studied journalism in Russia, and after that, I moved to the UK to pursue a master’s degree in financial journalism. My career took off there, and after finishing university, I worked in the UK as a food and drink industry analyst and later as a data analyst. While those roles were rewarding in some ways, I found myself craving a creative outlet—something that would allow me to express myself more fully.

About six years ago, I moved to the U.S. and started exploring different paths that could fulfill this need for creativity. That’s when I discovered the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. Attending the expo was a turning point for me. I was so inspired by the art and tradition of tea that I decided to start my own tea company, Catalyst Tea Company. This decision made perfect sense because it allowed me to connect with my roots—both in nature and in creativity.

As I immersed myself in the world of tea, I began meditating and engaging in self-reflection. I realized that this wasn’t just a business for me; it was a way to find and share my purpose. Creating teas through Catalyst Tea Company allowed me to express myself, stay connected to nature, and bring a sense of peace and intention into my life. This realization was profound, and it led me to expand my work beyond just making and selling tea blends.

Today, I find even more purpose in creating a sense of community. Las Vegas, with its vibrant and creative people, has been a beautiful ground for this. I’m not only creating blends that I sell online and in stores, but I’m also conducting women’s circles, organizing retreats, and working closely with the local community. I’m now officially a tea blending instructor for Clark County, working out of one of our community centers. Through this role, I’ve been able to bring people together and help them connect with the power of herbs and tea.

Looking ahead, I’m planning to grow my business further by organizing bigger retreats where more people can experience this connection with herbs. My goal is to teach others how to create their own blends and to guide them on a path of self-discovery through the mindful ritual of tea drinking.

A big part of finding my purpose has been in creating rituals. The ritual of tea drinking is a mindful approach to setting intentions and connecting with yourself. When you create and drink a tea blend, you can infuse it with your own intentions. By asking yourself questions like, “What do I need more of in my life?” or “What am I hoping to achieve?”, you can create a blend that reflects those intentions. For example, you might add a little bit of rose to symbolize love or lavender for devotion. By asking yourself these questions and creating your own blends, you’re not just making a cup of tea—you’re guiding yourself on a journey of self-discovery. This practice helps you uncover your purpose and achieve the goals that truly fulfill you.

In the end, my purpose is about more than just blending herbs—it’s about bringing people together, fostering creativity, and helping others find their own path to fulfillment through the simple yet profound ritual of tea.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At Catalyst Tea Company, I focus on creating unique, hand-blended teas that do more than just taste good—they connect people to nature and to themselves. What excites me the most about what I do is the ability to bring people together through the simple yet powerful ritual of tea drinking. Whether it’s through a carefully crafted blend that someone enjoys at home, or through the workshops, women’s circles, and retreats I organize, there’s something truly special about helping others find peace, intention, and connection in their lives.

My work isn’t just about blending herbs; it’s about fostering a sense of community and encouraging self-discovery. Through the teas I create and the events I host, I aim to guide people on a journey where they can set intentions, reflect on their lives, and connect with the world around them in a more meaningful way. Whether it’s teaching someone how to create their own blend or leading a group meditation at a retreat, I’m passionate about the way tea can serve as a tool for mindfulness and personal growth.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are adaptability, creativity, and a deep connection with nature. Moving between countries and careers required me to be flexible and open to change, which I believe is essential for anyone starting out. Creativity has been central to my work, from journalism to tea blending, and I encourage others to explore activities that inspire and push their creative limits. My connection with nature grounds me and gives meaning to my work with herbs and tea—finding what grounds you can guide your journey. My advice is to stay curious, keep learning, and be patient with your growth, as every experience is an opportunity to learn and evolve.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals and businesses. If you’re someone who is passionate about creating meaningful experiences—whether through events, workshops, or retreats—I’d love to connect. I’m particularly interested in partnering with people who want to explore the transformative power of herbs and tea, whether it’s through organizing women’s circles, retreats, or other community-focused events.

Additionally, if you own a store and are looking to carry unique, handcrafted tea blends that resonate with nature and intention, I’d be thrilled to discuss how we can work together. My goal is to expand the reach of Catalyst Tea Company and share these special blends with more people who appreciate the art and ritual of tea.

If you’re interested in collaborating, let’s make something magical happen! You can reach out to me directly through my website or social media channels. I’m looking forward to creating something beautiful together.

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