YUMM CHA: The Art of Tea, Incense, and Mindful Living
- Lorela Lohan
- Mar 8
- 5 min read
5 Questions Interview with Macey
Introduction
I had the pleasure of meeting Macey, the Brand Advisor and the European face of YUMM CHA, in Rotterdam two months ago. We had already met in Amsterdam at the end of August, and it felt like finding a true tea companion. While savoring Japanese sweets and tea cocktails, we had a wonderful conversation about tea, branding, and the philosophy behind YUMM CHA. Macey’s passion for tea and her extensive knowledge of the corporate world bring a unique perspective to this tea brand. This interview captures our insightful discussion on the essence of YUMM CHA and its vision for the future with the input from Lionel, his partner in tea crime.
Lorela: Can you share the inspiration behind YUMM CHA and how it all began?
Macey: Maybe everything was meant to be from over 10 years ago when I chose a corporate path in Consumer Health and Pharmaceuticals. My background in nutrition and medicine allowed me to focus on health through the lens of science. My partner Lionel has a background in Health Tech. We have envisioned creating a living platform where we can help more people cultivate healthier and happier lives, embracing inner well-being routines.
Three years ago, Lionel and I were stranded in Alishan, Taiwan, due to an unexpected typhoon. What began as an unexpected situation turned into a transformative journey for us—it was the first time we lived on a tea farm for weeks; we were not only immersed in tea cultivation but, more importantly, we witnessed how tea is deeply woven into the locals' daily lives— it is way more than just flavours and health benefits but also a profound sense of harmony with nature.
I think our time on the tea farm in Taiwan was a turning point. That experience might have awakened our roots with tea and incense as Chinese and revealed something we had been missing in our work in healthcare. It also led to the creation of YUMM CHA in 2024. We want to create this tea and incense brand that embraces Eastern refined living in harmony with contemporary life.
The name “YUMM CHA” comes from my Cantonese language and refers to the tradition of 'Yum Cha,' in Guangdong China, which literally means ‘drinking tea.’ But it does not mean ‘drinking tea’; it is about gathering, connecting, and sharing moments over tea. For our project, it perfectly represents what tea truly is—a living art, a ritual, and a bridge that brings people together.
Lorela: How do you ensure the quality and authenticity of your teas and incense?
Macey: Quality and authenticity are everything because they define the refined experience we promise through the YUMM CHA project.
Lionel and I are certified tea tasters in Taiwan and our team consists of experienced tea evaluators from Taiwan and China, including my aunt, who has over 20 years of expertise in tea evaluation in China. This gives us unique access to the most exceptional tea leaves and the opportunity to collaborate with award-winning tea masters—many of whom have been prized in national tea competitions.
We also selectively work with a few distinguished tea producers to ensure our collection are more refined and custom-made with precision. For us, tea is only as good as the people behind it. We honour the artistry of tea masters and love sharing their craft, values, and dedication through our offerings. A master’s attitude and character are infused into the tea, shaping its energy and reflecting his/her skill and philosophy.
On the incense side, we learn and collaborate with one of Taiwan’s most renowned incense masters, a third-generation successor to a century-old incense house. As a nationally recognised and exclusive supplier to Taipei’s largest temples, our partner upholds strict principles and standards to preserve this legacy. Now, through YUMM CHA, we are bringing this high standard and heritage to Europe.
Lorela: Could you introduce us to the key members of your team and their roles?
Macey: Certainly. Our team includes:
Li Zeng: She has been a Certified Senior Chinese tea evaluator since 2012.
Yin Zhou Chen is the third-generation successor of a century-old incense house in Taiwan, with over 20 years of incense-making expertise.
Jun Hao Huang: A veteran with over 30 years of experience running a prestigious art and culture tea house in Taipei and one of Taiwan’s top antique Yixing clay pot collectors.
Lionel Lee: A Taiwan speciality tea taster trained at the Taiwan Tea and Beverage Research Center. He is our Project Lead and Ceremony Host.
Lorela: What unique experiences does YUMM CHA offer to those new to tea and incense?
Macey: We welcome everyone to join our free events or to book a more in-depth experience session, exploring everything from fresh harvests to rare, aged teas. We also offer workshops and incense ceremony sessions. As tea and incense professionals, we tailor each session to different experience levels and are happy to provide authentic experiences for individuals, groups, and corporate events.
At YUMM CHA, our tea and incense invite you to pause, breathe, and embrace the present moment. We want people to experience them as part of a simple, mindful lifestyle, integrating them into your everyday life.
Lorela: Where do you see YUMM CHA in the future?
Macey: We see YUMM CHA as more than just a brand—it will always be a living platform and a symbol of a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and embrace the present.
As we grow, we are expanding our collaborations with tea houses, brands, galleries, experts, and tea sommeliers across Europe and Asia, working with those who bring humanity and artistry together through artisanal tea and incense. We’re also committed to education, sharing deeper knowledge with Chinese and Taiwanese tea and incense lovers and professionals through talks, festivals, and special workshops. And one of our most exciting steps forward will be our first-ever tea study trip to Taiwan in mid-October 2025!
More than anything, YUMM CHA is a journey—for Lionel and me to learn, grow, and share our passion, while helping others discover a happier, healthier way of living. We see it as a simple yet meaningful way of life, inspired by Eastern aesthetics and philosophy—to slow down, connect, and truly be present.
Conclusion
Meeting Macey and learning more about YUMM CHA was truly inspiring. Her dedication to quality, tradition, and mindful tea experiences shines through in every aspect of the brand. YUMM CHA is more than just a tea company—it’s an invitation to slow down, appreciate the present, and engage in a refined and intentional way of living. I look forward to seeing how YUMM CHA continues to grow and bring its vision to more people worldwide.
All photos are to be credited to YUMM CHA.
Comments