By Lindsay Peyton

West Seattle resident Holly Furen wants you to take time for a cup of tea.

The owner of Necessitea has made it her business to make sure you’re steeping only the best varieties. She sources top-notch leaves and blends her favorite flavors. The tea is available online – and in West Seattle at Admiral Bird, Bird on a Wire and Bendnmove. Soon, Husky Deli will also carry Furen’s products.

In addition, Furen is available for in-home tea pop-ups, pairings and tea tastings.

She will also be teaching workshops and selling teas at the Northwest Tea Festival from Sept. 29 to Sept. 30 at the Seattle Center exhibition hall. Furen is spreading the tea gospel, drawing attention to a beverage that she believes gets a bad rap in the U.S., even though it’s loved around the rest of the world.

“We’ve been subjected to the worst tea,” she said.

Furen explained that when tea is cut, processed and sealed into bags, the quality is reduced. That’s why she only offers loose-leaf tea and recommends purchasing a steeping bag or infuser.“Tea should taste amazing,” Furen said. “You should sip it and say, ‘Wow.’ If not, you’re drinking the wrong tea.”

The right tea can have all the complexities and possibilities of a fine bottle of wine, she added.

Furen moved to Seattle in 2002 and was building a career in finance until she had an ah-ha moment. “I had a bad day of work,” she said. “I thought, ‘That’s it. I’m going to find a way to start my own business.’”

Furen brainstormed ideas and then realized the answer was right in front of her—in her ever-present tea mug.

“I started researching, and I realized I really knew nothing about tea—and no one else does either,” she said.

Furen made it her mission to increase her knowledge and share what she found out with others.

In 2002, Furen headed to the first World Tea Expo in Las Vegas to learn more. “I was trying to hit the ground running, but I was reluctant to jump right into a brick and mortar store,” she said. Furen built a website and online store instead. She taught tea classes around town and set up displays at salons. She even had a stint hawking tea at the Fremont Sunday Market.

Over time, she built Necessitea into a brand with loyal followers. She hopes more people will try her favorite beverage and realize the health benefits from a cuppa.

“It can be part of your daily ritual,” she said. “It can be a part of a social setting. It’s this thing to treasure. It opens up this different world.”

Trina Tan joined Furen’s business last year. The two friends were chatting, when Furen shared a cup of her brew.

“She gave me a sample, and I was totally hooked,” Tan said.

Tan is not a coffee drinker and has always loved tea. She was impressed with Furen’s efforts to provide only the best.

“Holly is very educated about tea,” Tan said. “She handpicks them. It’s quality over quantity. “

Tan was so interested in Furen’s concept that she decided to join her.

“Holly has unique belnds, and every blend has a story behind it,” she said. “She’s all about giving people the opportunity to learn about tea. That’s her passion.”

For more information, visit www.mynecessitea.com.