When Niraj Lama asked himself what he could "give to the community through tea," he applied the storytelling he honed as a journalist to weave a rich narrative acknowledging the journey from leaf to cup and celebrating the many layers of tradition that diverse cultures have imparted on this simple combination of leaf and water.

Along the way, these stories and his commitment to a "Happy Earth" fostered a devoted following and earned recognition for Leaf Tea Bar among CNN's World's Best Teahouses.

Happy Earth Tea was established in 2011 by Niraj Lama and his wife Mary Boland. Niraj hails from Darjeeling, India – a region that produces some of world’s finest black teas. Before Happy Earth Tea, the family owned and operated Darjeeling Tea Exclusive, a global purveyor of fine Darjeeling teas, based in Darjeeling. After the family resettled in the US, Darjeeling Tea Exclusive gave way to a Happy Earth Tea that is focused on a newer market with a more global selection of teas.